Close-up shot of perfectly grilled Scotch BBQ salmon, glistening and slightly charred, with a smoky aroma.

Barbecue

scotch bbq salmon

By Bartholomew

Published: 18 Feb 2025

This Scotch BBQ Salmon recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, I swear! The smoky sweetness of the Scotch whisky marinade perfectly complements the richness of the salmon, creating a dish that's both sophisticated and easy to make. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, or to impress your friends at your next barbecue. This is one of my go-to recipes when I want to make something special but don't have a lot of time. You should give it a shot, seriously! It’s surprisingly easy and impressive. One of my friends, Sarah, even used it for her anniversary dinner, and her husband loved it.
A table set for a summer barbecue with a plate of Scotch BBQ Salmon in the foreground.
This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful marinade that infuses the salmon with a delicious smoky and sweet flavor profile. The Scotch whisky adds a unique depth, while the brown sugar provides a lovely caramelization. I like to use a good quality Scotch, but feel free to experiment with different types. I once used a peaty Scotch and the results were phenomenal, but a bit bold for some. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang, and the smoked paprika enhances the smoky notes of the marinade. Trust me, this marinade is next-level good! You'll want to use it on everything.
Close-up of the Scotch BBQ marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Required Equipments

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon or fork
  • Grill or grill pan

Scotch-BBQ-Salmon

This recipe features a mouthwatering Scotch whisky marinade that infuses the salmon with a sweet, smoky flavor profile, making it a perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering or weeknight meal. It's surprisingly simple yet undeniably delicious!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 1 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. 1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Scotch whisky, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined, there shouldn't be any clumps of brown sugar.
  2. 2. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring that each fillet is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. I always try to marinate for at least an hour; you'll notice the difference.
  3. 3. Preheat your grill or grill pan: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is important—you want a nice sear on your salmon.
  4. 4. Grill the salmon: Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets on the preheated grill or grill pan. Don't overcrowd the grill; leave some space between the fillets for even cooking.
  5. 5. Cook the salmon: Grill the salmon for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets; thinner fillets will cook faster.
  6. 6. Rest the salmon: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish. Don't skip this step—it's key for moist salmon.
  7. 7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Scotch BBQ Salmon immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, if you like, and a squeeze of lemon. It's delicious on its own, or served with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. Enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Scotch whisky to find your personal preference.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can cook the salmon in a grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal

Protein: 25g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 7g

Fiber: 0g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi. And the best way to lose yourself in the kitchen is to cook something delicious. This salmon is that something.

Want to join our exclusive community?

FOLLOW US

SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

© 2025 SavoryTouch. All Rights Reserved.