🔥 Step 1: Season the salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
🍯 Step 2: Prepare the bourbon glaze
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Bourbon
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Smoked paprika
- Honey
Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
💡 The alcohol will cook off, leaving a deep, smoky-sweet flavor.
🥘 Step 3: Sear the salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
Place salmon fillets in the pan:
- Cook 4–5 minutes on the first side (don’t move it!)
- Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes
You want a golden crust outside and tender, flaky inside.
🍶 Step 4: Glaze the salmon
Lower the heat and pour the bourbon glaze over the salmon.
Spoon the sauce over the fillets continuously for 1–2 minutes until beautifully caramelized.
🔥 Step 5: Optional broil (restaurant trick)
For that Ruth’s Chris-style finish:
- Transfer to oven
- Broil for 1–2 minutes
This creates a slightly crispy, sticky glaze on top 🔥
🍽️ Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Perfect with:
- Mashed potatoes 🥔
- Rice 🍚
- Steamed vegetables 🥦
💡 Pro Tips (Secret Restaurant Tricks)
- Use fresh salmon for best texture
- Don’t overcook — salmon should flake easily but stay moist
- Let the glaze thicken slightly before using
- Add a touch of butter at the end for a silky finish
😍 Flavor Profile
- Sweet from brown sugar & honey 🍯
- Smoky depth from bourbon 🥃
- Tangy kick from mustard & lemon 🍋
- Rich and buttery texture 🤤
