Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, pan-seared salmon filet finished with a sweet and smoky bourbon maple glaze, inspired by Kentucky flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs of 6 oz each salmon filet, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon filets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon filets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and sauté the other side for 3 minutes until just cooked through and opaque.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  5. Step 5: Pour the maple bourbon glaze over the salmon in the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon continuously until it thickens and coats the fish.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme over the salmon before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep of 6 oz each salmon filet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Bourbon Maple Glaze?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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