Bourbon Marinated Salmon

By Marjory Pilley Published Aug 1, 2017 · Updated Dec 5, 2019

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This Bourbon Marinated Salmon is so good, you will never need to order it out again! It was a favorite at our make ahead meal assembly store.

Whenever I make bourbon salmon, I'm in a good place! Here's why:

Forget heading out to Cheddars, Ruby Tuesday or even Publix. It rivals any salmon entree you can order at a fine restaurant so I feel a little indulgent without really splurging.
It's a "good for you" fish since it boasts high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (which lowers the risk of heart disease, among other benefits.) Ya-da, ya-da, ya!
It cooks quickly, is complemented by almost any vegetable I have on hand.
I plan for leftovers and flake the fish cold over salad greens and have a spectacular lunch the next day.

We turned many customers into “salmon” lovers with this recipe (and Phyllo Wrapped Salmon) at our make ahead meal assembly store! (If you are already a seafood fan, check out Lemony Baked Basa which was very popular too.)

How to make Bourbon Marinated Salmon

The marinade has a bold and slightly sweet taste. Brown sugar or coconut sugar makes is sweet. But, it definitely owes its distinctive flavor to the bourbon. Please don't let the alcohol scare you away from this recipe though.

You don't have to drink hard liquor or buy a big bottle of bourbon whiskey to make this one. Just buy one teeny, tiny inexpensive bottle of bourbon, like the one shown here. It makes lots and lots and lots of marinade.

Also, almost half the marinade is discarded and much of the alcohol in the remaining marinade burns off during cooking.

Still looking for a substitute? Check out these alcohol substitutions by What's Cooking America.

The preparation for bourbon salmon is easy. Simply combine all the ingredients together and marinate.

Tip: If you are not a big fan of pineapple juice, simply buy a can of pineapple chunks in 100% juice. I usually pour about 2 cups from a 20-ounce can. (Use the pineapple to make salsa or Caribbean Salad with Honey Lime Dressing!)

How long do you cook salmon?

Not long at all and that's another fantastic reason to enjoy seafood in general and this recipe!

In a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven, it only takes about 10-15 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the fish. A good rule of thumb is about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The fish is done when it separates easily with a fork. I always use my trusty thermometer and cook it to a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's fantastic on the grill too!

This salmon goes well with almost anything. You won't be disappointed.

I promise!

Make Ahead and Freeze Bourbon Salmon

If you want to make up the recipe to freeze, place the fish and marinade in a tightly sealed bag in the freezer, removing as much air as possible.

Customize the preparation of this bourbon salmon recipe to meet your needs. For example, portion 2-3 salmon fillets in a bag and use half of the ingredient amounts listed.
To make up several batches at a time, line up plastic bags that zip in canisters or bowls for easy assembly.
When making this recipe up to freeze, use fresh or already frozen salmon. (Don't re-freeze fish that has been previously frozen.)
For the best quality, cook salmon within 2-3 months of freezing.

Bourbon Marinated Salmon was one of the very first recipes that I ever posted. I updated the pictures and tweaked the post a bit. But, I didn't change the recipe format...because you are going to want to make up batches for the freezer.

Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!

📋 Recipe

Salmon in a bourbon glaze is a delicious way to enjoy this healthy fish.

4.75 from 16 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Marinate time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

▢ 20 ounces Salmon boneless
▢ ¼ cup Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
▢ ½ cup Soy Sauce
▢ ½ cup Pineapple juice
▢ 2 teaspoons Bourbon
▢ ½ teaspoon Pepper
▢ ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
▢ ¼ cup Canola Oil preferably expeller pressed

Instructions

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients, except for the salmon, to a container or plastic bag that seals.
Seal the bag and gently massage to combine ingredients or gently stir with a spoon.
Lift the salmon fillets into the bag with the marinade. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and gently turn to coat.
Allow the salmon to marinate about 30 minutes.Turn fish in bag as necessary to ensure that marinade is distributed evenly over fish.
Remove fish from bag and discard marinade.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and bake skin side down for approx. 10-15 minutes (10 minutes per inch of thickness.) Fish is done when flesh is opaque and separates easily with fork.Alternatively, grill salmon over medium-high heat.

