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Florida Orange Juice Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Bites Recipe

Florida Orange Juice Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Savor the delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors with these Florida Orange Juice Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Bites. Tender salmon pieces are glazed with a luscious mixture of Florida orange juice, brown sugar, and bourbon, then perfectly seasoned and baked to flaky perfection. This recipe offers a quick yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Sugar Orange Bourbon Butter Glaze

  • 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salmon Bites

  • 1½ pounds salmon, skin removed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • ¾ cup brown sugar orange bourbon butter glaze, divided
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, to garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the bourbon and cook for approximately 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Add the Florida orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and optional cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken until it reaches a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the glaze sticks well. Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and about one-third of the prepared glaze. Add orange zest and freshly minced garlic, mixing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Season Salmon: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the salmon bites. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the spices.
  5. Arrange Salmon for Baking: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not crowded to cook evenly.
  6. Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F, depending on your preferred doneness. For a caramelized finish, optionally broil on high for the last few minutes of cooking.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining glaze. Allow the salmon bites to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and/or green onions if desired. Serve the salmon bites hot, optionally on a bed of rice with additional glaze on the side.

Notes

  • This recipe uses bourbon; if you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute bourbon with additional orange juice or a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Make sure to pat dry the salmon for better glaze adherence and more even seasoning.
  • The glaze can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level or omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130-140°F for optimal tenderness and safety.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon bites, bourbon salmon, orange glaze salmon, seafood appetizer, baked salmon, sweet and tangy salmon, Florida orange juice recipe

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/florida-orange-juice-brown-sugar-bourbon-salmon-bites-recipe/