If you’re craving the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, you’re going to fall in love with this Orange Glazed Salmon. This dish effortlessly transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal, thanks to its irresistibly glossy citrus sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings a little sunshine to your table—one bite at a time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The orange juice pairs beautifully with honey and garlic, creating a glaze that’s bright, vibrant, and never overpowering.
- Weeknight Friendly: The entire Orange Glazed Salmon comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The glossy orange glaze gives your salmon an eye-catching look that will turn any meal into a special occasion.
- Naturally Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3s, this salmon recipe is as good for you as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Orange Glazed Salmon is just how simple the ingredients are—every single one adds a special layer of flavor and texture. Don’t skip any of them; each is essential for that luscious, bright, savory glaze and perfectly cooked fish.
- Butter: Richly coats the pan and salmon, adding flavor and a beautiful sear. You can swap for olive oil if preferred!
- Salmon Fillets: The main attraction—choose firm, fresh fillets for the best results. Atlantic or wild-caught work beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that unlock the natural taste of the salmon and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is key for bright, zesty flavor and that signature hint of sweetness.
- Honey: A drizzle ties everything together with a mellow sweetness and helps create that gorgeous, sticky glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami—don’t worry, it won’t taste too salty, just perfectly balanced!
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a subtle kick and savory aroma to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (optional): For a thicker, more luxurious glaze—totally optional, but highly recommended if you love a sticky sauce.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Orange Glazed Salmon truly your own! You can tailor the flavors, adjust to dietary needs, or just let your creativity lead—all with delicious results.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a subtle, punchy heat.
- Maple Citrus Glaze: Swap out honey for maple syrup for a deeper, earthier sweetness that’s just as delightful.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce for a completely gluten-free version without sacrificing any flavor.
- Lime or Lemon Substitution: Try lime or lemon juice for a different citrus flair—equally bright and tangy!
How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Start by heating your butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan gets hot, season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here, seasoning is key! Place the fillets into the skillet, skin side up, and let them sizzle for 3–5 minutes until the surface is gorgeously golden. Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and just cooked through. Once done, transfer to a plate and gently tent with foil while you make that incredible glaze.
Step 2: Whisk the Orange Glaze
Lower the heat to medium and, in a small bowl, whisk together your freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch slurry (if you love a thick glaze). Pour this mixture into the same pan you cooked the salmon in—yes, all those yummy browned bits in the pan are flavor gold! Stir the glaze for 30–60 seconds, letting it bubble and thicken into a beautiful, shiny sauce.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, gently spooning and basting them with the orange glaze. Let them soak up all that bright, zesty flavor for a minute or two. If you like, add a few fresh orange slices to the pan for an extra pop of color and citrus aroma. Your Orange Glazed Salmon is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Orange Glazed Salmon
- Sear Like a Pro: Always fully preheat your skillet—this locks in the salmon’s juices and creates that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Fresh Orange Upgrade: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a natural zing and more aromatic glaze than store-bought juice.
- Customizing the Thickness: If you like your glaze thick and glossy, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it only takes a few seconds to transform the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Pull the salmon off the heat as soon as it flakes easily; overcooked fish loses moisture and can taste dry.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon
Garnishes
Add an extra splash of color and freshness with thin orange slices, chopped chives, or fresh parsley scattered over your Orange Glazed Salmon just before serving. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also gives a gentle crunch and visual flair that makes your plate pop!
Side Dishes
This dish is a match made in heaven with fluffy jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or nutty quinoa. For veggies, try roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a zippy arugula salad—these sides soak up the gorgeous orange glaze and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Orange Glazed Salmon atop a bed of greens for an elegant dinner party plate, or nestle the fillets into steamed rice bowls with a medley of colorful veggies. For family-style, arrange everything on a platter with extra orange slices and a drizzle of leftover glaze—so inviting and easy to share!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store your Orange Glazed Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2–3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or meal prep.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked salmon! Let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil (or pop into a freezer-safe bag). It’ll keep well for up to a month—just note that the glaze may thin out a bit after thawing, but flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, place salmon in a covered baking dish and warm gently at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the fillets moist and prevents the glaze from scorching. Microwave works in a pinch—just go low and slow to keep the fish tender!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen salmon for Orange Glazed Salmon?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw your salmon fillets in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and get that delicious sear.
-
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the glaze?
No, the cornstarch is completely optional. It simply thickens the orange glaze, making it more luscious and sticky. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to skip it—the flavor will still be amazing!
-
Can I make this Orange Glazed Salmon in the oven instead of on the stove?
Definitely! You can roast seasoned salmon fillets at 400°F until nearly done, then spoon over the orange glaze for the last few minutes of baking. Finish under the broiler for a glossy finish if you like.
-
What can I use instead of honey for the glaze?
Maple syrup works beautifully as a honey substitute, offering a slightly earthier sweetness. Agave nectar is another great option if you’re looking for something plant-based or lower in glycemic index.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine, this Orange Glazed Salmon is truly a must-try. Each bite is sweet, savory, citrusy, and just a little bit special. I can’t wait for you to experience how easy—and how delicious—it is, so gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Print
Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Orange Glazed Salmon recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The succulent salmon is pan-seared to perfection and then coated with a luscious orange glaze that is both tangy and rich.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Orange Glazed Salmon:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed from approximately 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (whisked with 1 teaspoon water, optional for a thicker glaze)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet, skin side up, for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Make Glaze: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch slurry. Cook until hot and thickened.
- Coat Salmon: Return cooked salmon to the skillet and coat with the orange glaze. Add orange slices if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze-like sauce, use the optional cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, omit the slurry.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
