WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking to impress your family with a simple yet delicious meal? This Orange Glazed Salmon recipe is your ticket! It combines sweet citrus with tender salmon, making dinner feel special without the fuss. I’ll guide you through easy steps, share tips, and suggest tasty sides. Whether you grill or bake, you’ll learn how to achieve that perfect glaze. Let’s get cooking and make your next meal unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tangy orange glaze perfectly complements the rich flavor of the salmon, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dish both healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to grill or bake, this recipe adapts well to your cooking preferences while still delivering great results.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make orange glazed salmon, gather these ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Variations for Ingredients
You can switch up some ingredients for fun flavors. Try using lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice. This gives a different taste. You can also mix in some chili flakes for heat or add fresh herbs like thyme for a new twist. If you want a sweeter glaze, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Salmon
When choosing salmon, look for bright, vibrant color. The flesh should be firm and spring back when you press it. Avoid any fillets with brown spots or a dull appearance. Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you can, buy wild-caught salmon for better flavor and health benefits. Always check the sell-by date to ensure freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To start, gather all your ingredients. You need:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Next, make the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, mix the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. Heat it over medium heat. Stir well and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring until it thickens a bit. Once done, take it off the heat and set it aside.
Cooking Methods (Grilling vs. Baking)
You can cook the salmon in two ways: grilling or baking. If you choose grilling, preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Brush the salmon fillets with half of the orange glaze. Place them skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
For baking, preheat your oven to the same 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put the salmon fillets on the sheet and brush them with the glaze. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Baste the fillets with the glaze halfway through for extra flavor.
How to Check Salmon Doneness
To check if your salmon is done, look for a few signs. The salmon should be opaque and flaky. You can gently press it with a fork. If it flakes easily, it is cooked. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once cooked, take the salmon out of the grill or oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your orange glazed salmon drizzled with extra glaze and garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Glaze
To get the best glaze, simmer the sauce well. Mix orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and garlic in a small pot. Heat it on medium until it bubbles. Then, lower the heat. Let it thicken for about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. This makes the glaze rich and sticky. Brush it on the salmon before cooking and again when serving.
Pairing Suggestions for Sides
Orange glazed salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Steamed broccoli
– Roasted asparagus
– Garlic mashed potatoes
– Quinoa salad
– Jasmine rice
These sides balance the sweet and savory flavor of the salmon. They also add color to your plate.
Best Practices for Marinating Salmon
Marinating salmon adds flavor and moisture. Use the glaze as a marinade. Let the salmon sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. You can do this in the fridge. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid can change the texture. If you’re short on time, a quick 10-minute soak still adds great taste.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled juice can lack the vibrant taste that fresh juice provides.
- Marinate for Flavor: For an enhanced flavor profile, consider marinating the salmon in the orange glaze for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Check Doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish Options: Experiment with different garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.

Variations
Different Citrus Alternatives
You can switch up the orange in the glaze for other citrus fruits. Lemon adds a bright zing. Lime gives a fresh and tangy taste. Grapefruit offers a lovely sweetness and slight bitterness. Each fruit pairs well with salmon, giving you new flavors to explore. Just keep the amount of juice the same.
Incorporating Additional Spices or Herbs
Adding spices or herbs can make this dish even better. You can try a bit of chili powder for heat. A touch of cumin adds a warm note. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can brighten the glaze. Just chop them finely and mix them into the glaze. The right spice or herb can take your dish from good to great.
How to Make it Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free
This recipe is easy to make gluten-free. Just use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a dairy-free option, this recipe is already great. There are no dairy products in the glaze. You can enjoy this dish without worry. It fits well into many diets while keeping the flavor bold and bright.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Salmon
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Always label your container with the date.
Freezing Orange Glazed Salmon
Freezing orange glazed salmon is simple. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions for Best Results
To reheat salmon, avoid drying it out. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Cover the salmon with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, checking often. Enjoy your tasty orange glazed salmon!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the salmon in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. After thawing, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better. You may need to adjust cooking time. Cook it a bit longer if it is still cold.
What can I substitute for honey in the glaze?
If you want to replace honey, use maple syrup or agave syrup. Both options add sweetness. You can also try brown sugar if you like. Just mix it with a little water to help it dissolve. Each option will change the flavor a bit, but they all work well.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
To check if salmon is done, look for its color. It should change from bright pink to a light pink. Use a fork to flake it. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, this method works well. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon!
This blog post walks you through making orange glazed salmon. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods—grilling versus baking. I shared tips for selecting fresh salmon and achieving that perfect glaze. You learned about variations, like using different citrus and spices. I also covered storage and reheating to keep your salmon tasty.
In the end, this meal is simple, flexible, and delicious. You can make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey with salmo
Orange Glazed Salmon
A delicious and healthy salmon recipe with a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 4 fillets salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 zest orange
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley
- optional sesame seeds for garnish
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
If grilling, brush the salmon fillets with half of the orange glaze and place skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. If using the oven, place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush with glaze, then bake for 12-15 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through.
Once cooked through and flaky, remove the salmon from the grill or oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the salmon drizzled with the remaining orange glaze and garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword grilled salmon, healthy recipe, orange glaze, salmon
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?