Orange Glazed Salmon is a simple, quick, and delicious dish that combines the sweetness of orange with the savory richness of salmon. This family-friendly recipe requires just five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. The orange glaze, made with fresh juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic, gives the salmon a beautifully balanced flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillets

• 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed from 1 orange)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (whisked with 1 teaspoon water, optional for a thicker glaze)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin side up, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown on top. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the Orange Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch slurry (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. Coat the Salmon: Return the salmon to the skillet and coat it with the glaze. Add any additional orange slices for garnish if desired.

4. Serve: Serve the orange-glazed salmon immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if preferred.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 242 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 554mg

• Potassium: 649mg

• Fiber: 0.2g

• Sugar: 11g

• Vitamin A: 195 IU

• Vitamin C: 16mg

• Calcium: 23mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Orange Glazed Salmon is a Great Choice

Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice for any meal. The combination of orange juice and honey in the glaze adds a natural sweetness without overwhelming the fish, while the soy sauce gives the sauce a savory depth and umami flavor. Garlic adds an aromatic touch, enhancing the dish with its fragrant, savory notes. The glaze is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer it sweeter, more savory, or with a touch of spice.

This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also family-friendly. It’s a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy, as the balance of flavors is both comforting and exciting. The best part is that it can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and healthy.

Preparing the Salmon

Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning helps enhance the natural flavors of the fish and ensures that the salmon cooks beautifully. Heat butter (or olive oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side up, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown. The skin side should remain crisp, adding texture to the dish. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), ensuring the salmon is cooked through but still moist.

Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, tented with foil to keep warm. This ensures the salmon stays juicy while you make the glaze.

Making the Orange Glaze

The orange glaze is the star of this dish, and it’s incredibly easy to make. In the same skillet you used to cook the salmon, reduce the heat to medium and add the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together to combine, and cook for 30-60 seconds, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), which will help the glaze thicken to a syrupy consistency that coats the salmon beautifully.

The result is a glossy, fragrant glaze with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that complement the salmon perfectly.

Coating the Salmon

Once the glaze has thickened, return the salmon to the skillet and coat it with the orange glaze. The salmon fillets will absorb the flavor of the glaze, giving each bite a burst of citrusy sweetness and savory richness. You can also add a few slices of orange to the skillet for garnish and extra flavor, or garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Orange Glazed Salmon

Orange Glazed Salmon is best served immediately while the glaze is warm and the salmon is still juicy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a light salad. The sweet and savory glaze makes the salmon the star of the meal, and the fresh herbs or orange slices add a beautiful presentation.

This dish can also be served over a bed of greens for a lighter meal or paired with roasted potatoes for a more filling option. The glaze is versatile enough to complement a wide range of side dishes, making it an easy and delicious choice for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Orange Glazed Salmon is not only flavorful but also nutritious. A typical serving provides about 242 calories, with 24g of protein, making it a great source of lean protein. The dish contains healthy fats from the salmon, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The glaze adds some natural sugars from the honey and orange juice, but the overall sugar content is relatively low, making it a balanced dish.

With 649mg of potassium and 16mg of vitamin C, this meal provides essential nutrients that support overall health, including boosting immunity and promoting heart health. The addition of healthy fats and protein makes this dish a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of sweetness, savory depth, and freshness. The dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a special dinner. The creamy glaze, combined with the tender, flaky salmon, creates a mouthwatering experience that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to impress. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor, try making Orange Glazed Salmon—you’ll love it!