Bourbon and Pecan Crusted Salmon

March 29, 2013

I have had this vision of bourbon candied pecans for quite some time. I don’t know how it came to me. Maybe after a night of drinking bourbon? Who knows. Anyway, I really intended on posting this recipe way earlier in the Lenten season so those that follow the rule of “no meat of Friday” would have another new option to add to the fish rotation.

Not that there is anything wrong with fish sticks or Filet-o-Fish sandwiches (Fishay, fishay! Sorry I had to. BTW last year’s song was way better!) every single Friday. Just sayin’, it could get a little boring. But, thanks to the computer crash of 2013, you are getting it the last day of Lent. Better late than never.

Back to the fish.

So, if you are like Mike, you are probably thinking that I have lost my mind with this one. Fish and nuts? None the less, candied nuts? Well, as per usual, I proved him wrong and I will soon prove all of you wrong. Not to go all car salesman on you, but the crunch of the nuts with the hint of bourbon are the perfect match for the salmon. Trust me.

Also, a definite upside to this fresh fish recipe is that it is done in less than thirty minutes! That leaves plenty of time for other things you would rather be doing on a Friday night, like, let’s say, getting back into season two of Downton Abbey because you have your computer back and your husband is gone for the night!

I know, it is an exciting life I live folks.

Bourbon and Pecan Crusted Salmon

Course Entree/Fish
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 2
Author Sarcastic Cooking

Ingredients

  • ¾ Cup Pecan Halves toasted
  • ½ Teaspoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
  • ½ Teaspoon Fish Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Agave
  • 2 Ounces Bourbon
  • ¼ Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter divided
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 2, ½ Pound Sockeye Salmon Filet with the skin on
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper

Instructions

  1. Set the broiler to high.
  2. Add the pecans to a medium skillet and toast over medium heat, flipping a few times until they are slightly golden. Remove pecans from the pan, place off to the side for later, and return the pan to the heat.
  3. Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, agave, bourbon, and brown sugar in the same pan you toasted the nuts with. Mix until brown sugar has dissolved. Add toasted pecans, stir, and then turn the heat to low. Cook the sauce until it reduces by almost half, about 5-7 minutes. After that time, remove pan from heat.
  4. Place the salmon filets, skin side down, in a baking dish. Top each filet with a half a tablespoon of butter. Season filets with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Place the fish under the broiler, keeping the oven door slightly cracked open, for five minutes.
  5. After five minutes, remove the salmon from the oven. Top the salmon filets with half of the pecan bourbon sauce and then return the dish to the oven for another three minutes, making sure to leave the oven door cracked open again.
  6. After three minutes, spoon the remaining sauce and pecans over each filet. Use a spoon to make sure as much of the sauce poured over the salmon and pecans to ensure a good caramelization before placing it back under the broiler. Return the dish to the oven for another five to seven minutes, leaving the oven door cracked.
  7. Either remove fish filet from skin with a spatula before serving or serve the fish with the skin on and just eat around it. Serve fish same day.

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  • Julia
    April 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    I love salmon and am always looking for new recipes. I think those candied pecans look amazing! And I am right there with you on Downton–I am on season two but at the rate I am going will be caught up in no time. It’s addictive!

  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    March 31, 2013 at 12:48 am

    Well hello gorgeous. This does not sound crazy at all to me…it sounds mouthwatering. Must try next time I get my hands on some fresh salmon. I’m thinking that bourbon pecans would make a great snack too…

  • Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
    March 29, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    I have so many wonderful things I want to say about this that they’re all rushing my brain at once and I can’t even form them into words now. AHH. IWANTTHISNOW. You are a goddess.

    • Stefanie
      March 29, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Pffff stop it!

  • Aimee
    March 29, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    This looks delicious! Definitely pinning 🙂

    {btw – just recently discovered you and I’m your newest fan. Love your recipes!}

    • Stefanie
      March 29, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      Oooooh great! Thanks and welcome!

  • Jaime
    March 29, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    I am so intrigued! I love the idea of bourbon pecans and may just nick your idea for a dessert. But such brave and clever use of it on salmon. Looks absolutely delish! xx

  • Susan
    March 29, 2013 at 10:20 am

    For the record, I too make a candied pecan salmon except I don’t use bourbon. Another fact, I have three bottles of bulleit at home (I won them, two are signed by Mr. John Bullet himself!). Fact three, I have salmon in my fridge and this will be dinner tonight.

    • Stefanie
      March 29, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      I have to check that recipe out! Yum!

  • DessertForTwo
    March 29, 2013 at 8:13 am

    and by bacon, I meant pecans. Sorry. I’m actually eating pecans in my oatmeal right now and am wishing I had scrambled eggs & bacon instead…that’s where that came from. I can read, I swear…. 😉

    • Stefanie
      March 29, 2013 at 8:14 am

      That’s ok. Bacon is usually on my brain too!

  • DessertForTwo
    March 29, 2013 at 8:09 am

    HI BOURBON AND BACON, I LOVE YOU. Get in my belly tonight! Pinned!