Notes

If you will be freezing this entrée to enjoy later, place the bag with the salmon fillets and marinade inside another plastic bag for extra protection during storage.

Nutrition

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

More Seafood Recipes

Easy Salmon Florentine Recipe
Seared Scallops with Wilted Spinach Recipe
Easy Scallops Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Creamy Crab Corn Soup Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

Kelly
June 15, 2023 at 6:15 am

Can you use olive oil instead of canola oil?
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  June 15, 2023 at 8:21 am
  You can use olive oil, but a neutral oil is preferred to keep the flavor profile. Avocado oil is an alternative too.
  Reply
  - Dorinda
    March 25, 2024 at 10:29 am
    
    The only way I eat salmon. Not a fan of regular salmon so this is how I make it. Delish. My only concern is that I have found when you make the marinade then freeze with your protein I think you get a mushy product. This is so easy to prepare that there is not reason to freeze. But excellent recipe!
    Reply
    - Marjory Pilley
      March 25, 2024 at 10:40 am
      I'm so glad you enjoy it (as much as I do!) The outcome from freezing can vary quite a bit, depending on the thickness of the fish (thick is better,) how long it is frozen, and how quickly it defrosts. At the stores we started with salmon that was already frozen so the marinading occurred as it defrosted. Luckily it is easy to whip up and cook fresh! Thanks so much for your feedback. Always appreciated and helpful to future readers!
      Reply
Johnny
May 08, 2023 at 9:40 am
No doubt this is going to be a wonderful recipe and I plan to make it this week. I'm a little confused about the serving size ... the nutrition info reads, "Serving: 4g" ... since 4 grams is only .14 oz should this be 4 servings from the 20 oz of fish or maybe 4 oz ? Please advise.
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  May 08, 2023 at 4:25 pm
  Hi! The nutritional estimate is for 4 servings and each piece of salmon is 5 ounces.
  Reply
anne sweetnam
April 17, 2023 at 3:46 pm

This is a wonderful recipe. I am making it again this week for an anniversary dinner for friends. Plan to roast carrots, asparagus and baby spuds to serve with it. I say 5 stars for sure..
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  April 17, 2023 at 4:04 pm
  I'm so happy you enjoyed it and congrats to the anniversary couple! Dinner sounds divine!!!!!
  Reply
Karen
September 15, 2022 at 8:00 am
So when you are preparing this to freeze, do you freeze the salmon with the marinate? Or do you marinate and then toss it and freeze. I know this question sounds stupid, but I would like to know what you think it best, Thank you.
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  September 15, 2022 at 8:40 am
  Thanks so much for your question! Freeze salmon IN the marinade.
  Reply
  See Also
  French Toast {Best Easy Recipe} - Cooking Classy
Tanya
October 27, 2020 at 3:06 pm
Hello, I cut down on the soy sauce to 1/4 c, substituted OJ and added more bourbon. Delish
Reply
Janet Carol
September 30, 2020 at 11:34 am

Hi - this was wonderful!! I didn't have pineapple juice, so I used some light syrup from a can of peaches. Stirred a little bourbon into the peaches that were left & served it on the side. Also used a little less W sauce & a little more bourbon in the marinade.
I took the remaining marinade after I poured it off the salmon. Put it in a small pan. Dissolved 1 tsp. corn starch in 1/3 cup water & stirred it into the marinade. Then heated & stirred it until it was thick. It made a nice sauce to pour over the fish.
Got lots of compliments from our guests.
Reply
Jen C
August 05, 2020 at 6:41 pm

