Description
A gourmet salmon dish that perfectly balances sweet apricot preserves with smoky Scotch whisky, finished with tangy charred citrus butter. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, about 1–1.5 inches thick)
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons Scotch whisky
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Zest and juice of 1 orange
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add apricot preserves, Scotch whisky, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the glaze over them. Marinate for 10 minutes, turning once.
5. Transfer salmon to the prepared baking sheet. Brush with additional glaze.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature and flakes easily with a fork.
7. While salmon bakes, prepare charred citrus butter: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add lemon and orange zest and juice. Cook until butter begins to brown and citrus chars slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove salmon from oven, let rest 2 minutes. Drizzle with charred citrus butter.
9. Garnish with sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately with remaining glaze on the side.
Notes
For best results, use wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the marinating step – it allows the flavors to penetrate the fish.
Watch the salmon carefully to avoid overcooking. It should be slightly translucent in the center when removed from the oven.
The charred citrus butter can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
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- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Elegant Entrees
- Method: Baking, Glazing
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg