Easy Orange Glazed Salmon
This Easy Orange Glazed Salmon is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring perfectly baked salmon coated in a sweet, citrusy, garlic-orange glaze. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, giving the salmon a glossy, sticky finish with fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, restaurant-quality dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin on or off
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the orange glaze:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger optional
For garnish (optional):
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the glaze
- Mix orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
- Stir until honey dissolves. Set aside.
2. Cook the salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps it sear.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on).
- Cook 4–5 minutes until edges turn opaque.
- Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
3. Add the glaze
- Pour glaze over the salmon in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Spoon glaze over the top while it cooks.
- Let it thicken slightly. It will stick to the salmon.
4. Serve
- Transfer salmon to plates.
- Drizzle extra glaze on top.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use fresh or thawed salmon fillets for best flavor and texture.
- Brush glaze evenly and cook over medium heat to avoid burning.
- Adjust honey or orange juice for desired sweetness and tang.
- Serve immediately for optimal juiciness and glossy finish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices for presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.