Orange Glazed Salmon Fillet

There are nights when I want something flavorful and healthy on the table fast and this orange glazed salmon never lets me down The sweet citrus glaze caramelizes beautifully over tender salmon fillets turning a simple meal into something special with just a handful of ingredients

The first time I made this I was in a rush and out of dinner ideas After just one bite my family voted it into regular rotation I still make this whenever I need a dependable weeknight dinner everyone will eat

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Choose fresh fillets that are firm and have a mild ocean scent This is the star so look for vibrant pink color
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the salmon brown Use a good quality butter or substitute olive oil for a lighter flavor
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed gives the glaze its bold citrus pop One juicy orange is usually enough
• Honey: Lends gentle sweetness and sticky texture Use a floral honey for extra depth
• Soy sauce: Provides the savory balance and that classic umami note Make sure it’s low sodium for more control over the salt
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves bring aromatic warmth Look for plump unblemished cloves
• Salt and pepper: Simple must have seasoning for flavoring the salmon
• Cornstarch slurry: Whisked with water to thicken the glaze Optional but gives that glossy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Salmon:

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper Make sure you get into all the corners to ensure every bite is flavorful

Sear the Salmon:

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium high When the pan is hot but not smoking add the salmon skin side up Let it cook undisturbed for three to five minutes until a golden brown crust forms Flip fillets gently and cook another three to four minutes until the thickest part reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit

Rest the Salmon:

Transfer salmon to a plate and loosely tent with foil This helps the fish stay juicy while you finish the sauce

Make the Orange Glaze:

In a bowl whisk together orange juice honey soy sauce minced garlic and cornstarch slurry if using Pour this mixture into the same pan Return heat to medium and stir constantly scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan The glaze will bubble and thicken within a minute

Glaze the Salmon:

Return the cooked salmon to the skillet Spoon the glossy sauce over the fillets letting them soak up the flavor for a minute or two For a showy finish tuck in a few thin orange slices

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I adore the burst of citrus in every bite The orange juice gives the dish such a brightness My kids always ask to drizzle the extra glaze on their rice or vegetables so nothing gets wasted

Storage Tips

Cool leftover salmon quickly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days The orange glaze thickens more as it cools so you can reheat leftovers gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen it up Avoid freezing cooked salmon fillets if possible it can change the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper but still sweet flavor If you need a gluten free option use tamari instead of regular soy sauce You can use bottled orange juice in a pinch but freshly squeezed makes the dish sing For extra tang you can add a splash of rice vinegar to the glaze

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salmon over fluffy jasmine rice or garlicky quinoa A side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots soaks up the sauce beautifully For a lighter meal pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a sesame vinaigrette The glaze also makes a tasty sauce for shrimp or chicken

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Cultural Background

Glazed fish dishes are popular all over the world Think of Japanese teriyaki or Caribbean citrus marinades This recipe brings together the bright sweetness of fresh citrus with the savory punch of soy sauce making it both a crowd pleaser and a fuss free weeknight favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

→ Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice delivers the brightest flavor, but bottled juice may be used in a pinch.

→ What can I serve with this orange glazed salmon?

This salmon pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

→ Is the cornstarch necessary for the glaze?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a glaze-like consistency, but you can omit it for a thinner finish.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best quality.