Irresistible Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe: Sweet Citrus Magic

Sizzling pans and tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen with this mouthwatering orange glazed salmon recipe that promises a burst of citrusy delight.

Fresh salmon fillets meet a vibrant glaze that dances with sweet and zesty notes.

The combination of juicy orange and succulent fish creates a culinary experience that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rich, caramelized edges hint at the incredible flavor waiting to unfold on your plate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender fish and bright, punchy citrus.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.

Get ready to impress and indulge in a seafood sensation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Store Salmon Gently to Keep It Moist

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated salmon gently using low heat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of orange juice to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the fish's delicate flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Flexibility: Prepare extra salmon during cooking to use in salads, grain bowls, or quick lunch wraps. The orange glaze adds a delightful zesty flavor that transforms leftover fish into an exciting new meal option.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Orange Glazed Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Succulent ocean treasure that forms the heart of this dish, choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon with vibrant, firm flesh and minimal fishy odor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that awaken the salmon's natural richness and create a delightful seasoning foundation.

• Orange Juice, Honey, Soy Sauce: Magical trio that creates a sweet-tangy-umami glaze, opt for fresh-squeezed orange juice and pure honey for the most authentic flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds depth and complexity to the glaze, select plump, firm cloves with no green sprouts for maximum pungency.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent that transforms the glaze into a luxurious, clingy coating, ensuring every bite is perfectly sauced.

• Butter: Silky, rich element that provides a golden sear and adds a luxurious undertone to the salmon, choose unsalted for precise flavor control.

Tools for a Crisp Yet Juicy Salmon Finish

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking salmon and preparing the glaze, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and other glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for combining glaze ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Plate: Used to temporarily hold cooked salmon while preparing the glaze.
• Foil: Helpful for tenting salmon to keep it warm during glaze preparation.
• Cooking Tongs: Great for flipping salmon fillets carefully in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring honey, soy sauce, and other liquid ingredients.
• Spatula: Handy for spooning glaze over salmon and ensuring even coating.

How to Cook Salmon with Sweet Orange Glaze

Tangy Citrus Salmon Delight

• Pan Preparation Warm a large skillet with a touch of butter, creating a golden cooking surface ready for salmon.
• Salmon Seasoning Sprinkle salmon fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring a flavorful exterior before cooking.
• Salmon Cooking Place fillets skin-side up and sear until golden, then gently flip to cook through, watching for a perfect light pink center.
• Glaze Creation Combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in the same skillet, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together.
• Final Touch Drizzle the vibrant citrus sauce over the salmon, coating each piece with a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze.
• Plating Magic Transfer salmon to serving plates, garnishing with fresh orange segments and a sprinkle of herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Adjust the Citrus Profile to Fit Your Taste

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat that complements the sweet orange notes perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glaze mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Seafood Swap Secrets: Replace salmon with halibut or sea bass for an equally delicious alternative that works wonderfully with the citrusy glaze.
• Healthy Hack: Opt for a non-stick pan or use minimal butter to reduce overall fat content while maintaining the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Crispy Skin Strategy: Pat the salmon skin completely dry before cooking to ensure a delightfully crispy texture that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the dish.

Serve This Salmon for Any Season

• Citrus-Fresh Side Kick: Complement the salmon with a zesty mixed green salad tossed in a light orange vinaigrette, echoing the bright citrus notes of the glaze and adding refreshing crunch.
• Grain Harmony Plate: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or fragrant jasmine rice, which will absorb the delicious orange glaze and provide a perfect neutral base for the flavorful salmon.
• Roasted Veggie Companion: Add colorful roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts that caramelize beautifully and balance the rich, sweet-savory salmon with their own robust flavors.
• Elegant Wine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose light, acidic profile will cut through the salmon's richness and enhance the orange glaze's subtle sweetness.

Succulent Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable orange glazed salmon promises a symphony of citrus and seafood perfection from Pacific Northwest kitchens. Succulent fish meets zesty orange reduction, creating an elegant dinner sure to delight passionate cooks who discover complex flavors in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) salmon fillets
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed from approximately 1 orange)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch (whisked with 1 tsp water)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Season salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper, ensuring thorough coverage.
2. Searing: Heat skillet over medium-high flame, melt butter until surface becomes glossy, then place salmon skin-side up and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Cooking: Flip fillets and continue cooking until salmon reaches 145°F with an opaque center; transfer to a warm plate and tent with foil.
4. Glaze Creation: Reduce skillet temperature to medium, whisk orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch until mixture becomes smooth and integrated.
5. Sauce Development: Stir glaze continuously in skillet until it transforms into a slightly thickened, glossy consistency.
6. Finishing: Return salmon to pan, thoroughly coat with orange glaze, and ensure even coverage.
7. Presentation: Plate salmon immediately, drizzle remaining sauce, and garnish with fresh orange slices; serve alongside steamed vegetables or rice.

Notes

• Butter Technique: Melt butter completely at medium-high heat to create a perfect non-stick cooking surface that prevents salmon from sticking and promotes even caramelization.
• Salmon Seasoning: Use salt and pepper generously but evenly to enhance natural fish flavors without overpowering the delicate salmon texture.
• Temperature Precision: Cook salmon to exactly 145°F internal temperature to ensure safe consumption while maintaining a tender, juicy center without overcooking.
• Glaze Mastery: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy orange sauce that clings perfectly to the salmon, delivering balanced sweet and tangy flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg