Description
This Orange Glazed Salmon recipe offers a delicious and quick way to prepare tender salmon fillets with a tangy, sweet, and savory orange glaze. Cooked in a skillet in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that combines fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a vibrant glaze that perfectly complements the rich flavor of salmon.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from approximately 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)
Instructions
- Heat the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the salmon fillets.
- Cook the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them skin side up in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
- Rest the salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet onto a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the glaze: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the cornstarch mixture if you want a thicker sauce.
- Cook the glaze: Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet and heat until hot, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken within 30-60 seconds if the cornstarch slurry is included.
- Combine salmon and glaze: Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning and coating the fillets evenly with the orange glaze. Optionally, add orange slices to the pan for garnish and extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the glaze.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Internal temperature of 145°F ensures the salmon is safely cooked but still moist and tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
