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Flavorful Whiskey Glazed Grilled Salmon Recipe with Asparagus

whiskey glazed grilled salmon - featured image

A quick and easy whiskey glazed grilled salmon with asparagus recipe that balances bold and simple flavors, perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons whiskey (preferably smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin-on if possible
  • 1 bunch asparagus spears (about 12 spears), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste (sea salt or kosher salt recommended)

Instructions

  1. Make the Whiskey Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together whiskey, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until the honey dissolves. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Lightly brush both the salmon and asparagus with olive oil. Season the salmon with a pinch of salt.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (204°C). Oil the grates or pan surface to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Asparagus: Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to keep them from falling through. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
  5. Grill the Salmon – First Side: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Let cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin crisps and the fish releases easily from the grill.
  6. Brush with Whiskey Glaze: Flip the salmon gently using tongs or a spatula. Immediately brush the cooked side generously with the whiskey glaze.
  7. Grill the Salmon – Second Side: Cook for another 3-4 minutes, brushing the glaze once more halfway through. Look for the salmon to be opaque and flake easily with a fork but still moist inside.
  8. Final Glaze and Rest: Remove the salmon from the grill. Give it one last brush of the glaze and let it rest for about 3 minutes to allow the juices to settle and the glaze to set.
  9. Serve: Plate the salmon alongside the grilled asparagus. Optionally, garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra brightness.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before grilling to ensure a good sear. Avoid flipping salmon too early to prevent sticking. Brush glaze during the last few minutes to prevent burning. If glaze starts to burn, lower heat or move salmon to cooler part of grill. Can be cooked in oven broiler if needed. Store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days; do not freeze. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey glazed salmon, grilled salmon, asparagus, easy dinner, weeknight meal, bourbon glaze, healthy salmon recipe