Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon makes for a hearty and healthy meal. One unique preparation of salmon is bourbon salmon, which incorporates bourbon whiskey into a brown sugar glaze or marinade. The sweet and alcoholic flavors complement the salmon beautifully. Inland Market is a grocery store that sells fresh salmon fillets, including a bourbon salmon variety. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook Inland Market’s pre-marinated bourbon salmon fillets. We will cover preparation, cooking methods, doneness, serving suggestions, and more.
What is bourbon salmon?
Bourbon salmon refers to salmon that has been marinated or glazed with a mixture of bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, and other flavorings. The bourbon adds a sweet, mildly boozy flavor that works well with the rich fattiness of salmon. The brown sugar also complements the fish nicely. Bourbon salmon can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
Inland Market sells fresh salmon fillets that have already been marinated in a bourbon sauce. The fillets come pre-packaged with the marinade and are ready to cook straight from the package. This makes preparation easy.
Ingredients
The main ingredients you will need are:
- Inland Market bourbon salmon fillets
- Cooking oil or butter
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Each package of Inland Market’s bourbon salmon contains two skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) already marinated in bourbon sauce. The marinade is a sweet mixture of bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Make sure to grab a package from the fresh seafood section of your local Inland Market.
Prep work
Before cooking the salmon, you will want to do a little prep work:
- Preheat your oven or grill if baking or grilling the salmon. Preheat the oven to 400°F. If grilling, preheat to medium-high heat.
- Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture for better browning.
- Brush or rub a thin layer of oil or butter onto the salmon fillets. This aids browning and prevents sticking.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, if desired. Go easy on the salt, as the bourbon marinade is already well-seasoned.
Cooking methods
There are several easy methods for cooking Inland Market’s bourbon salmon fillets:
Baking
Baking is one of the easiest cooking methods. Simply place the oiled and seasoned fillets on a baking sheet skin-side down. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The fish should be just opaque and buttery soft in the thickest part.
Grilling
Grilling adds delicious charred flavor. Oil the fillets lightly and place them skin-side down on a hot, well-oiled grill. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side with the grill lid closed as much as possible. Handle the fish gently when flipping.
Pan searing
For pan searing, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4 minutes until the skin crisps up. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until just opaque in the center. Use a spoon to baste the tops of the fillets with the pan juices as they cook.
Air frying
Air fryers make salmon prep even easier. Brush the fillets with oil and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The salmon skin gets ultra crispy in the air fryer.
Doneness
It is important not to overcook salmon, as it can dry out. Use the following techniques to test doneness:
- Flake test – Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the salmon. It should flake apart easily when done.
- Opaque color – The salmon should be just opaque in the center when fully cooked.
- Internal temp – Use an instant read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
Err on the side of slightly underdone when testing. The salmon will continue cooking a bit more as it rests after cooking.
Serving suggestions
Bourbon salmon pairs wonderfully with various side dishes and sauces. Consider serving it with:
- Rice or pasta – Try coconut rice, creamy Parmesan risotto, or linguine.
- Roasted veggies – Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, squash.
- Fresh greens – Spinach, kale, or a mixed salad.
- Citrus – Lemon wedges or an orange ginger glaze.
- Herbs – Dill, parsley, basil, cilantro.
Leftover salmon
Properly stored, leftover bourbon salmon will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Use leftovers in the following ways:
- Salmon salad – Break up the salmon and mix with greens, vinaigrette, and vegetables for a protein-packed salad.
- Sandwiches – Flake the salmon and serve on toasted bread or a bagel with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
- Omelets or frittatas – Chop up leftovers and add to egg dishes for a savory breakfast.
- Salmon hash – Sauté leftover salmon with potatoes, onions, and spices.
Storing bourbon salmon
To store leftover bourbon salmon:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Seal tightly and store any uneaten marinade separately.
- Do not store salmon above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
Inland Market’s bourbon salmon provides a simple and tasty way to prepare salmon with loads of flavor. The key is to not overcook the fish. Bake, grill, pan sear, or air fry the marinated fillets for a sweet and savory bourbon-infused meal. Salmon pairs wonderfully with herbs, citrus, vegetables, carbs, and greens. Leftover salmon makes excellent salmon salad, sandwiches, omelets and more for breakfast. Follow proper storage methods to safely enjoy leftovers. Bourbon salmon from Inland Market is easy yet impressive enough for a date night in or dinner party menu. Just grab a package of fillets from your local Inland Market’s seafood section and get cooking!