Maple bourbon braided salmon is a sweet and smoky salmon recipe that is a delicious and healthy dinner. This salmon recipe also bakes to perfection in no time.
Right before the world changed, my husband and I made a trip to Ontario. We were in search of a little peace and quiet and relaxation. You know how sometimes you just feel like you need a break?
Near our hotel in Ontario we found a restaurant that had awesome reviews. We knew it was a must stop for us. So, after our arrival we headed to this restaurant for a quiet and delicious dinner.
Ken has always loved seafood, and he ordered a Maple Braided Salmon from the restaurant. When our food arrived, I looked at my own salad, and then at his steaming fresh salmon, and I couldn't take my eyes off how delicious his salmon braid looked.
I even loved how the salmon smelled, covered in all of that maple bourbon glaze.
I had to try a bite of his dinner. It was so flaky, and sweet and smoky at the same time. I knew when we got home I had to try to recreate this salmon braided recipe and here it is.
This just might be your new favorite salmon recipe too! True, this maple bourbon glazed salmon recipe doesn't have to be braided but where's the fun in that?
If you've never tried braided salmon before I hope you consider it because I am pretty sure you'll be glad you did!
After a few different tries, I came up with this amazingly delicious recipe. If you love seafood you are going to savory every bite of this delicious seafood recipe. Now, onto the amazing recipe, and some facts to help you make sure your dish turns out as delicious as mine.
What is braided salmon
Braided salmon is braiding three or four individual pieces of fish together, then baking this delicious fish until it is light and fluffy.
What should I serve with my braided salmon recipe
I like to serve braided salmon with vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Even a nice side salad will be delicious with my braided salmon recipe.
How do I store leftover braided salmon
Braided salmon will last up to three days in the refrigerator. I do not recommend freezing braided fish though, as it becomes dry very quickly when thawed. If you really want to freeze this recipe, cut into individual pieces after baking, and then place in freezer baggies for up to one month.
How can I reheat this braided salmon recipe
Just like any other baked fish, you can reheat braided salmon by placing it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes until the temperature is hot.
How do I slice salmon
When you have a recipe that utilizes whole fish, it is important to know how to properly slice the fish so that each piece tastes as delicious as possible. To slice into smaller pieces when serving with braided salmon, place the fish on its side, and begin slitting down toward the tail. Repeat this process until the desired size of slices have been achieved.
What kind of bourbon should I use to braided salmon
You can use any kind of bourbon you enjoy drinking that will work for this recipe, if you would like to have the added flavor of Maker's Mark in your dish you can also use the brand. I love the flavor of Maker's Mark.
Ingredients for Maple bourbon braided salmon
- 2 ½ lbs. whole side salmon fillet
- ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup
- ⅛ cup brown sugar
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 large lemons
- 1 small red onion
- 3 Tablespoons bourbon
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish Ingredients: (optional)
- Zest from 1 lemon
- ⅛ cup chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
How to Make Maple Bourbon Braided Salmon
In a small saucepan combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, bourbon, fresh garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring the mixture to a boil, let boil for 2 minutes then remove from heat.
Let the glaze cool to room temperature.
While the glaze is cooling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Slice the remaining lemon, and red onion into thin medallions and use them to line the bottom of a baking dish large enough to hold your salmon braid.
Prepare your salmon side filet by carefully removing any skin, and patting dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Place your salmon on a cutting board, there will be two ends to the salmon, one will be a blunt flat end and one will be more pointed. Starting at about 3 inches down from the blunt flat end, slice the salmon into thirds following the natural lines in the fillet. It is very important to keep the 3 inches near the flat end of the salmon intact. See pictures.
You will now have 3 strands of salmon. Braid the salmon strands together gently, when you get to the end, tuck the ends under, secure with toothpicks if needed.
Gently lay the salmon on top of the onions and lemons in the baking dish.
Generously brush the salmon braid with about ¾ of the glaze (reserve about ¼ of the glaze for later), being sure to get into every nook and cranny.
Tuck lemon slices into the folds of the braid.
How to Bake Maple Bourbon Braided Salmon
Bake in the oven at 350 for approximately 30 minutes or until the salmon has reached an internal temp of about 125 degrees for medium rare.
Take the salmon out of the oven right as it is finishing cooking. Turn the broiler of the oven on high, use the remaining ¼ of the glaze to brush over the braid, slide the salmon back into the oven under the broiler for just a couple minutes to give it a beautiful golden top.
Create a topping by chopping together an ⅛ cup of pecans, the zest from one lemon, 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley, and a dash of salt.
Garnish the salmon with the pecan topping.
Serve immediately.
Maple bourbon braided salmon is a flavorful dish for any occasion. It’s perfect to make indoors or outdoors, and it will keep you from getting bored with your usual dinner routine. The recipe can be customized to suit the preferences of individual family members and friends. You should also try adding in different toppings like lemon zest or chopped parsley if desired! If you want help making this delicious meal at home, let us know- we have more than enough experience cooking up creative dishes that are sure to please even picky eaters and finicky children alike! Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know if your family enjoyed this delicious recipe.
Maple Bourbon Braided Salmon Video
More Delicious Recipes:
Maple Bourbon Braided Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs. whole side salmon fillet
- ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup
- ⅛ cup brown sugar packed
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 large lemons
- 1 small red onion
- 3 Tablespoons bourbon
- 1 Tablespoon fresh garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika smoked or regular
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- In a small saucepan combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, bourbon, fresh garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring the mixture to a boil, let boil for 2 minutes then remove from heat.
- Let the glaze cool to room temperature.
- While the glaze is cooling, preheat oven to 350.
- Place you salmon filet at your work station. Ideally on top of a cutting board.
- Slice the remaining lemon, and red onion into thin medallions and use them to line the bottom of a baking dish large enough to hold your salmon braid.
- Prepare your salmon side filet by carefully removing any skin, and patting dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Place your salmon on a cutting board, there will be two ends to the salmon, one will be a blunt flat end and one will be more pointed. Starting at about 3 inches down from the blunt flat end, slice the salmon into thirds following the natural lines in the fillet. It is very important to keep the 3 inches near the flat end of the salmon intact. See pictures.
- You will now have 3 strands of salmon. Braid the salmon strands together gently.
- Until done.
- When you get to the end, tuck the ends under, secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Gently lay the salmon on top of the onions and lemons in the baking dish.
- Generously brush the salmon braid with about ¾ of the glaze (reserve about ¼ of the glaze for later), being sure to get into every nook and cranny.
- Tuck lemon slices into the folds of the braid.
- Bake in the oven at 350 for approx 30 minutes or until the salmon has reached an internal temp of about 125 degrees for medium rare.
- Create a topping by chopping together an ⅛ cup of pecans, the zest from one lemon, 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley, and a dash of salt.
- Take the salmon out of the oven right as it is finishing cooking.
- Turn the broiler of the oven on high, use the remaining ¼ of the glaze to brush over the braid,
- Slide the salmon back into the oven under the broiler for just a couple minutes to give it a beautiful golden top.
- Garnish the salmon with the pecan topping.
- Serve immediately.
- Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition
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