The Best Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Crafting a delectable orange glazed salmon takes mere minutes and transforms your weeknight dinner into something special.

Bright citrus notes dance perfectly with rich, flaky fish in this simple yet elegant dish.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal ingredients create maximum flavor.

Sweet and tangy orange glaze caramelizes beautifully over tender salmon fillets, creating an irresistible golden crust.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of zesty orange juice elevate this protein-packed meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

quick marinades infuse deep, complex flavors without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine and maritime freshness that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Dive into this restaurant-quality recipe that looks impressive but requires practically zero culinary expertise.

Why People Love Quick & Easy Orange Glazed Salmon

• Transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience with a vibrant, tangy orange glaze that makes salmon irresistibly delicious.
• Skip multiple dishes and complicated techniques by using a single skillet that goes from stovetop to oven, making cleanup a breeze and cooking process smooth.
• Enjoy a heart-healthy protein packed with omega-3 fatty acids, complemented by a bright citrus glaze that adds both taste and nutritional value to your meal.

Quick & Easy Orange Glazed Salmon Ingredient Breakdown

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish with rich, buttery flavor perfect for glazing.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright citrus base for the sauce.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Brings savory depth to the orange glaze.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic complexity to the flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Enhances citrus notes with intense orange essence.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing salmon's natural taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and creating golden exterior.
• Cornstarch, Water: Optional thickening agent for glaze consistency.

Simple Instructions for Quick & Easy Orange Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Sprinkle your salmon fillets with a generous pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Grab a trusty oven-safe skillet and splash in some olive oil.

Heat it up until it’s dancing with medium-high energy.

Slide those salmon fillets into the pan, skin-side up, and let them sear until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Flip them over and give the other side a quick 2-minute sizzle.

Step 3: Craft the Tangy Glaze

• Fresh orange juice
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Orange zest

Bring this flavor party to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble and mingle for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Want it extra thick?

Whisk together some cornstarch and water, then stir it into the glaze until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Glaze and Prepare

Drizzle that vibrant orange glaze all over the seared salmon.

Transfer the entire skillet into the waiting oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Let the salmon bake for 8-10 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes – this helps lock in all those incredible juices.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Tips to Perfect Quick & Easy Orange Glazed Salmon

• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Watch salmon closely during baking to maintain moisture; it's done when it easily flakes with a fork and has a slightly translucent center.
• Use a hot skillet and pat salmon dry before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.
• Adjust honey and orange juice ratio to control glaze intensity, ensuring a perfect blend of tangy and sweet notes without overwhelming the salmon.
• Incorporate fresh orange zest to enhance the citrus profile and add bright, aromatic undertones to the entire dish.

Keeping Your Orange Glazed Salmon Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture between each interval.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or orange glaze to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with Orange Glazed Salmon

• Elevate Orange Glazed Salmon with Perfect Pairings
• Complement Citrus Flavors: Serve a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright, zesty notes that mirror the orange glaze's tangy profile and cut through the salmon's richness.
• Match Herbal Sides: Prepare roasted asparagus with fresh dill or parsley, creating a complementary green accompaniment that enhances the dish's fresh, light Mediterranean feel.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Create a quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds and dried cranberries, adding nutty complexity and subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the orange glaze's caramelized undertones.
• Refresh with Salad: Craft a light mixed greens salad featuring orange segments, thinly sliced red onions, and a light citrus vinaigrette to echo the salmon's bright flavor profile.

Easy Variations of Orange Glazed Salmon

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari to cut salt content while maintaining umami flavor. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added seasoning.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap honey with sugar-free monk fruit sweetener. Use extra orange zest and a splash of orange extract to enhance citrus notes without adding carbohydrates. Ensure all ingredients align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.
• Grilling Alternative: Instead of oven-baking, grill salmon over medium-high heat. Brush orange glaze during final 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Use cedar plank for smoky flavor enhancement and prevent sticking.
• Dairy-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are dairy-free. Double-check honey and soy sauce brands. Consider adding ginger or chili flakes for additional flavor complexity without dairy components.

FAQs

• Is it okay to use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

• Can I substitute honey in the glaze?

Absolutely! You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor but maintain the glaze’s sweetness and consistency.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are excellent choices. They have rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during searing and baking. Skin-on fillets are recommended for better presentation and moisture retention.

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

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should look opaque and slightly translucent in the center, not raw or overly white and dry.

Quick & Easy Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful orange glazed salmon elevates seafood dinner with zesty citrus magic. Succulent fish meets tangy glaze, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)

Seasoning and Cooking Fat:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orange Glaze Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch mixture, optional for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth.
3. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side up into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes.
4. Flip the fillets and sear the opposite side for an additional 2 minutes to lock in flavor and create a crisp exterior.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and orange zest over medium heat.
6. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring periodically until the glaze transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
7. If a more substantial glaze is desired, whisk cornstarch with water and incorporate into the simmering sauce, stirring until it reaches the perfect viscosity.
8. Generously drizzle the vibrant orange glaze over the seared salmon fillets directly in the skillet.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon becomes perfectly tender and easily flakes with a gentle fork press.
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and presentation.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest to enhance the citrusy notes and create a more aromatic glaze.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, moist texture.
• For a low-carb option, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg