Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn just 15 minutes, you can whip up a dinner that delights the senses and clears the dining table of fast food—enter my Quick & Simple Orange Glazed Salmon. This recipe combines the refreshing sweetness of orange juice with savory soy sauce, creating a glossy glaze that transforms tender salmon fillets into a family favorite. With only five ingredients, it’s not only a breeze to prepare, but it’s also a solid choice for busy weeknights when you want to impress without dedicating hours to cooking. Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a wholesome option that everyone will love. Are you ready to join me in the kitchen and experience the magic of citrus on fish? Why is This Salmon Recipe a Winner? Simplicity: This recipe is refreshingly easy, allowing you to create a gourmet meal with just five basic ingredients—and in only 15 minutes! Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty orange juice and savory soy sauce creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that your entire family will rave about. Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and gluten-free, this dish aligns perfectly with a health-conscious lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Versatile Pairing: Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes for a complete meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious. Weeknight Winner: Ready in a flash, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying dinner without the fast-food pitstop. Dive into your culinary adventure and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home! Orange Glazed Salmon Ingredients For the Glaze • Butter – Adds richness and aids in cooking; use olive oil for a dairy-free option. • Orange Juice – Provides acidity and sweetness; freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor. • Honey – Adds additional sweetness and helps in creating a glaze; substitute maple syrup for a vegan alternative. • Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness; tamari is great for a gluten-free variant. • Garlic – Enhances flavor with aromatic notes. For the Salmon • Salmon Fillets – The main protein providing a strong, flaky texture; wild-caught Pacific salmon is preferred for health benefits. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to enhance the overall flavor; adjust according to taste. Optional • Cornstarch – Used for thickening the glaze; omit for a thinner sauce. Embark on a culinary journey with this Orange Glazed Salmon—it’s not just a meal, but an experience that wraps your family in comforting, delicious flavors! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Orange Glazed Salmon Step 1: Heat the Skillet In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering. This is the perfect time to get your skillet nicely prepped for the salmon, ensuring a beautiful sear to start the Orange Glazed Salmon perfectly. Step 2: Season & Cook Salmon Generously season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them skin-side up in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The salmon should be flaky and warm throughout when done. Step 3: Rest Salmon Remove the cooked salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent them lightly with foil to keep warm while you prepare the decadent glaze. This resting step will help retain the salmon’s moisture and flavor, ensuring each bite is succulent in the Orange Glazed Salmon dish. Step 4: Prepare the Sauce In the same skillet, maintain the medium heat and add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk these together for about 30-60 seconds, until heated through. The wonderful aromas will start to fill your kitchen, getting you excited for the next steps. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional) If you prefer a thicker glaze for your Orange Glazed Salmon, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the glaze becoming shiny and thick, ideal for coating. Step 6: Coat Salmon Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, gently tossing them in the glaze to ensure they are evenly coated. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and create a deliciously sticky glaze. You can also add orange slices at this point for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Step 7: Serve Once coated, transfer the salmon to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. The vibrant colors and aromatic glaze will invite everyone to dig in. Serve your exquisite Orange Glazed Salmon warm, perhaps alongside steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes for a complete family dinner. What to Serve with Orange Glazed Salmon Elevate your dinner experience by pairing this stunning dish with sides that harmonize beautifully with its vibrant flavors. Steamed Broccoli: The earthy crunch of broccoli complements the sweetness of the glaze, adding a nutritious touch to your meal. Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender asparagus tossed in garlic butter brings a refined, luxurious flavor that balances the citrusy notes of the salmon. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs and lemon provides a nutty, wholesome contrast to the sweet glaze. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer a rustic texture, perfectly absorbing the delicious sauce left on the plate. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with mint and yogurt adds a cool element that counteracts the richness of the salmon. Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish with its crisp acidity and fruity undertones, pairing wonderfully with the orange glaze. Lemon Sorbet: Finish off your meal with a zesty lemon sorbet that offers a light, palate-cleansing sweetness, echoing the citrus notes throughout the dinner. Make Ahead Options These delicious Orange Glazed Salmon fillets are perfect for meal prep! You can season the salmon with salt and pepper and store it wrapped tightly in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s ready to cook when you are. Additionally, you can prepare the glaze by whisking together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To finish, just heat up the glaze in the skillet, cook your salmon, and toss it in the sauce for a quick and deeply flavorful meal. This way, you save time without sacrificing taste—making dinnertime a breeze on busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Orange Glazed Salmon • Perfect Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach 145°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. • Fresh Juice Matters: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the glaze; bottled juice can lack flavor and freshness, dulling the dish. • Don’t Overcook: Salmon can dry out quickly; keep an eye on cooking times and remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. • Enhance the Glaze: For a deeper flavor in your Orange Glazed Salmon, consider adding a splash of ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. • Resting is Key: Allow the cooked salmon to rest under foil before serving. This helps to lock in moisture, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. • Presentation Counts: Garnish with fresh herbs or slices of orange to elevate the visual appeal, making your meal as inviting as it is delicious! How to Store and Freeze Orange Glazed Salmon Fridge: Store leftover Orange Glazed Salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out. Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to keep it moist. Cover and cook until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Room Temperature: If serving leftovers, ensure they don’t sit out for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone of 40°F to 140°F. Orange Glazed Salmon Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore different twists on this recipe that will delight your taste buds and suit your dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil for a creamy texture without dairy. Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup to keep the glaze sweet and plant-based. Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain that delectable umami flavor. Adding Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha to give your glaze a spicy kick! Add Freshness: Toss in some fresh ginger for a zesty aroma that complements the orange beautifully. Vegetable Boost: Include vegetables like asparagus or zucchini in the skillet for a colorful, nutritious one-pan meal. Switch Proteins: Swap out salmon with trout or halibut for a different yet equally delicious seafood experience. Citrus Variations: Experiment with lime or grapefruit juice instead of orange for a fresh spin on the glaze. If you’re curious to try a different flavor profile, why not take a look at my incredible Honey Glazed Salmon or explore the zesty notes in Spicy Salmon Bowls? There’s no limit to the deliciousness you can create! Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe oranges for juice? Absolutely! Look for oranges that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can signal overripeness. Freshly squeezed juice greatly enhances the flavor of the glaze, so opt for the best oranges you can find! How long can I store leftover Orange Glazed Salmon? You can store leftover Orange Glazed Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat gently to maintain its moisture. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it! What’s the best way to freeze Orange Glazed Salmon? To freeze, first wrap the salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture. Can I reheat the salmon, and how? Yes, you can! To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or orange juice to help keep it moist. Cover and heat gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This way, your Orange Glazed Salmon will remain tender and delicious! Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! This Orange Glazed Salmon is gluten-free as long as you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. If you have allergies or are cooking for someone with dietary concerns, always check labels on ingredients like honey and soy sauce for allergens. Plus, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option! What should I do if my glaze is too thin? If you find your glaze is too thin, don’t worry! Simply make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the sauce while it’s still on the heat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust it to match your taste preferences, and you’ll have the perfect glaze for your Orange Glazed Salmon! Delicious Orange Glazed Salmon for a Quick Family Dinner Delight in this Orange Glazed Salmon, a quick and nutritious dinner option that transforms tender salmon with a sweet and savory glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 filletsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Glaze1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for dairy-free1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed2 tablespoons honey substitute maple syrup for vegan2 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free2 cloves garlic mincedFor the Salmon4 fillets salmon wild-caught Pacific preferredto taste salt for seasoningto taste pepper for seasoningOptional1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening the glaze Equipment SkilletWhiskMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsTongs Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Orange Glazed SalmonIn a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering.Generously season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them skin-side up in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.Remove the cooked salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent them lightly with foil to keep warm.In the same skillet, maintain the medium heat and add orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk together for about 30-60 seconds until heated through.If a thicker glaze is preferred, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, gently tossing them in the glaze to ensure they are evenly coated. Optional: add orange slices for flavor.Transfer the salmon to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm, perhaps alongside steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes. Nutrition Serving: 1filletCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 23gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesCheck the internal temperature of the salmon; it should reach 145°F for safety. Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
