Yard House Whiskey Glazed Salmon Recipe

One of my favorite ways to prepare a quick and tasty dinner is by pan-searing fish and adding a delicious sauce on top. I’ve made all kinds of fish with this method—haddock, cod, and even snapper—but there’s something special about salmon. 

And when you combine it with a whiskey glaze, like in this Yard House Whiskey Glazed Salmon recipe, you’ll have a meal that’s full of sweet and savory flavors. This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight option. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to try.

What Type of Salmon Is Best in This Recipe?

When it comes to salmon, the best choice for this recipe is King Salmon (also known as Chinook salmon). King salmon is known for its rich, buttery flavor and firm texture. It’s an excellent match for the whiskey glaze because it holds up well during cooking and absorbs the sweet, smoky flavors of the glaze perfectly.

If you don’t have King salmon available, you can also use other varieties like Atlantic salmon or Sockeye salmon. These types are slightly leaner but still delicious.

What Type of Whiskey Yard House Use For This Recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using Maker’s Mark Bourbon. It’s got a smooth, sweet flavor with just a hint of vanilla and caramel that blends perfectly with the brown sugar and shallots in the glaze. If you don’t have Maker’s Mark, any good-quality bourbon will work, or you could use Scotch whiskey for a smokier twist.

For those avoiding alcohol, apple juice or apple cider can substitute whiskey while still adding a rich, sweet flavor to the glaze.

What Is in the Yard House Whiskey Glazed Salmon Recipe?

• 1 lb King Salmon Fillet: The star of the show. King salmon has a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the whiskey glaze.
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the glaze and helps caramelize the shallots.
• 2 Shallots, Finely Chopped: Adds a sweet, mild onion flavor to the glaze.
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar: The key to creating a sweet and sticky glaze that balances out the whiskey.
• 1/2 Cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon: Gives depth and richness to the glaze.
• Salt and Black Pepper, To Taste: Seasoning is key for enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon.
• Olive Oil, For Greasing: Prevents the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet.

Recipe Substitutions:

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients or need to make some changes. Here are some substitutions you can try:

• Salmon: If you’re vegetarian or just not a fan of fish, you can use tofu or tempeh instead. They’ll soak up the glaze nicely.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil.
• Bourbon: If you want to make this dish alcohol-free, replace the bourbon with apple juice or apple cider. It’ll still give you a sweet and tangy glaze.

Kitchen Appliance:

• Saucepan: To make the glaze.
• Baking Sheet: For cooking the salmon.
• Basting Brush: To coat the salmon with the glaze.
• Spatula: For handling the delicate salmon.
• Oven: Set at 450°F to bake the salmon.

How to Make Yard House Whiskey Glazed Salmon Copycat

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté them until they become translucent. Next, stir in the brown sugar and let it melt and caramelize, stirring occasionally. Carefully add the whiskey (be cautious as it may ignite), and stir the mixture until the alcohol burns off and you’re left with a smooth, thick glaze. Let it cool slightly and add a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Place the King salmon fillet on the sheet and use a basting brush to generously coat the salmon with the whiskey glaze. Season the fish with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The glaze will become slightly sticky, and the salmon will be perfectly cooked—tender and flaky.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the salmon is baked, carefully transfer it to a serving plate using a spatula. Drizzle a little extra whiskey glaze over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• When you’re making the glaze, be careful adding the whiskey to the hot pan. It might flame up, but don’t worry – just let the flame burn out before you keep going.
• For a richer flavor, let the glaze thicken a bit before you put it on the salmon.
• After you take the salmon out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep all those yummy juices inside.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the glaze for a zesty flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze if you like a bit of heat.

Herb Infusion: Stir in some fresh thyme or rosemary into the glaze for extra depth of flavor.

Maple Glaze: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for a slightly different, equally delicious glaze.

Serving Suggestion

This whiskey glazed salmon is a star on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich salmon.
• For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of wild rice or quinoa.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side for a cool contrast to the sweet glaze.
• A slice of lemon on the side lets your guests add a squeeze of citrus if they like.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the salmon dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well in this recipe. Just make sure to fully thaw it before baking.

What’s the best way to tell when the salmon is done cooking?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should still be moist in the middle.

Can I grill this salmon instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze frequently. Just be careful as the sugar in the glaze can burn easily on the grill.

Can I substitute the bourbon in the recipe?

Yes, if you don’t want to use alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice or apple cider.

How long should I bake the salmon if it’s thicker than usual?

For thicker salmon fillets, you may need to bake for an extra 2-3 minutes. Always check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

As is, this recipe is high in sugar from the brown sugar in the glaze. For a keto-friendly version, you could try substituting the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener, but keep in mind this will change the flavor and consistency of the glaze.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Yard House Whiskey Glazed Salmon Recipe a try. It’s a delicious way to enjoy salmon with a rich, flavorful whiskey glaze that’s sure to impress your taste buds. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for any dinner night.

If you make this dish, I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to share your experience in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes.