It’s so good that you won’t need to order salmon from a restaurant ever again! It was a big hit at our store that puts together meals ahead of time.
This recipe and Phyllo Wrapped Salmon made a lot of people love “salmon” at our store that puts together meals ahead of time! (If you already like seafood, try Lemony Baked Basa; it was also a big hit!) ).
With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory and smoky flavors, Publix bourbon salmon is a crowd-pleasing dish The salmon is bathed in a bourbon-laced glaze then grilled for tender, flaky perfection. Though found pre-marinated at Publix grocery stores, this recipe can easily be replicated at home. Read on for tips on selecting salmon, making the bourbon glaze and grilling for incredible results
Overview of Publix Bourbon Salmon
Publix bourbon salmon has fresh salmon fillets that are marinated in a sweet and sticky bourbon sauce. The oaky vanilla notes in the bourbon go well with the rich, fatty salmon. Grilling caramelizes the marinade into an irresistible lacquered crust.
This easy yet impressive salmon dish has become a signature recipe for the popular Southern grocery chain. By preparing it yourself you can customize the glaze flavors and quality of the salmon. Your homemade version may even top the store-bought kind!
Choosing the Best Salmon for Bourbon Glaze
The star ingredient for quality bourbon salmon is fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets. Opt for wild salmon over farmed for optimum flavor and texture.
Good salmon varieties for this recipe include
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Sockeye – Deepest red color with firm, steak-like texture
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Coho – Silky and moderately fatty with raspberry-orange hues
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King – Very high in omega-3s with a delicate, buttery flavor
Inspect the raw salmon carefully for firmness and bright color without any dull or mushy spots. Only the freshest salmon will grill up perfectly moist.
Mixing Up aFlavor-Packed Bourbon Marinade
Putting bourbon salmon in a well-balanced glaze for a long time is the key to making it taste great. This not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the fish.
A basic bourbon glaze contains:
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1⁄4 cup bourbon – smoky flavor
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1⁄4 cup brown sugar – sweetness
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2 tbsp soy sauce – savory umami
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Minced garlic & ginger – spice and aromatics
Mix the ingredients until the sugar dissolves into a smooth, glossy sauce. Feel free to experiment with additions like chili paste, orange zest or chipotle powder.
Marinating the Salmon Fillets
Arrange salmon pieces in a baking dish and coat thoroughly with the bourbon glaze. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight. Longer marinating times allow the salmon to absorb more flavor.
Flip the fillets halfway through marinating. Spoon extra glaze over the tops for the lacquered look.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Bourbon Salmon
Grilling adds smoky depth and caramelized edges to the bourbon-basted fish. Follow these tips for the best results:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
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Grill fillets skin-side down first. Baste with glaze during grilling.
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Cook 4-5 minutes per side until salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
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Move salmon as little as possible for optimal grill marks.
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Insert a spatula under fillets when flipping to keep them intact.
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Watch closely near the end to avoid overcooking.
The salmon is ready when glossy on top with browned grill marks underneath.
Serving Suggestions for Bourbon Salmon
A sweet and sticky salmon pairs wonderfully with bright contrasting flavors. Try serving it with:
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Rice pilaf or quinoa – soaks up the tasty glaze
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Sautéed spinach – earthy complement
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus
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Citrus wedges – cuts the richness
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Green salad dressed with vinaigrette
Bourbon salmon satisfies perfectly on its own for a light yet filling meal. It also dresses up nicely for a dinner party menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making bourbon salmon:
What if I don’t have bourbon?
Substitute with whiskey, rum, apple cider or apple juice.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until flaky in the center.
How long does the fish keep after marinating?
Up to 24 hours is safe in the refrigerator.
What side dishes go well with it?
Buttery mashed potatoes, couscous or macaroni and cheese are all excellent pairings.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Thaw frozen fillets completely before marinating. The texture may be less ideal.
What to do if I overcook the salmon?
Unfortunately overcooked fish will be dry. Try serving with extra glaze or sauce.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork. If any translucent areas remain, continue cooking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover bourbon salmon keeps for 2-3 days refrigerated. Keep glazed fillets and sides separate. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet until warmed through.
The sweet and sticky glaze may thicken once cooled. Simply microwave briefly or stir in a little water or bourbon to loosen.
Transforming Publix Bourbon Salmon into a Gourmet Homemade Meal
While Publix’s pre-marinated salmon provides convenience, preparing it yourself lets you control the ingredients and quality. Invest in sushi-grade salmon and create your own signature bourbon glaze. Grill with care to caramelized perfection. Served with fresh sides, this elegant yet easy salmon impresses every time. With a few simple tricks, you can make this restaurant-worthy dish at home.
How long do you cook salmon?
Not long at all and thats another fantastic reason to enjoy seafood in general and this recipe!
Based on how thick the fish is, it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes in an oven heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
Its fantastic on the grill too!
This salmon goes well with almost anything. You wont be disappointed.
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 dont let the alcohol scare you away from this recipe though.
To make this, you don’t need to drink hard liquor or buy a big bottle of bourbon whiskey. 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 of the marinade is thrown away, and while the food is cooking, a lot of the alcohol in the rest of it burns off.
Still looking for a substitute? Check out these alcohol substitutions by Whats Cooking America.
The preparation for bourbon salmon is easy. Simply combine all the ingredients together and marinate.
If you don’t like pineapple juice, just buy a can of pineapple chunks in 10% 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!).