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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 5 reviews

Delightful Florida Orange Juice Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Bites combine sweet citrus and smoky bourbon flavors with tender, perfectly seasoned salmon pieces glazed to perfection. This appetizer or main dish is quick to prepare, beautifully caramelized, and pairs wonderfully with rice or fresh garnishes.

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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add bourbon and cook for about 2 minutes to burn off the alcohol. Then add Florida orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens into a glaze consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare Salmon: Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and about one-third of the prepared glaze. Add orange zest and freshly minced garlic, tossing gently to combine.
  4. Season Salmon: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if desired. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the glazed salmon pieces and toss gently ensuring even coating on all sides.
  5. Arrange & Bake: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F, depending on your preferred doneness. Optionally, broil on high for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a caramelized glaze finish.
  6. Glaze & Rest: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with remaining glaze for extra flavor and shine. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and/or green onions if desired. Serve the salmon bites warm on a bed of rice or as a flavorful appetizer with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh Florida orange juice for a bright citrus flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit depending on your preferred spice level.
  • The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; rewarm gently before using.
  • Internal salmon temperature of 130°F provides medium-rare, while 140°F is medium doneness; choose based on preference.
  • Broiling at the end adds a caramelized crust but monitor closely to prevent burning.
  • Salmon bites are perfect served with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
  • Ensure salmon pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon bites, bourbon salmon, orange bourbon glaze, brown sugar salmon, Florida orange juice recipe, seafood appetizer, baked salmon bites

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