These Salmon Burnt Ends bring the smoky, savory goodness of barbecue straight to your seafood! Juicy chunks of salmon are marinated in a bold blend of spices and glazes, then slow-cooked or grilled to perfection. The result? A tender, flavorful appetizer or main course thatโs packed with umami-rich taste. Perfect for game day, parties, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Inspired by classic beef burnt ends, this recipe transforms salmon into bite-sized morsels of smoky bliss. The combination of sweet and tangy marinade with crispy edges and tender interiors creates an irresistible texture and flavor profile. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s ideal for entertaining or treating yourself to something fancy.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon fillet , cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp bourbon (or apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and browning.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil , smoked paprika , garlic powder , onion powder , cayenne pepper (if using), salt , and black pepper .
- Toss the salmon pieces gently in the spice mixture until evenly coated. Let them rest for 10โ15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In another small bowl, whisk together brown sugar , bourbon (or substitute), soy sauce , Dijon mustard , honey , Worcestershire sauce , and chili powder .
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness as needed.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat . If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high.
- Place the seasoned salmon chunks on the grill or skillet and cook for 2โ3 minutes per side , or until they develop a light char but remain flaky and tender inside.
- Remove the salmon from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Glaze the Burnt Ends
- Brush the glaze generously over the cooked salmon chunks, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve some glaze for drizzling later if desired.
- Return the glazed salmon to the grill or skillet briefly (1โ2 minutes ), turning occasionally, to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the Salmon Burnt Ends on a platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle with any remaining glaze and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness.
- Serve alongside lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Tips for Success:
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: Removing moisture ensures the salmon develops a nice crust while cooking.
- Donโt Overcook: Salmon becomes dry if overcookedโaim for firm but still juicy pieces.
- Adjust Spices: Customize the spice level by adding more chili powder or reducing the cayenne for milder flavors.
- Use Leftover Glaze: Store unused glaze in the fridge for up to 5 days to use on other dishes like chicken or tofu.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal (approximate)
Perfect Pairings:
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw balances the richness of the salmon perfectly.
- Cornbread: Warm cornbread soaks up every last drop of the sticky glaze.
- Grilled Vegetables: Sides like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add freshness and color.
Why It’s Perfect Anytime:
These Salmon Burnt Ends combine the best of two worldsโbarbecue-inspired flavors and tender, flaky salmonโfor a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly healthy. Whether served as an appetizer, light dinner, or part of a larger spread, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal prep time. Plus, its vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it visually stunning!
So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to enjoy this delightful twist on traditional burnt ends. Your taste buds will thank you! ๐ดโจ
