Bourbon Salmon

What can I say about Salmon?  Neither one of us “think”  we like it but ”they” keep telling us it is healthy and we “should” eat it & a lot of people enjoy it.  A friend of mine provided me this really awesome recipe she got from Steve & Mary Ehrenberger and told me we should try it….. I thought well if it does not turn out at least we have the Bourbon!

Bourbon Salmon

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup bourbon

½ cup apple juice

1 tsp black pepper

1 cup chopped pecans

1 tbs unsalted butter (melted)

½ tsp salt

1 salmon fillet (about 2 ½ pounds)

In a large resalable plastic bag combine the sugar, bourbon, apple cider & pepper.  Add the salmon, seal & shake. Refrigerate 2-3 hours, shaking every hour or so.

Heat oven to 400. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet & bake for about 5 minutes. In a small bowl combine the pecans, melted butter & ¼ tsp salt.

Coat a baking dish with non-stick spray.  Remove salmon from the marinade & save the marinade. Place the salmon on the baking pan skin side down.  Sprinkle the remaining ¼ tsp. salt on the salmon and then gently press the pecan mixture over the salmon. Bake at 400 for 20 – 25 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

While cooking the salmon place the remaining marinade in a small saucepan.  Boil for 3 minutes.  Use the cooked down marinade as a sauce for the salmon when done.  Either over the top or on the side.

Tupps Tidbits ~ My trip to Hy-Vee for salmon was an experience for me. Again, not a salmon eater & still wondering why I am purchasing it.. The employee was very helpful to explain I had 2 options - either Farm Raised or Wild Caught Sockeye Alaskan. He stated his favorite was the Sockeye but it was strong favored & you should like salmon to purchase this over the Farm Raised. Since the Sockeye was $2 a lb cheaper… can you guess what I picked?

I would recommend foil lining the pan for easy clean up & also chop up the pecans a little bit more than how they come in the package as “chopped pecans”.

The salmon was moist & picked up a slight bourbon flavor from the marinade. It was easy to make & healthy.   After trying this dish, I would take the chance of trying it again with the Farm Raised. Sean would get steak & not just because it is cheaper.  Since we are not big salmon eaters & when I say “not big” we do not eat it.  We do not like it.   If you like salmon I recommend giving this a try. If you do not like salmon, drink the bourbon & throw out the salmon .This recipe still did not do it for us & is NOT a KEEPER (for us).