Orange Glazed Salmon – Picture this: a perfectly cooked salmon filet, glistening with a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
The combination of rich, buttery salmon with the bright, citrusy glaze creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat.
The sweetness from the orange balances perfectly with the savory notes of the fish, making each bite a delightful experience.
It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, orange glazed salmon is easy to make and sure to impress!
Enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Glazed Salmon
Here are some serving suggestions for your Orange Glazed Salmon:
With Rice:
Serve the orange glazed salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice. The rice will absorb the delicious glaze, adding extra flavor to every bite.
With Quinoa:
For a healthier grain option, pair the salmon with cooked quinoa. The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the sweet and tangy glaze perfectly.
With Vegetables:
Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers make excellent sides. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the vegetables enhance the dish beautifully.
Try a vegetable stir-fry with a mix of your favorite veggies lightly seasoned to keep the meal light and nutritious.
With Salad:
Serve the salmon alongside a fresh green salad with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing and crunchy element to your meal.
With Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory glaze. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the flaky salmon well.
With Cauliflower Rice:
For a low-carb option, serve the salmon with cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to keep the meal light while still enjoying a hearty side.
With Couscous:
Fluffy couscous, either plain or with added herbs and vegetables, is a quick and easy side that pairs well with the flavors of the orange glaze.
With a Citrus Slaw:
A tangy citrus slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light citrus dressing can provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the glazed salmon.
With a Side of Fruit:
A side of fresh fruit, such as orange segments, pineapple chunks, or a simple fruit salad, can complement the citrus flavors in the glaze and add a refreshing touch to the meal.
With Garlic Bread:
Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any extra glaze, adding a comforting and flavorful element to the meal.
These serving suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that highlights the delicious flavors of the orange glazed salmon. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Orange Glazed Salmon turns out perfectly:
Choose Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often more flavorful than farm-raised.
Pat Dry the Salmon: Before cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Uniform Fillets: Try to use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If they vary in size, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This ensures a good sear, which locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the salmon fillets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the salmon while it’s baking to avoid overcooking. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is still slightly translucent in the center. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Use a Thermometer: For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
Thicken the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, use a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the glaze to your liking.
Add it gradually while simmering and stir continuously until the glaze reaches the desired consistency.
Zesting the Orange: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith beneath the skin, as it can be bitter. Use a microplane or fine grater to get fine zest that will mix well into the glaze.
Resting Time: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the fillet, making it more moist and flavorful.
Adjusting the Sweetness: If you find the glaze too sweet, balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a tangy element.
Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Basting: While baking, occasionally spoon some of the glaze over the salmon fillets to keep them moist and flavorful.
Garnishing: Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of orange zest for a bright, fresh finish.
These tips will help you prepare a delicious and perfectly cooked Orange Glazed Salmon that is sure to impress!
Enjoy your cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is it necessary to remove the skin from the salmon?
No, the skin can be left on. It crisps up nicely and adds flavor.
What can I do with leftover salmon?
Leftover salmon can be added to salads, pasta dishes, or even made into salmon cakes for a delicious second meal.
Orange Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orange Glaze:
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 2 oranges
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon:Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up.Sear for 3-4 minutes until the salmon is golden brown. Flip the fillets and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Orange Glaze:In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and orange zest.Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is slightly reduced and thickened.If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with water and add to the saucepan, stirring until the glaze thickens further.
- Glaze the Salmon:Pour the orange glaze over the seared salmon fillets in the skillet.Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake the Salmon:Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choosing Salmon: Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is generally more flavorful than farm-raised.
- Uniform Size: Try to use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Searing the Salmon: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon to get a nice sear, which locks in the juices.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the salmon while baking to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Reducing the Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little more orange juice or water.