Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping seafood dish that comes together in only 25 minutes, look no further than Orange Glazed Salmon. This bright, glossy salmon is pan-seared to perfection, then hugged with a sweet, tangy orange glaze that feels both restaurant-worthy and weeknight-friendly. With the harmonious balance of honey, garlic, citrus, and soy, each bite is buttery, flaky, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving family dinner or entertaining guests, Orange Glazed Salmon is your ticket to rave reviews with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that you only need a handful of pantry staples and one juicy orange to turn simple salmon into something absolutely delightful. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing either flavor, color, or texture that makes Orange Glazed Salmon a repeat favorite at my table.

• Butter: Adds richness to the sear and gives the salmon a delicious, golden brown exterior.
• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or thawed skin-on salmon for the best texture; this is your centerpiece, so quality matters!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing forward the natural flavors of the fish.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze it yourself for the brightest, freshest citrus flavor that really makes the glaze pop.
• Honey: Lends gorgeous sweetness and a delightful sticky texture to the glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle savory undertone and a hint of umami that balances the citrus notes.
• Garlic: Two cloves minced give just the right punch of aromatic depth without overpowering the glaze.
• Cornstarch (optional): Whisked with water to create a quick slurry, this helps the glaze cling to the salmon for extra lusciousness.

How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat — you want the pan hot enough to give your salmon fillets a gorgeous, golden sear but not so hot that the butter burns. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side up to get that beautiful color. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes until the tops are perfectly browned.

Step 2: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip your salmon fillets and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. The result: juicy, flaky salmon that’s never dry. Once done, gently transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep everything warm and tender.

Step 3: Mix the Orange Glaze

While the salmon rests, it’s time to make that irresistible Orange Glazed Salmon signature sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the cornstarch slurry if you like a thicker glaze. It smells fantastic already—zesty and sweet with a little savory punch.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Return your skillet to medium heat. Pour the orange glaze mixture into the same pan (all those little browned bits left from the salmon will make your sauce even better). Whisk gently as it heats through; if using the cornstarch, watch as the glaze thickens noticeably in under a minute, becoming shiny and luscious.

Step 5: Coat the Salmon

Finally, nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet and spoon that gorgeous glaze over the top. The fish soaks up all the sweetness and tang—each fillet becoming a glossy, citrus-drenched masterpiece. Add a few extra orange slices if you’re feeling fancy, then serve right from the pan to the plate.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

Fresh, vibrant garnishes make Orange Glazed Salmon as beautiful as it is delicious. I love topping mine with extra orange slices or zest for a pop of color, or a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a garden-fresh finish. Even a light sprinkle of sesame seeds can add the perfect little crunch to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair Orange Glazed Salmon with fluffy steamed rice or a bed of quinoa to catch all that glossy sauce. Roasted asparagus, broccolini, or snap peas round out the plate nicely for both color and texture. If you love a touch of crunch, a simple slaw or crisp green salad is a lovely, refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky-sweet fish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Orange Glazed Salmon family style—set it on a platter with orange wheels and sprigs of fresh herbs, letting everyone help themselves. Or slice the salmon into smaller portions and serve over crostini for a chic appetizer. Lining the fillets atop a citrusy arugula salad is another showstopper way to make the dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Orange Glazed Salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep for up to 2 to 3 days, making for a fabulous lunch the next day. The glaze may set up a bit in the fridge, but the flavors get even more pronounced.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon in a tightly sealed container for up to a month, though the texture of the glaze may change a little after thawing. For best results, freeze the salmon and glaze separately if possible. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy future dinner.

Reheating

To reheat Orange Glazed Salmon, place it in a covered baking dish and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and use 50 percent power in short bursts to avoid drying out the fish. Spooning a little extra orange juice or sauce over the top helps restore moisture and shine.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While freshly squeezed juice gives the brightest citrus flavor, high-quality store-bought orange juice works in a pinch. Just opt for 100% juice without added sugar, and your Orange Glazed Salmon will still be delicious.

Is there a substitute for honey?

If you’re out of honey or prefer another sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes. Both will offer a subtle twist on the traditional flavor profile while maintaining a lovely sticky glaze.

What if my glaze isn’t thickening?

If your orange glaze isn’t thickening, double-check that you’ve added the cornstarch slurry. Make sure your pan is hot enough when you pour in the glaze—heat helps activate the cornstarch. If needed, add a touch more cornstarch and whisk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Definitely! Place the seasoned salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with the orange glaze, and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Baste once or twice with more glaze while baking for extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, this Orange Glazed Salmon is gluten free if you use gluten free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Orange Glazed Salmon enough for anyone who wants to enjoy a flavorful, beautiful meal in under half an hour. It’s vibrant, comforting, and always impresses, even on the busiest weeknights. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!

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