Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

This Orange Glazed Salmon is pure dinner magic—flaky, buttery salmon fillets, kissed with a tangy-sweet citrus glaze that tastes like sunshine on a plate. Every bite bursts with fresh orange, golden honey, and a savory tamari punch. It’s weeknight-friendly and just as perfect for guests: simple, vibrant, and simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Orange Glazed Salmon is that it relies on a handful of unfussy, vibrant ingredients. Each one is essential—combining for a colorful dish with bold, balanced flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Salmon Fillets (Alaskan Sockeye or Coho): Rich, vibrant, and packed with heart-healthy omega-3s. Choose the freshest salmon you can find for the best flavor.
• Avocado Oil: With a high smoke point and subtle flavor, avocado oil helps the salmon sear beautifully—olive oil also works if you have it on hand.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best! This lifts the glaze with real, juicy orange flavor—no bottled stuff can compare.
• Garlic (minced): A couple of cloves deepen the glaze and balance the sweetness with savory notes.
• Honey: This gives the sauce body, sweetness, and just a hint of caramel when thickened.
• Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce that rounds out the glaze with salty, umami complexity.
• Fresh Thyme (finely chopped): Subtle and herbaceous; a sprinkle brings brightness and aroma to every bite.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance the natural flavors of both salmon and glaze.
• Arrowroot Flour: The secret thickener! A quick slurry makes the glaze silky and glossy.
• Water: Just a splash to whisk with the arrowroot flour for lump-free thickening.

Variations

The beauty of Orange Glazed Salmon? You can tailor it to just about any taste, pantry, or dietary preference. Don’t be shy—make this recipe your own with these easy, crowd-pleasing twists.

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a savory-sweet kick.
• Swap Your Citrus: Try blood orange, tangerine, or even a splash of fresh lemon or lime for a totally different citrus twist.
• Pan-Roasted Veggies: Toss in baby bok choy, asparagus, or snap peas alongside the salmon for a one-pan meal.
• Soy Sauce Alternative: If you’re not gluten-free, regular soy sauce swaps in perfectly for tamari.

How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this draws out excess moisture and ensures a caramelized sear rather than steaming. Generously season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to highlight that natural, buttery flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, lay in the seasoned salmon (skin-side down, if it has skin). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the fillets are golden and the inside is opaque and barely flaky. Remove the cooked salmon to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Whisk the Arrowroot Slurry

In a small bowl, stir together the arrowroot flour and water until smooth. This easy step ensures your glaze thickens with a gorgeous sheen, totally lump-free—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Build the Orange Glaze

Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the fresh orange juice, honey, tamari, thyme, and your prepared slurry. Whisk everything together and watch as the mixture simmers and thickens, turning glossy within 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Glaze the Salmon

Return the salmon fillets to the pan. Spoon the lush, citrusy glaze over each piece, letting every nook get glossy and coated. In just a moment, you’ll be ready to plate and serve—don’t forget a bit of extra glaze right before eating!

How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

For a vibrant finish, top your Orange Glazed Salmon with additional orange slices, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and maybe a light shower of zest. A scattering of thinly sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds also adds beautiful color and a subtle pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

This salmon is dreamy alongside fluffy jasmine rice, coconut rice, or nutty quinoa. Steamed green beans, garlicky broccolini, or a spring greens salad with avocado make the meal feel restaurant-worthy—without a speck of fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual nights, serve salmon fillets whole, family-style, with the luscious glaze pooled beneath. If you’re feeling fancy, slice the salmon and fan it over greens with a drizzle of extra glaze for a citrusy salad main. Or, flake the salmon and stuff it into warm tortillas with slaw for fun, orange-glazed fish tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Orange Glazed Salmon cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked salmon fillets for up to 2 months. Place portions (with or without glaze) in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat salmon in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, spooning a little water or extra glaze over the top to keep the fish tender and moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out delicate fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a dinner that’s both simple and spectacular, Orange Glazed Salmon is calling your name. It’s so rewarding to watch the glaze come together and transform into something unforgettable on your plate. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to enjoy this fresh, flavorful favorite—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your home, too!

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