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If you’ve been searching for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between vibrant citrus brightness and rich, tender fish, this Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe is ready to steal your heart. The luscious orange glaze offers a glossy, tangy-sweet coating that transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality dinner you’ll be bragging about all week long. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an absolute winner whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or an impressive dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen to add layers of flavor, a touch of sweetness, and just the right hint of herbal freshness. The essentials blend to create a sauce that’s both luscious and packed with bright character.
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for that perfect flaky texture after cooking.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the salmon.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This will thicken the glaze beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 teaspoon water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and prevents the salmon from sticking while pan-searing.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm and aromatic base to the glaze.
- ½ cup fresh orange juice: The star ingredient that infuses the salmon with bright citrus notes.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Balances the tang of the orange juice with natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings an umami punch and depth to the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary: Offers a fragrant herbal touch that complements the orange beautifully.
- Orange slices: For garnish, lending a fresh and colorful pop to the final plate.
How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Salmon
Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, which brings the fish’s natural flavors to life and prepares it for that glossy orange glaze to shine.
Step 2: Mix the Thickening Agent
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. This simple mixture will be your secret weapon for a perfectly thick and velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of salmon.
Step 3: Start Cooking the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve that irresistible crispness. Flip the fillets and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes before removing them from the pan and setting aside to rest.
Step 4: Build the Flavor in the Pan
Next, toss the minced garlic into the pan and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step wakes up the pan and lays down the foundation for your luscious glaze.
Step 5: Create the Orange Glaze
Pour in the fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and your cornstarch slurry. Let the mixture simmer, stirring gently, for about 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. Then stir in the minced rosemary and cook another 30 to 60 seconds to release its fragrant oils. This sauce should be bright, sticky, and downright irresistible.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish Cooking Your Salmon
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the orange glaze over the fillets. If the salmon needs a little more time to cook through, let it sizzle for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while basting. This final step ensures each bite is bursting with tangy-sweet, herb-infused flavor.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh orange slices placed atop or beside the fillets bring a burst of color and a fresh citrus aroma, making the presentation as delightful as the taste. A sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary or a touch of cracked black pepper can also add that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, bright sides such as steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a more substantial meal, fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa allow the flavors of the glaze to really shine and soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve your salmon on a large platter adorned with orange zest curls and sprigs of rosemary. Alternatively, plate individual servings alongside complementary vivid veggies to showcase the dish’s vibrant colors and make your table truly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The glaze tends to intensify overnight, making your second helping just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
While fresh is always best with salmon, you can freeze cooked fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or stored in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. To maintain the glaze’s texture and flavor, thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your salmon gently in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) or on the stovetop over low heat, spooning some extra glaze or a splash of orange juice to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice offers the brightest, most natural flavor, but in a pinch, 100% pure bottled orange juice will work fine. Just avoid anything with added sugars or preservatives to keep the glaze balanced.
Is it necessary to use skin-on salmon fillets?
Skin-on fillets help the salmon hold together during cooking and add a nice crisp texture. If you prefer skinless, just be extra gentle when flipping and serving to keep the fillets intact.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives that preserve the glaze’s sweetness and add their own unique flavor notes to the dish.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and feels slightly firm but still moist inside. With this recipe, the glaze also helps seal in juices, so keep an eye during the final cooking step to avoid overcooking.
Can this Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check the other ingredients to keep the dish naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Making this Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe is a joy from start to finish. It brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a dazzling dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Give it a try next time you want to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to something special—you won’t regret it!
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Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Glazed Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection in a flavorful, tangy orange glaze. Combining fresh orange juice, honey, garlic, and rosemary, this skillet-cooked dish offers a balance of sweetness and savory notes, making it a quick and impressive meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Orange Glaze
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- Orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the orange glaze later.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is partially cooked. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Orange Glaze: Pour in the fresh orange juice, then stir in honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and the prepared cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant. Add the minced rosemary and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds to release its aroma.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon the orange glaze over them. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to allow the salmon to finish cooking through and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed salmon to serving plates, garnish with fresh orange slices, and enjoy your flavorful, citrus-infused meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh orange juice with store-bought if fresh is unavailable, but fresh juice will provide a brighter flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, increase cornstarch to 1.5 teaspoons and water proportionally.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
