There’s something truly magical about the aroma of bacon sizzling in a pan. Combine that with the rich, flaky texture of perfectly cooked salmon, and you have an irresistible dinner waiting to happen. Picture this: a whole salmon filet, glistening with a luscious bacon jam glaze, bubbling gently in the oven. The combination of smoky, savory bacon intermixed with sweet onions creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The moment you take your first bite, the glossy, caramelized glaze beautifully complements the tender salmon, making every forkful a celebration of taste.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Jam Salmon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Jam Salmon

This Bacon Jam Salmon has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it. It was a cozy Friday night, and the kids were excited to kick off the weekend. We gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories, all while savoring this standout dish. Each of us had different favorites—some loved the sweetness of the bacon jam, others preferred the rich taste of the salmon. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms any occasion into something special. So let’s get cooking and make this mouthwatering Bacon Jam Salmon together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have a stunning meal on the table. It’s that easy!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of bacon and salmon serves up an explosion of savory, sweet, and smoky goodness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is a show-stopper, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or family celebrations.
Flexible Serving: Serve it as a delightful main dish any night of the week, or slice it up for a unique addition to brunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: This dish can be adapted for a gluten-free lifestyle by ensuring your bacon jam is free of gluten.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole salmon filet, (about 2 to 2½ pounds, skin on): This is the star of the show. Choose a fresh filet for a tender, flaky bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness while helping the spices adhere. Feel free to substitute with melted butter for an extra luxurious flavor.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste. Smoked paprika is an excellent alternative for more depth.
Garlic powder: This elevates the flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic can be used, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Onion powder: Provides a sweet savoriness. You can swap this with finely chopped shallots for a fresh touch.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning. If you only have table salt, reduce the amount to avoid oversalting.
Black pepper: A classic seasoning that brings warmth. Freshly ground pepper will provide better flavor.
Onion bacon jam: This decadent topping is key to achieving that rich, savory glaze. Homemade or store-bought options are both great.
Fresh parsley and chives: For garnish—these add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.

How to Make Bacon Jam Salmon

Preheat and Prepare: Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating to 400°F. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. A light spray of nonstick cooking spray will help prevent any sticking. This little step ensures your salmon comes off cleanly and makes for easier cleanup later.

Prep the Salmon: Place your salmon filet skin-side down on the baking sheet. Gently pat the surface of the salmon dry with a paper towel. This helps the olive oil and spices adhere better. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon, using your hands or a brush to spread it evenly, creating a nice coating to lock in that moisture.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple spice mix will enhance the salmon, making it super flavorful. Sprinkle this evenly over the salmon, gently pressing it into the surface for the best flavor infusion.

Spread the Bacon Jam: Take your delicious onion bacon jam and spoon it generously over the top of the seasoned salmon. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer, ensuring every inch is covered. This incredible concoction is where the magic happens, as it caramelizes beautifully while baking.

Bake Until Perfect: Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For ideal doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F if you prefer a medium color. Watch as the bacon jam bubbles and caramelizes—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Rest and Garnish: Once out of the oven, allow the salmon to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the fish, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and chives for that fresh pop of flavor and color. You’re all set for a lovely meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover Bacon Jam Salmon, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can last about 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. While the texture might soften slightly, a fresh sprinkle of herbs can brighten it right up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the salmon by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Let your salmon come to room temperature before seasoning; this ensures even cooking.
If you want to amp up the bacon flavor, consider mixing some crispy bacon pieces with the jam.
Make your bacon jam ahead of time! It can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making those busy weeknights even easier.
Pair this dish with a light salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s not only satisfying but also beautiful to serve.

As both a flavor-packed dish and an easy-to-make recipe, Bacon Jam Salmon brings joy to any dinner table. Its unique combination of savory and sweet, alongside a beautiful presentation, makes it an ideal choice for both special occasions and everyday meals. Allow yourself to explore and perhaps add your twist on the flavors—it’s a dish that encourages creativity in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and, most importantly, savoring this delightful salmon dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon works beautifully due to its rich flavor, you can also use trout, halibut, or even pork chops for a different spin. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since different fish have different cooking requirements.

How can I make the bacon jam from scratch?

Making homemade bacon jam is easier than you think! Start by cooking chopped bacon until crispy; drain the fat, then sauté onions in the bacon fat until soft. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, and a splash of bourbon if you’d like. Cook until thickened and jam-like. It can be made in advance for a busy week.

What sides pair well with Bacon Jam Salmon?

This salmon goes fabulously with several sides! Consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, a vibrant green salad, or even roasted asparagus. For a heartier option, wild rice or quinoa salad adds a wonderful texture and complements the dish well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Bacon Jam Salmon is an excellent meal prep option. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, or portion it out to enjoy over the week for lunches or quick dinners. Just remember to refresh it a bit when reheating!