Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Orange Glazed Salmon! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, pan-seared salmon glazed with a bright, garlicky orange sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and citrusy. This dish is a weeknight gem that tastes gourmet, but is secretly so simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Glazed Salmon really lets a handful of quality ingredients shine. Each element brings its own spark—giving you flaky fish, vibrant citrus, herby aroma, and that luscious sticky glaze.

• Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for searing salmon until golden and crisp.
• Salmon filets (Alaskan Sockeye or Coho): Choose wild-caught for bold flavor and a gorgeous, deep color.
• Fresh orange juice: Delivers a sunny, citrusy tang that wakes up the whole dish. Use freshly squeezed if you can!
• Garlic (minced): Adds savory, aromatic depth to the sweet and tangy glaze.
• Honey: Gives just the right amount of natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
• Tamari: Brings umami and salt; keeps things gluten-free but soy sauce works too.
• Thyme (finely chopped): An earthy, woodsy herb that grounds the bright, fruity sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and sauce to perfection.
• Arrowroot flour: Naturally thickens the glaze to a shiny, spoon-coating finish—just a little goes a long way.
• Water: Mixes with the arrowroot to create the perfect lump-free slurry.

Variations

I adore how customizable this Orange Glazed Salmon is! Feel free to play with flavors, swap for what you have, or even cater to dietary preferences—there’s truly no wrong turn.

• Maple Citrus Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
• Lemon-Lime Twist: Use a blend of lemon and lime instead of orange for a brighter, more tangy glaze.
• Ginger Kick: Add freshly grated ginger with the garlic for a pop of spicy warmth.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh dill or parsley in place of thyme for a different herbal note.
• Soy-Sesame Flavor: Use low-sodium soy sauce and stir in a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end for an Asian-inspired flair.

How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel—this helps the skin and surface brown beautifully. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides, so every bite is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the avocado oil in a skillet (a seasoned cast iron pan is ideal) over medium-high. Once hot, carefully add your salmon filets, skin side down if they have skin. Leave them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes—it’s tempting, but trust the process! Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly crisp on the outside. Move the cooked salmon to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Arrowroot Slurry

While the salmon is sizzling, mix arrowroot flour with water in a small dish to create a smooth slurry. This quick mix will keep your glaze lump-free and silky—just set it aside for now.

Step 4: Build the Orange Glaze

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic directly to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the orange juice, honey, tamari, and chopped thyme. Finally, pour in that arrowroot slurry and whisk well, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the luscious orange glaze over each filet. Let everything warm together for a minute so the flavors really meld, then serve immediately—get ready for big smiles all around!

How to Serve Orange Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

This dish sings with a sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme or parsley right before serving. For an extra sunshine-y pop, try adding a little orange zest over top, or a few slivers of fresh orange for that wow-factor finish.

Side Dishes

The bright flavors of Orange Glazed Salmon love something simple on the side. Go for fluffy jasmine rice, lightly steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or even a fresh arugula salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette. Crusty bread is perfect for catching every last drop of glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the glazed salmon atop a citrusy quinoa pilaf or over rice noodles for a fun twist. For special occasions, layer orange slices on the platter and set the salmon right on top—gorgeous, fragrant, and totally table-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Orange Glazed Salmon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors get even more delicious as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind the salmon’s texture will soften slightly, but it’ll still taste amazing with a quick reheat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of orange juice or water to loosen the glaze, and cover to keep the salmon moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love easy, vibrant meals that feel special, you simply have to try Orange Glazed Salmon. It brings brightness and warmth to even the busiest night—so treat yourself and your favorite people to a meal that truly shines!

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