This Orange Glazed Salmon offers a beautiful fusion of fresh citrus brightness and savory richness, making it an ideal meal when you want something quick but full of flavor. The salmon is pan-seared until golden, then coated with a glossy glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, and garlic, finished with a hint of wine for balance. This dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare and works equally well for a casual dinner or a more elevated occasion. You’ll find everything you need here, from ingredients and instructions to helpful tips that ensure success every time.
This recipe embodies ease and freshness, showing how everyday ingredients can create something that feels a little special. It’s perfect for anyone looking to bring more vibrant, homemade meals to the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salmon recipe is as delicious as it is easy to make. The citrus glaze adds brightness, the honey lends a gentle sweetness, and the garlic and broth give it depth. You don’t need any complicated steps or ingredients, which makes this dish accessible even on a busy weeknight.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Ready in 25 minutes with minimal prep
- A flavorful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes
- Simple cooking technique using one skillet
Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for one, this dish brings a fresh twist to your dinner routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor:
Salmon fillets (6 ounces each, 4 total)
Use fresh or thawed fillets. Skin-on is ideal for crisp texture, but skinless is fine too.
Salt and pepper
Season the salmon well before cooking to bring out its natural flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Used for searing the salmon and helping achieve a golden crust.
Butter (1 tablespoon)
Adds richness and a velvety texture to the glaze.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Provides a savory note to balance the sweet citrus.
Fresh orange juice (½ cup)
Squeezed from real oranges for best flavor and acidity.
Chicken broth (½ cup)
Enhances the savory base of the glaze and keeps it from being overly sweet.
Dry white wine (2 tablespoons)
Adds a slight tang and complexity. You can use more broth or citrus juice if avoiding alcohol.
Honey (2–3 tablespoons)
Sweetens the glaze naturally. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
Thickens the glaze just enough to coat the salmon.
Rosemary or thyme (1 teaspoon, finely chopped – optional)
Fresh herbs can add an earthy note and pair nicely with the citrus.
Orange (sliced into rounds)
Adds visual appeal and intensifies the orange aroma when simmered in the sauce.
Together, these ingredients create a balanced glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and savory with a silky texture that clings beautifully to the fish.
How to Make Orange Glazed Salmon
This dish begins by searing the salmon fillets in a hot pan until they develop a golden crust. The glaze is then made in the same pan using garlic, orange juice, broth, and wine. After reducing the liquid, honey and a touch of cornstarch are added to thicken the sauce. The salmon is gently returned to the pan, where it’s coated in the warm glaze before serving.
The process is straightforward and only requires one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a restaurant-quality meal with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the salmon
Pat the salmon dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the salmon
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Add orange juice, broth, and wine
Pour in the orange juice, chicken broth, and wine. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Let the liquid reduce
Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce by half. This concentrates the flavor and thickens the base slightly.
6. Add cornstarch and sweetener
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the simmering sauce, stirring as it begins to thicken. Then stir in the honey and taste. Adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
7. Add orange slices
Place the orange slices into the pan and let them simmer for a couple of minutes. They’ll soften and infuse the sauce with extra citrus aroma.
8. Return salmon to the pan
Carefully place the seared salmon back into the pan. Spoon the glaze over each piece and let them warm for another 1 to 2 minutes.
9. Serve immediately
Transfer the salmon to plates and pour some of the glaze over the top. Garnish with the orange slices for presentation.
Helpful Tips
Make sure to dry the salmon well before cooking to get a proper sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the fillets may steam instead of sear. When reducing the sauce, keep a close eye to prevent it from becoming too thick or burning. Adjust honey and citrus to suit your personal taste.
Fresh orange juice is key. Bottled versions may have added sugars and preservatives that alter the flavor. For a smoother sauce, strain the juice before adding it to the pan.
This dish is also very flexible. If you like a little spice, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Details
Flavor: A balanced mix of sweet orange, savory garlic, and rich salmon
Texture: Crisp-edged, flaky salmon with a silky glaze
Occasion: Quick dinner, meal for guests, or weekend treat
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Notes
You can customize this recipe based on what you have. Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. For a no-alcohol version, replace the wine with a splash of apple cider vinegar or more citrus juice.
For oven preparation, place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, brushing with glaze near the end. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, then pour the warm glaze over before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 134 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 8 mg |
| Sodium | 33 mg |
| Potassium | 169 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 224 IU |
| Vitamin C | 33 mg |
| Calcium | 23 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps the glaze stick to the salmon?
The combination of honey and cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough to cling to the fish during cooking.
Can I make this in the oven or air fryer?
Yes. It works great baked or air fried. Just add the glaze near the end of cooking or pour it on afterward.
How do I get the right balance between sweet and tangy?
Taste the sauce as you go. You can add more honey to mellow out tartness or more orange juice to brighten the flavor.
What can I serve with orange glazed salmon?
It pairs well with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage Instructions
Let the salmon cool before transferring it to a storage container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep it moist. This dish doesn’t freeze well, as the glaze may lose its texture when thawed.
Print
Orange Glazed Salmon | Quick, Flavorful, and Citrusy Dinner Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, tangy, and savory, this Orange Glazed Salmon recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using fresh orange juice, garlic, and honey. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or elegant meal.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons dry white wine
2–3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme (optional)
1 orange, sliced into rounds
Instructions
1. Blot salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add orange juice, chicken broth, and wine. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer until liquid reduces by half.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
7. Add honey, taste and adjust seasoning. Add optional herbs if using.
8. Place orange slices in the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Return salmon to the pan, spoon glaze over, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
10. Serve with extra glaze and orange slices.
Notes
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for deeper sweetness.
Substitute white wine with apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free version.
Bake at 400°F or air fry at 375°F for a no-stovetop method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 134
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 33mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Conclusion
Orange Glazed Salmon is a dish that brings together flavor, simplicity, and elegance. With fresh ingredients and just one pan, you can create a meal that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant—but made right at home. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out and make it your own. You’ll find it’s a recipe worth repeating.