Broiled Salmon with Dr Pepper Glaze, Steamed Broccoli, and Couscous Salad
Dr Pepper is a pretty interesting drink (yes, these are the things I find interesting, lol!).
Maybe that’s because it supposedly got its name from a love affair (it wasn’t the name of the girl though – popular belief is that it was the name of her father!). Or maybe it’s because there’s so much speculation as to what its 23 flavors are (yup, you read that right, 23 flavors). Or it could be because this drink has been the stuff legends are made of. (Since around 1930, rumor has held that it contains prune juice…while the Dr Pepper company keeps the ingredient list secret, it has explicitly stated that there is in fact no prune juice.)
No matter what, it is without a doubt one of my favorite soft drinks, and probably the one I drink most often (which says a lot since I can count on both hands the number of times I drink soda in a year).
One day I had a little bit of Dr Pepper leftover in my fridge…you know, the bottom of the bottle that no one really wants to drink since it’s gone a little flat? (Sure I could have dumped it down the drain…but where’s the fun in that? ;) ) I decided I wanted to make it into a glaze, so I raided the pantry for spices and this was what I came up with.
This glaze is a bit reminiscent of teriyaki sauce, but spicier and with different flavor nuances. You can use it for grilling or broiling beef, chicken, fish, or even veggies.
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and cracked
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and cut in half
- 1-inch piece cinnamon stick
- 2 pods cardamom, cracked
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer (uncovered) until reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, and transfer to a clean jar.
- Cool to room temperature, and then store in the fridge.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
I am just starting to like salmon but it has to be cooked just right and this sounds really good! I will have to give it a try!
How interesting, a Dr. Pepper glaze! Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who finds Dr. Pepper interesting as well ;). I\’m easily amused by anything. Teehee. I used to be a huge soft drink fan, but have cut down a lot. So needless to say, I love this glaze. Sounds interesting and yummy. Will definitely have to keep this one in mind.
Oh, it was a bit since I last had a look at your blog, and now it’s much better! Good job, amazing! As for Dr Pepper, in Italy we don’t have it, but it sounds very misterious and… delicious!
What a unique and creative glaze…I would never have though of Dr Pepper, or any soda for that matter. Sounds pretty darn good though!
this is indeed an inspired use for Dr. Pepper–and the results look terrific on that salmon fillet.
I’ve heard of using cola or Dr. Pepper on baked ham but never salmon. I love it!
fact: dr pepper is my favorite soda of all time. i obviously have it on hand much of the time, yet i’ve never used it for anything other than to wet my whistle. great post, faith!
I’ve been to the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. Really a fun trip for a day. We were also able to make a side trip to another local museum to see the world’s largest collection of barbed wire. I’ve great pics from then.
Your glaze with the other ingredients makes this look like an East-meets-West fish. It sounds thrilling.
I love Dr. Pepper. I seldom drink sodas, but for me it’s either Coke or Dr. Pepper. I do remember the mystery of it when it came out way back when. My brother in law cooks ribs in Dr. Pepper and they are delicious. This glaze looks delicious as well- there’s a flavor in that soft drink that you just can’t find anywhere else! :)
What a brilliant idea! And I love that you used something that would normally be discarded to make a fabulous glaze for your salmon! It sounds wonderful!
OMG..Faith..what a nice styling of salmon..I need some tips, friends.Love the glaze with Dr Pepper..I m not a big fan of it but husband is ..so this recipe will be tried for him :)
Have a nice day!
Dr. Pepper glaze is interesting!
Just saw the pictures of your Middle east vacation…lovely. Seems you enjoyed and had loads of fun there! How is your project going? (Book)
Sanjeeta, My book is coming along very well…and thank you, you are so sweet for asking!
Well, a Pepsi glaze works beautifully on a baked ham, so why not salmon? Super idea, Faith. Love all the flavors in your glaze too. I usually poach, but think I better try this lovely recipe next.
I’m a Dr. Pepper fanatic so I look forward to trying out this glaze!
It sounds delicious!
Very clever, especially with salmon.
Don’t know about Dr Pepper, but the glaze sounds terrific!
I like, I like! I’d also heard that Dr. Pepper was flavored with prune juice so thanks for helping clear that up for me. Now I wonder what IS in there! It’s been a favorite of mine since high school but I seem to have developed an aversion to it and go for Pepsi or cream soda instead. But I know I’d like this glaze–you are brill!
Either I am late, but love the new look and blog design. What an unusual glaze but I can see it working. I do like Dr Pepper too but induldge rarely.
Lovely! I don’t drink much soda either but I think I could drink up a Dr. Pepper for the sole purpose having this glaze on hand. Nice job Faith!
We had salmon for lunch so I wish I’d seen this before! We’ve made a root beer glaze once which I think was in an Emeril Lagasse cookbook although I’m not positive but this Dr. Pepper one really sounds good!
This is a great use of leftover soda. I’ve used soda in a glaze I make for ham, but never thought of using it in one for fish. It’s a great idea. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
I have never heard of a drink called Dr Pepper, don’think you can get it in France or the UK for that matter. Otherwise the meal looks delicious. Diane
So you’re a Pepper?
I would cook with it for sure, looks fantastic glaze on the salmon! Great idea for the glaze! But I’m not a Pepper, I’m Coca Cola, it’s the Real Thing! LOL!
Lovely healthy plate of meal, looks delicious.
I agree- Im not sure what it is about the flavor or Dr. Pepper, but it is very good. Using it as a glaze is a fun idea!
I’m not really the biggest dr. pepper lover (though I do love the cherry vanilla version!) but I imagine I’d love it in glaze form. In general, the idea of making a glaze out of leftover soda is awesome! Now I know what to do with my next bottom-of-the-bottle collection!
LOVE the new look! I’ve wanted to try Dr. Pepper chicken forever!
I love the idea of this glaze, I think the warm flavours from the Dr Pepper would make a fabulous glaze, come to think of it.
*kisses* HH
wow…interesting..
Tasty Appetite
It sounds delicious! Lovely with salmon.
Cheers,
Rosa