Honey-Kissed Orange Salmon Recipe: A Fresh Dinner Win

Succulent salmon meets a vibrant citrus twist in this mouthwatering orange glazed salmon recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The bright, zesty glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Fresh orange juice and a hint of honey infuse the fish with a delightful warmth and depth.

Tender, flaky salmon provides the ideal canvas for this spectacular glaze that elevates every single bite.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each forkful delivers a burst of citrusy brightness that will make your dinner feel like a gourmet restaurant treat.

This recipe guarantees a delicious meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant weekend dining.

What Makes Orange Glazed Salmon Special

• Easy, Delicious Dinner Solution
• Prepare a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee success every single time.
• Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, tangy orange glaze combined with rich, tender salmon that creates an irresistible taste experience that will wow your taste buds.
• Pack your plate with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, delivering a protein-packed meal that's both delicious and incredibly nutritious for the whole family.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single skillet for cooking salmon and creating the mouthwatering glaze, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Ingredients for Orange Glazed Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that provides a rich and delicate flavor base for the recipe.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust on the salmon while preventing sticking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon and creating a well-balanced taste.

• Orange Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy foundation for the glaze and adds a tangy sweetness.
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating for the salmon.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a savory umami element to the glaze.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic note that complements the fish and other glaze ingredients.

• Cornstarch: Helps to quickly thicken the glaze and create a more consistent sauce texture.

• Fresh Orange Slices, Green Onions, Parsley: Provides a fresh, colorful finishing touch and additional layer of flavor.

Cooking Orange Glazed Salmon Simply

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Heat skillet over medium-high heat.

Add butter or olive oil until melted.

Season salmon with salt and pepper.

Place fillets skin-side up in pan.

Cook without moving for 3-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.

Step 2: Complete Salmon Cooking

Flip salmon and cook additional 3-4 minutes.

Check internal temperature reaches 145°F using meat thermometer.

Remove salmon from pan and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare Citrus Glaze

Reduce heat to medium.

• Orange juice
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Cornstarch

Simmer sauce for one minute until slightly thickened, capturing browned pan bits.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Return salmon to pan.

Coat fillets completely with glaze.

• Fresh orange slices
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped parsley

Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Tips for Sweet & Savory Salmon

• Watch salmon closely and remove from heat when it reaches 145°F to maintain its tender, moist texture without becoming dry or tough.
• Deglaze the pan with salmon drippings when making the glaze to capture rich, caramelized bits that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Choose high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and a bright, clean smell for the best cooking results and most vibrant flavor.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to control sauce thickness – less for a lighter drizzle, more for a thicker, clinging glaze that coats the fish beautifully.
• Experiment with orange juice-to-honey ratio to create a personalized glaze that matches your preferred sweet-to-acidic balance.

How to Store Glazed Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each fillet separately to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Carefully place cooled salmon in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon stays good for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.
• If using microwave, heat salmon in short 30-second intervals at 50% power. Add a splash of water or extra glaze to keep fish moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Perfect Pairings for Orange Glazed Salmon

• Elevate Salmon's Flavor Profile: Pair with crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the citrusy orange glaze, cutting through the fish's richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Balanced Side Dish: Serve alongside herbed quinoa or wild rice pilaf, which will absorb the tangy glaze and provide a nutritious, textural contrast to the tender salmon.
• Match Complementary Freshness: Add a light mixed green salad with segments of fresh orange and a light vinaigrette to echo the dish's citrus undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance Dining Experience: Select a chilled sparkling water with a twist of orange or a light ginger ale to mirror the recipe's bright, sweet-savory flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Twists on Orange Glazed Salmon

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or avocado oil for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Fusion: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or stevia, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the glazed texture.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Substitute regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to cut down on salt without sacrificing the umami depth.
• Pescatarian Protein Swap: Replace salmon with firm white fish like halibut or cod for those preferring different seafood options while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 145°F at the thickest part, your salmon is perfectly done. The fish should also look opaque and flake easily with a fork.

• Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the glaze?

Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the sauce quickly. If you don’t have it, you can skip it – the glaze will still be delicious, just slightly thinner.

• What if I don't have fresh orange juice?

You can use store-bought orange juice or even substitute with fresh lemon or mandarin juice. The key is to have a citrusy liquid that adds brightness to the glaze.

Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Orange Glazed Salmon brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with zesty citrus notes. Elegant seafood meets simple ingredients, promising a quick and delightful meal packed with tangy, sweet essence that elevates your culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound salmon fillets

Seasoning:

• Salt
• Pepper

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water (for cornstarch mixture)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or olive oil until melted. The choice between butter and olive oil impacts the dish’s richness and health profile.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place skin-side up in the hot pan. Allow the fish to develop a golden crust without moving, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3. Carefully flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from pan and cover with foil to retain warmth.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch directly in the pan. Capture the caramelized salmon remnants for enhanced flavor.
5. Simmer the glaze for approximately one minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a glossy consistency.
6. Return salmon to the skillet, gently coating each fillet with the vibrant orange glaze. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
7. Transfer glazed salmon to serving plates and garnish with fresh orange slices, chopped green onions, or parsley for a visually appealing and aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by selecting fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for best results.
• Prevent sticking by ensuring skillet is properly heated and using non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, typically 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
• Customize glaze sweetness by experimenting with different honey varieties or maple syrup as alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg