
Sweet summer peaches mixed with rich bourbon make a glaze that turns plain salmon into something amazing. This dish blends the fish's natural richness with caramelized fruit and smoky bourbon flavors, making it perfect for everyday meals or when you want to impress guests.
I came up with this combo during a summer when my peach tree gave us way too much fruit to eat fresh. After trying different pairings, I found that bourbon's sweet, toasty notes worked perfectly with both the peaches and the salmon.
Superior Ingredient Choices
- Salmon fillets: Go for pieces with vibrant color and a clean sea smell - wild-caught gives you the most flavor bang for your buck.
- Peaches: Pick ones that feel slightly soft when pressed and fill your nose with sweet scent.
- Quality bourbon: Use something you'd happily sip - the flavor gets stronger as it cooks down.
Let's Make It Together
- First Things First:
- Get your oven warming to 400°F. While that's happening, put parchment on your baking tray to avoid any stuck-on messes later.
- Starting The Magic:
- Add bourbon to your pan and let it warm up over medium heat. Toss in those juicy peach pieces and watch them start to soften and release their sweetness.
- Building The Glaze:
- Stir in maple syrup and watch how nicely it mixes with the bourbon. Add the rest of your sauce stuff one by one, stirring until your kitchen smells so good you can't wait to eat.
- Getting The Fish Ready:
- Dry your salmon completely with paper towels - this helps the glaze stick better. Season it well, because good seasoning makes everything taste amazing.
- The Cooking Part:
- Put your seasoned salmon on the parchment and brush that golden glaze all over it. Slide it into your hot oven and let the heat do its thing.
- Finishing Up:
- Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, adding more glaze if you want. A quick blast under the broiler gives you that yummy caramelized top.

My family really goes crazy for the bourbon in this dish - not just how it tastes, but how it makes such a pretty brown crust on the outside. It's now our favorite way to cook salmon.
Tasty Companions
Make this salmon into a full dinner by adding some fluffy jasmine rice or pearl couscous on the side. The little grains soak up all that yummy glaze, and some steamed asparagus brings nice color and crunch to your plate.
Switch It Up
Try changing things around by using nectarines or apricots instead of peaches when they're in season. If you don't want to use alcohol, you can mix apple juice with a little apple cider vinegar to get a similar rich flavor.
Saving For Later
Put any extras in a container with a tight lid and eat them within three days. When you reheat it, do it gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

This dish has become one of my go-to meals, not just because it tastes incredible but because it turns basic ingredients into something special. Whenever I make it for guests, they can't believe how the bourbon and peaches work together to make regular salmon taste so fancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook Peach Bourbon Salmon without bourbon?
- Sure, swap out bourbon for peach nectar or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
- → How do I tell if the salmon's ready?
- It's done when the inside is 145°F and flakes easily when poked with a fork.
- → Can I substitute frozen peaches for fresh ones?
- Fresh is best, but if it's out of season, thaw some frozen ones—they'll work too.
- → What should I serve alongside this salmon?
- Go for roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even some fluffy rice pilaf.
- → Can the sauce be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely, whip it up a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge.