By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 6, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal to make? Look no further than Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon! This recipe is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
It requires minimal effort with maximum flavor, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also has plenty of health benefits.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for overall health and well-being. Plus, it’s a lean source of protein that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. So what are you waiting for? Try out this flavorful dish today!
Read on to find out how to make Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, these instructions are simple and foolproof.
What is Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon?
Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon is a fresh and flavorful dish inspired by the classic Southern cuisine of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
It features tender salmon fillets marinated in a simple mixture of bourbon, lime juice, garlic cloves, and other seasonings. Then it’s grilled to perfection with green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
This quick and easy meal is packed with flavor, yet it’s surprisingly light and healthy. Enjoy this delicious dish as a main course or pair it with your favorite side dishes for an even heartier meal.
What does it taste like?
Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon has an amazing flavor that is unique yet familiar. The marinade infuses the salmon with a smoky, slightly sweet taste that is enhanced by the addition of lime juice.
The green onions and sesame seeds add a subtle earthy nuttiness, while the soy sauce and brown sugar give it an umami depth of flavor.
Every bite is bursting with flavor and will have your taste buds jumping for joy! This dish is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon, while also indulging in a nutritious yet flavorful meal.
How did I first get introduced to Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon?
I first got introduced to Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon when I visited Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in my hometown. It was one of their signature dishes and it quickly became a favorite of mine.
The tender salmon was marinated in a simple mixture of bourbon, lime juice, garlic cloves, and other seasonings and then grilled to perfection. It was packed with flavor yet surprisingly light and healthy. I knew I had to try recreating this delightful dish at home!
So I took the classic recipe and added my own twist to it. I swapped out the bourbon for whiskey and used honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
I also decided to add some bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet while cooking the salmon and topped it with freshly chopped parsley for an extra kick of flavor. The result was nothing short of delicious!
Now, I enjoy making Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon at home as a quick and easy meal throughout the week. It’s always a hit with my family and friends!
How to make Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon?
Making Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon is a breeze! All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and here’s what you’ll need:
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Ingredients
- Skinless Salmon fillets: this is the main ingredient for this recipe. Make sure to select boneless fillets that are about 16 ounces each.
- Bourbon: adds a smoky flavor and sweetness to the dish.
- Lime juice: gives the salmon a tangy, citrus kick.
- Garlic cloves: minced garlic will give an earthy flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: you can adjust the salt and pepper for your specific tastes.
- Green onion: thinly sliced green onions will add a nice, mellow flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds: gives an earthy nutty taste to the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: adds an umami depth of flavor to the salmon.
- Brown sugar: adds a subtle sweetness that will help balance out the other flavors.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, mix together the bourbon, lime juice, garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Cook the salmon in a preheated skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.
Step 3
Once cooked, top the salmon with green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Cover and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Step 4
Serve hot with your choice of side dish.
Tips
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients as per your liking. For instance, you can switch out the bourbon for whiskey or rum.
- You can also use honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
- If you want to add more veggies, try adding some bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet while cooking the salmon.
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can also bake the salmon in the oven at 375°F for around 20 minutes.
- Instead of green onions, feel free to use red onions or shallots.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some fresh herbs such as dill or parsley.
Cheddars Grilled Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon adding a rich and smoky note, infusing the salmon with a hint of complexity and depth.
- Freshly ground black pepper according to taste, adding a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoons lime juice delivering a bright and tangy acidity, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
- 2 skinless salmon fillets around 8 ounces, providing tender and flaky fish with a mild and buttery flavor.
- 1 1/2 minced garlic cloves releasing their aromatic essence, enhancing the savory profile of the salmon.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce bringing a savory and umami-rich element, adding depth and enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar contributing a subtle sweetness and caramelization, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds imparting a nutty and toasty taste, enhancing both the visual appeal and the texture of the dish.
- 1/8 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions providing a mild and fresh onion flavor, adding a vibrant touch to the dish.
- Salt according to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon and ensuring a well-balanced seasoning.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the bourbon, lime juice, garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the salmon in a preheated skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, top the salmon with green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Cover and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dish.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients as per your liking. For instance, you can switch out the bourbon for whiskey or rum.
- You can also use honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
- If you want to add more veggies, try adding some bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet while cooking the salmon.
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can also bake the salmon in the oven at 375°F for around 20 minutes.
- Instead of green onions, feel free to use red onions or shallots.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some fresh herbs such as dill or parsley.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon?
Here are some delicious side dishes that will pair perfectly with Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon:
- Rice: Serve the salmon with a side of steamed rice to soak up the amazing flavors.
- Salad: Enjoy your Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon with a fresh salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Fruits: A medley of fruits such as pineapple, mango, or pomegranate will add a juicy sweetness to the dish.
- Veggies: Grilled vegetables are the perfect sidekick for this delicious salmon dish. Try adding asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for some extra texture and flavor.
- Potatoes: Roast or mashed potatoes are always a great pairing for salmon.
- Bread: Toast some crusty bread and enjoy it with your grilled salmon for a hearty meal.
- Sauces: For an even more flavorful meal, serve the salmon with a tangy sauce such as tzatziki or salsa verde.
How to store leftover Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon?
If you have any leftover Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure optimal quality and freshness, make sure to cool the salmon down completely before storing it.
You can also freeze the leftover salmon for up to 1 month. To do so, let the salmon cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure that it’s tightly sealed before placing it in your freezer.
When ready to eat, you can thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator or cook it directly from frozen using an oven or microwave.
You can also reheat leftover grilled salmon at room temperature by covering it with foil and baking it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. The salmon should be heated through before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon. However, it is recommended that they only consume salmon cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and avoid consuming raw or undercooked salmon.
It is also important for pregnant women to take extra precautions when handling raw seafood as they are more prone to food-borne illnesses. Make sure to properly clean and sanitize the surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards that come in contact with raw seafood.
Pregnant women should also be aware of their daily intake of mercury as some fish such as salmon may contain higher levels of mercury which can harm a developing baby. Therefore, it is best to limit consumption of these types of fish to 1-2 servings per week.
FAQs
How do you know when salmon is cooked?
You will know that the salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance. However, it is best to cook the salmon just before serving for optimal quality and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the fish with tofu or tempeh. You can also omit the soy sauce if desired and use another plant-based marinade for added flavor. Additionally, you can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to add sweetness to the dish.
Can I bake this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can bake Cheddar’s Grilled Salmon in the oven at 375°F for around 20 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t overcook. Enjoy!
I don’t have a marinade, can I skip this step?
Yes, you can skip the marinating step if desired. However, marinating will give your salmon a bit more flavor and tenderness. If you decide to skip this step, make sure to season your salmon generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help enhance the flavor of the dish.
Can I use other types of fish for this?
Yes, you can use other types of fish such as cod or halibut for this recipe. The cooking time may be slightly different depending on the type of fish but make sure to keep an eye on it and cook until the fish is cooked through. Enjoy!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out our Grilled Salmon Recipe! We hope you enjoyed making this delicious dish at home. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, and let us know how it goes!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We love hearing from our readers! Please share this article with your friends and family to spread the love.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
