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Flavorful Irish Whiskey Glazed Salmon Recipe with Herb Butter and Leeks

Irish whiskey glazed salmon - featured image
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A simple yet sophisticated salmon dish featuring a caramelized Irish whiskey glaze, silky herb butter, and tender sautéed leeks. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
  • 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey (e.g., Jameson)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (split between glaze and herb butter)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon softened butter until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Make the herb butter: In another bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, chopped parsley, chives, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until evenly distributed and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Clean and prep leeks: Slice the white and light green parts of 2 medium leeks into thin rounds. Rinse well under cold water to remove any grit. Drain and pat dry.
  4. Sauté the leeks: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic if using, then toss in the leeks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  5. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  6. Sear the salmon: In the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil if needed. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving it to get a crisp skin. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until just opaque in the center.
  7. Glaze the salmon: Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon the whiskey glaze over the salmon fillets. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes, spooning continuously to coat. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Plate and serve: Nestle the glazed salmon atop the warm sautéed leeks. Add a generous dollop of the chilled herb butter on each fillet to melt gently and enrich the dish.

Notes

If the glaze thickens too fast or starts sticking, add a splash of water or extra whiskey to loosen it. Keep the herb butter chilled until serving to ensure it melts slowly. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Pat salmon dry before cooking for best crust. Rinse leeks thoroughly to remove grit.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish whiskey salmon, whiskey glazed salmon, herb butter salmon, sautéed leeks, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, seafood glaze

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-irish-whiskey-glazed-salmon-recipe-with-herb-butter-and-leeks-easy-and-perfect/