Not the bourbon flavor I was hoping for. To me, this was more of a terriyaki salmon. Unfortunately the soy sauce overpowered all other flavors. My kids who love the bourbon salmon from our local grocery store did not approve....they said it was tolerable. They said they didnt" like it," but said it was ok enough that they would still eat it since tbey were hungry and that was all we had to eat.(we did have salad and rice)
Reply
Nqncy
July 31, 2020 at 6:13 pm
This is definitely the best salmon dish I have tried. Better than a restaurant
Reply
Billy Hartman
July 15, 2020 at 2:51 pm
so good and healthy
Reply
Mary Jo Joyce
May 09, 2020 at 4:45 pm

This is heavenly and easy to make
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  May 10, 2020 at 9:58 am
  I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!
  Reply
Linda
April 22, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Do you place it on aluminum foil or in a pan for oven cooking ?
Linda
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  April 22, 2020 at 1:51 pm
  Hi! You can do it either way. I generally bake it in a glass casserole dish. But, I've also cooked it on a sheet pan along with some vegetables! Aluminum foil is optional, but definitely saves some clean-up time!
  Reply
Annie
November 07, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Hi, this sounds delicious!! I’m allergic to pineapple, do you think orange juice would work? Thanks!!
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am
  I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!
  Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am
  I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!
  Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  November 08, 2019 at 4:17 am
  I think that grapefruit juice or orange juice would be good substitutes. I've never tried it though. Love to know how it turns out!
  Reply
cody
May 30, 2019 at 5:03 pm

absolutely delicious
Reply
wilhelmina
May 30, 2019 at 8:46 am

Bourbon adds such a great flavor in this salmon dish! Delicious!
Reply
Justine
May 29, 2019 at 1:11 pm

I am not a salmon fan, but I really loved this!!
Reply
- Marjory Pilley
  May 29, 2019 at 4:27 pm
  Yay! So glad you liked it!
  Reply
- Al
  December 23, 2021 at 7:06 pm
  
  I wasn’t a big fan of Salmon till I tried this recipe, it’s wonderful!
  Reply
  - Marjory Pilley
    December 24, 2021 at 12:02 pm
    I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
    Reply
joyce
July 12, 2018 at 5:36 pm
how did you make the vegetable on the side...looks delicious
Reply
- Marjory
  July 12, 2018 at 5:54 pm
  Hi! Those are zucchini that have been quartered, tossed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. Cook them along side the salmon for a complete meal!
  Reply
David
August 06, 2017 at 5:54 pm

I'm always on the lookout for good salmon recipes! This one was so easy to make. Glad I don't have to buy a big bottle of bourbon to enjoy!
Reply
Liz
August 05, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Looks and sounds yummy! Are those sesame seeds on the salmon in the picture?
Reply
- Marjory
  August 06, 2017 at 9:39 am
  Hi! Yes - In a few pictures sesame seeds are used as garnish. Chopped scallions are also a nice addition.
  Reply

Bourbon Marinated Salmon - Easy Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

How to cook inland market bourbon marinated wild salmon? ›

Cooking Instructions: Bake: (Recommended) From frozen: preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove portion from pouch and place on an oiled baking dish skin side down. Bake on center rack of oven for 25-30 minutes. From Thawed: preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Read On ›

How long can salmon sit in marinade? ›

Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 1 hour (after 1 hour, fish tends to get mushy when marinated but if you MUST, you can refrigerate for up to 4 hours). Cook the salmon, using your preferred method.

Keep Reading ›

What do you soak salmon in before cooking? ›

Before cooking salmon, you can soak it in a marinade or a brine to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are a few common options: Citrus Marinade: Combine lemon or lime juice with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley. Allow the salmon to marinate in this mixture for 30 minutes to an hour.

Learn More Now ›

What's the longest you should marinate salmon? ›

We recommend that you always marinate your fish for less than 2 hours, as this can break down the delicate proteins in the fish, resulting in mushy textureless fish. Six hours is the absolute maximum marinating time for salmon if you're using a marinade with an acidic base like vinegar or lemon juice.

