These Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites are a treat! Crispy bacon hugs juicy salmon, drizzled with sweet maple and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for parties or a simple snack!
Whenever I make these, everyone goes for seconds. Who can resist bacon and salmon? Plus, they are easy to whip up, making you the star of the show in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal, as its flavor pairs perfectly with the maple and bourbon. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout. Just cut it into similar-sized cubes for consistent cooking.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for added texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too, just note it won’t be as crispy or flavorful.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings a unique sweetness to this dish. If you’re out of it, you could substitute honey, but it will change the taste profile a bit.
Bourbon: For bourbon, any kind you enjoy will work. If you want a non-alcoholic version, try using apple juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar and water for a different zing!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have Dijon, regular yellow mustard or even a spicy brown mustard can usually work as substitutes.
How Can I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Achieving perfectly crispy bacon wrapped around your salmon is essential for texture. Here’s how to ensure success:
- First, use thin to medium thickness bacon. This helps it to crisp up better.
- Make sure to space the salmon bites on the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around them.
- During the last few minutes, switching to broil is key for that perfect caramelization. Keep a close eye, as broiling can burn quickly!
- Finally, brushing the bites with the glaze before broiling not only adds flavor but can help crisp the bacon even more.
Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- Toothpicks for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be whipping up delicious salmon bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. This will help the salmon bites not stick.
2. Mixing the Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined and it looks nice and smooth. This delicious glaze will be the star of the show!
3. Wrapping the Salmon:
Take a piece of your salmon and wrap it tightly with half a slice of bacon. Then, secure it with a toothpick. Repeat this tasty process for all of the salmon cubes until they’re all wrapped and ready to go.
4. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Now, place each bacon-wrapped salmon bite on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly so they have room to cook and crisp up.
5. Glazing the Salmon Bites:
Brush the maple bourbon glaze generously over each of the bacon-wrapped bites. Make sure to coat them well for that awesome flavor. Don’t worry, you can reserve some glaze for later!
6. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the bacon to get crispy and the salmon to be cooked through—golden and delicious!
7. Adding the Caramelization:
In the last few minutes of baking, turn on the broiler. This will give your bites a gorgeous caramelization. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn—no one wants that!
8. Finishing Touches:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and brush them again with any reserved glaze for extra flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
9. Serving:
Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauce or garnish with some fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon works great, you can substitute any firm, flaky fish like trout or even shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as shrimp will cook faster and thinner fish may need slightly less time in the oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salmon bites by wrapping them in bacon and securing with toothpicks, then place them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just brush them with the glaze and bake when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, which will help retain their crispiness.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of the Glaze?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the bourbon with apple cider or apple juice for a delicious, alcohol-free glaze. The flavor will still be sweet and complementary to the salmon and bacon.
