Description
Succulent Orange Ginger Glazed Salmon with a sweet, zesty, caramelized glaze that transforms simple salmon fillets into restaurant-quality perfection. The combination of fresh orange juice, warming ginger, and honey creates a glossy coating that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, 1 to 1½ inches thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 large oranges)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated or minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon orange zest
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
2 green onions, sliced thin (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Fresh orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about one-third and slightly thickened.
3. Stir the cornstarch slurry and add to the simmering glaze. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened to syrup consistency. Remove from heat and reserve ¼ cup for drizzling after cooking.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Remove any pin bones. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the pan, leaving space between each.
6. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
7. Carefully flip salmon using a thin spatula. Brush the seared top generously with orange ginger glaze, using about half the glaze (not including reserved portion).
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 6-8 minutes until salmon reaches 125-130°F for medium or 135-140°F for medium-well.
9. Remove from oven and brush with additional glaze. Let rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes.
10. Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with reserved glaze, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh orange slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
Choose center-cut salmon fillets that are evenly thick (1 to 1½ inches) for uniform cooking.
Fresh orange juice is essential—bottled juice lacks the brightness needed for this glaze.
Don’t overcook the salmon. Pull it from the oven at 125-130°F for perfectly moist, tender fish.
A quick brine (½ cup salt in 4 cups water for 10 minutes) before cooking reduces albumin formation.
For frozen salmon, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and pat completely dry before cooking.
This glaze works beautifully on Arctic char, rainbow trout, chicken thighs, or firm white fish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve cold over salads or reheat gently at 275°F.
For grilling, place salmon skin-side down on oiled grates and grill 6-8 minutes without flipping.
Leftover glaze keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days—reheat gently with a splash of water to thin.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing, Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Orange Ginger Glazed Salmon, Glazed Salmon Recipe, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Fish Recipe, Quick Weeknight Dinner, Asian Salmon, Orange Salmon