Keep Reading ›

What is the best temp to cook wild salmon? ›

For those seeking the best wild salmon experience, aiming for an internal temperature of 125 degrees F strikes the perfect balance between moist, flaky texture and rich flavor. This temperature ensures that your wild salmon is cooked just right — neither too raw nor overdone.

See Details ›

How do you cook wild salmon without drying it out? ›

Avoid overcooking your wild salmon by simply reducing the total cooking time. Allow for carryover cooking: A fillet of salmon continues to cook even after you've removed it from a heat source. The hotter the heat source, the more it will continue to cook after you've transferred the fillet to a serving plate.

Discover More Details ›

Do you have to wash salmon before marinating? ›

No, you are not supposed to wash salmon fillets before cooking them. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises against washing raw fish, seafood, meat, and poultry, which can spread bacteria to other foods and surfaces. The only effective way to get rid of bacteria is to cook it.

Discover More Details ›

Do you wash salmon before marinating? ›

Place the salmon in the marinade.

Food safety experts recommend that you do not wash raw salmon or other raw meat before preparing. Cooking the meat is more effective at killing bacteria, and rinsing the meat is likely to spread the bacteria onto your sink or other places in your kitchen.

Learn More ›

Can you over marinate salmon? ›

Avoid marinating salmon beyond 24 hours, as this may lead to protein degradation and a mushy texture. For acid-based marinades, limit the marination time to a maximum of 6 hours.

Learn More Now ›

What happens if you don't rinse salmon before cooking? ›

You don't need to rinse fish, chicken, pork, or any other meat before cooking. Not only does it not get rid of bacteria, it spreads bacteria (if water splashes from the sink in the process of rinsing). What kills bacteria much more effectively is cooking. So why do so many cooks rinse their fish and chickens?

Get More Info Here ›

What brings out the flavor of salmon? ›

Spices: Dried spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin, can add depth of flavor to salmon. Smoked paprika or sweet paprika can add smokiness to the salmon. To add heat, try chili powder, cayenne pepper, jerk seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Chinese five-spice powder.

Show Me More ›

Should you marinate salmon in the fridge or on the counter? ›

If you cannot avoid it at all, you may leave the salmon in marinade for 4-6 hours. It's not ideal, but it's doable. Any longer than that and it may turn out mushy – which is something you'll really want to avoid! No matter how short or long you choose to marinate your fish, always keep it refrigerated!

Read The Full Story ›

Can you leave marinated salmon in the fridge? ›

If you have marinated salmon, the storage time will depend on the ingredients used in the marinade. Generally, marinated salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. However, it's best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the flavors at their peak.

Know More ›

How to season salmon? ›

Using your hands or a brush, rub a dollop of quality olive oil on the flesh side of your salmon filet. Next, season generously with kosher sea salt and pepper. For a classic flavor, try adding garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, and onion powder. If you want a smokier taste, use paprika, chile powder, or cumin.

Read The Full Story ›

How to cook salmon from supermarket? ›

Place salmon on a parchment paper-lined or foil-lined baking sheet*. If you're lining your baking sheet with foil, just give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. Bake salmon fillet for 5-6 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. For salmon that's 1″+ thick, bake for 8 minutes.

Show Me More ›

How to cook salmon from grocery store? ›

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet with the skin down, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. This is a simple way to produce reliable results every time, and it works for any variety of seasonings or preparations.

Tell Me More ›

How to cook central market marinated salmon? ›

Fillet of salmon marinated in a spicy, citrusy honey habanero blend ready to be taken home and cooked. Grill, bake, or broil for a tasty meal. Bake skin-down at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Salmon should easily flake apart when cooked through.

Get More Info ›

Bourbon Marinated Salmon - Easy Recipe! (2024)

How to make Bourbon Marinated Salmon

How long do you cook salmon?

Make Ahead and Freeze Bourbon Salmon

📋 Recipe