Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy seafood dish you can toss together in under half an hour, this Orange Glazed Salmon is about to become your new go-to recipe. Its vibrant orange glaze, kissed with honey and soy, clings beautifully to golden, flaky salmon for a sweet, savory, and citrusy entrée that’s as pretty on the plate as it is satisfying. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a single skillet, you’re just minutes away from a family-pleasing dinner that always feels a little bit special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Orange Glazed Salmon shine. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from building the irresistibly sticky sauce to giving the fish its gorgeous texture and flavor. No fuss, just essentials with big impact!

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the salmon sear perfectly golden brown.
• Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish; choose skin-on fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright, tangy citrus notes that define the glaze.
• Honey: Brings just enough sweetness to make the glaze glossy and irresistible.
• Soy Sauce: Infuses the glaze with deep umami flavor and a hint of saltiness.
• Garlic: A couple of fresh cloves add aromatic punch and savory complexity.
• Cornstarch (optional): Mixed with water to make a slurry for a thick, glossy sauce if you prefer.

How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Start by heating a generous tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling, season your salmon fillets all over with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side up in the pan, letting them develop a golden, crispy crust for 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, until the salmon reaches 145°F at the thickest part and is just cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate and loosely cover them with foil to keep them warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Glaze

With the salmon resting, lower the skillet heat to medium. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and, if you like your glaze thicker, the cornstarch slurry. Each ingredient adds real depth: the orange juice brings brightness, honey and soy create that crave-worthy sweet and savory duo, and garlic grounds everything with a savory kick.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour your glaze mixture into the same skillet—no need to wash it, those little browned bits left behind will boost the flavor even more. Stir constantly as it comes to a gentle bubble. If you’re using cornstarch, you’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully in about 30 to 60 seconds. Otherwise, you’ll get a silkier, more pourable glaze.

Step 4: Finish and Glaze the Salmon

Carefully return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the luscious orange glaze over them so every piece gets a glossy, flavorful coat. Let them warm together for a minute or two, just enough to marry the flavors. For extra flair, add a few fresh orange slices to the pan right at the end—they make the presentation pop and boost the citrus aroma.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Orange Glazed Salmon with paper-thin orange slices, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra color and zing. The garnish is your chance to make this dish as eye-catching as it is delicious—don’t hold back!

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs effortlessly with simple sidekicks like steamed jasmine rice, garlicky green beans, or a crisp butter lettuce salad. For something a bit heartier, try fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes, letting that sticky-sweet glaze trickle into every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the salmon into thick pieces and serve family-style on a platter surrounded by vibrant greens and zesty citrus wedges. Or, tuck pieces of Orange Glazed Salmon into warm grain bowls with quinoa, avocado, and cucumber for a modern, colorful lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Orange Glazed Salmon, let it cool to room temperature, then tuck it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 or 3 days, and savor those sweet-salty flavors in tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, although the glaze may lose a bit of its gloss. Wrap cooled salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

To keep the salmon tender, reheat it slowly—either in a low oven (around 325°F, covered with foil) or gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of fresh orange juice or water to loosen the glaze if needed and revive that luscious shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Orange Glazed Salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking so you get that perfect golden sear.

What can I substitute for honey if I don’t have any?

Maple syrup is a great substitute and adds a unique flavor twist, or you could use agave syrup for something a little lighter.

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan is hot and your butter is sizzling before adding the salmon. Let the fillets cook undisturbed for a few minutes so the crust can form and release naturally from the pan.

Is it necessary to use the cornstarch slurry?

Nope! The cornstarch just thickens the glaze for a sauce-like feel, but if you want a thinner, more pourable glaze, skip it and let the sauce stay a bit lighter.

Can I make Orange Glazed Salmon in the oven instead?

Definitely! Bake the seasoned salmon fillets at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, then brush with the thickened orange glaze in the last few minutes for a slightly different yet equally tasty result.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Glazed Salmon recipe is one of those weeknight winners that looks impressive, tastes spectacular, and takes barely any effort at all. I hope it brings a fresh burst of citrusy joy to your table—don’t be surprised if it becomes your favorite way to cook salmon, too!

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