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Whiskey-Glazed Grilled Salmon Fillets

whiskey-glazed grilled salmon - featured image

This whiskey-glazed grilled salmon recipe features a sweet, smoky, and boozy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a tender and flavorful fish perfect for quick BBQ dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye, e.g., Jim Beam)
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Whiskey Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup whiskey, 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
  3. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. No extra salt needed because of the soy sauce in the glaze.
  4. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin crisps and grill marks appear.
  5. Baste and Flip: Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula. Brush the top liberally with the whiskey glaze. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, basting once more halfway through, until the salmon is just cooked through (internal temperature around 125°F / 52°C). The salmon should flake easily but remain moist inside.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top before serving.

Notes

Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent the sugar in the glaze from burning. Move salmon to a cooler part of the grill if flare-ups occur. Pat salmon dry before seasoning and oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Rest salmon after grilling to keep it moist and tender. Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

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