Pecan Crusted Salmon with Maple-Bourbon Glaze

User Reviews

5

21 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    528 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Pecan Crusted Salmon with Maple-Bourbon Glaze

Pecan Crusted Salmon with Maple-Bourbon Glaze features salmon fillets topped with a crunchy pecan and breadcrumb coating, baked with a sweet and savory glaze made from maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and garlic. This preparation delivers a moist, tender salmon interior contrasted by a flavorful crust and a glossy, subtly spiced glaze that enhances the fish without overpowering it.

Description

This recipe involves coating skin-on salmon fillets with a mixture of finely chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, melted butter, and seasoning. The salmon is placed skin side down on a baking sheet, brushed with a maple-bourbon glaze composed of real maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper. The crust mixture is pressed gently on top to adhere before roasting at 425°F.

Roasting is timed based on salmon thickness to ensure the fish flakes easily while maintaining moistness. Meanwhile, the remaining glaze is boiled and simmered to thicken but should not be over-reduced to avoid hardening on cooling. The glaze provides sweetness and subtle warmth, with an optional touch of cayenne pepper to add piquancy.

The combination of pecans and panko offers a crunchy texture that complements the tender salmon and sticky glaze. This dish pairs well with simple sides that do not compete with the rich flavors, such as steamed vegetables or rice. It can be a centerpiece for dinner offering balanced sweet, savory, and smoky notes.

When preparing the glaze, monitor it closely while simmering to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency suitable for drizzling. Press the pecan crust evenly and avoid overcooking the fish to maintain its juiciness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 salmon skin-on (about 6 ounces each, fillets
  • 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs unseasoned
  • 2 teaspoons thyme chopped fresh leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted, unsalted
  • salt kosher salt and freshly-ground
  • black pepper kosher salt and freshly-ground

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 large garlic minced (or 2 small, clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly-ground

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, or line with foil for easy cleanup and spray the foil.
  2. In a bowl, stir together chopped pecans, panko, thyme, paprika, butter, and a pinch or two each of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed pot, stir together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, bourbon, garlic, and pepper.
  4. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Season with salt and pepper, and brush the tops with some of the glaze mixture (just enough to coat). Divide the crust mixture between the tops of the fillets, gently pressing to adhere.
  5. Roast for 12-14 minutes per 1-inch of thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork, or to your desired doneness. (Measure your salmon fillets at the thickest area.)
  6. While the salmon is roasting, bring the remaining glaze mixture to a boil over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently. (Watch it carefully - it will bubble up!) Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until the glaze is syrupy and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.* Season to taste with salt.
  7. Use a thin fish spatula to lift the fillets from the skin (discard the skin) and transfer the salmon to your serving plates or platter. Drizzle the tops with the glaze (use as much or as little as you'd like--since the glaze is sweet, I like a light drizzle) and serve.

Notes

  • Do not over-reduce the glaze; aim for a glossy, slightly thick texture that can be drizzled.
  • For added heat, include cayenne pepper in the glaze to taste.
  • Measure salmon thickness to adjust roasting time for perfect doneness and moisture retention.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 528kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 101mg (34%) Sodium 293mg (12%) Potassium 1006mg (21%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 25g (50%) Vitamin A 302IU (6%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 91mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 528 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 528kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 101mg 34%
Sodium 293mg 12%
Potassium 1006mg 21%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 25g 50%
Vitamin A 302IU 6%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 91mg 9%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

21 reviews
Excellent

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