Whiskey-Glazed Salmon with Champ Mash
Pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy whiskey glaze, served atop a creamy and comforting Champ – mashed potatoes infused with scallions and butter. A sophisticated yet accessible dish that celebrates Irish flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 x 150g Salmon fillets(skin on or off)
- 1 kg Potatoes(starchy, like Maris Piper or Rooster, peeled and quartered)
- 4 spring onions Scallions(finely chopped, white and green parts)
- 100 g Butter(divided)
- 150 ml Milk(warmed)
- 1 tsp Salt(plus more for boiling water)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 50 ml Irish whiskey
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- 2
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the whiskey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in the lemon juice and set aside.
- 3
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Heat the olive oil and 25g of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- 5
Flip the salmon fillets. Brush generously with the whiskey glaze. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- 6
While the salmon is in the oven, drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot to dry out for a minute. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the warmed milk, remaining 75g of butter, and chopped scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Beat vigorously until light and fluffy to create the Champ.
- 7
To serve, spoon a generous portion of Champ onto each plate. Top with a whiskey-glazed salmon fillet.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality Irish whiskey for the best flavor in the glaze.
- ✓Don't overwork the mashed potatoes, or they can become gluey.
- ✓Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon for a good sear.
🔄 Variations
- Add a touch of honey to the whiskey glaze for extra sweetness.
- Serve with steamed green beans or a simple side salad.
- If you don't have whiskey, a good quality Irish stout can be used as a base for the glaze, though the flavor will be different.