Description
A sophisticated yet easy fall grilling recipe featuring salmon fillets wrapped in foil packets with a sticky, caramelized glaze made from maple syrup, bourbon, and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup (Grade A Dark or Grade B)
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- 4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Rinse salmon fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates thoroughly.
- Cut four sheets of heavy-duty foil (approx. 12 inches long). Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the warm glaze over each fillet.
- Fold the foil up and over the fish, sealing the edges tightly to create packets.
- Place foil packets on the grill. Close the lid and grill for 12-15 minutes without opening the lid.
- Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (or 135°F for medium).
- For extra caramelization, open one corner of the packet, spoon more glaze on top, and close for 2 more minutes.
- Remove packets from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Carefully open foil, transfer salmon to plates, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. Dry the salmon thoroughly before glazing to help it adhere. Reserve some fresh glaze to drizzle over the cooked fish for brighter flavor. If using charcoal, add wood chips like hickory or applewood for extra smoke flavor. Monitor grill temperature as fall evenings can be cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 35
Keywords: maple bourbon salmon, fall grilling, grilled salmon, foil packet salmon, bourbon glaze, healthy dinner, omega-3 rich