Ready for a dinnertime showstopper with minimal fuss? Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon is a vibrant, mouthwatering main course where perfectly seared salmon meets a tangy-sweet orange glaze. For citrus lovers and salmon fans alike, this is a recipe you’ll want to bookmark and make on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Satisfying Crisp: A golden, pan-seared crust locks in juiciness and delivers that irresistible “snap” in every bite.
- Bold Citrus Glaze: The luscious orange and honey sauce brings sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that brighten up the salmon beautifully.
- Weeknight Friendly: It comes together in 20 minutes flat, but tastes like a restaurant-style salmon dish.
- Suits Any Season: The fresh, zesty glaze feels just as cozy in winter as it does refreshing in summer, making Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon a true year-round favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of vibrant, pantry and fridge staples come together to make this gourmet-tasting dish. Each ingredient here plays a starring role, giving the Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon its gorgeous color, bold flavor, and satisfying texture.
- Salmon fillets (2 lb), skin on: The skin helps the salmon hold together during cooking and gets wonderfully crispy for contrast.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): This neutral oil allows for high-heat searing, delivering the salmon’s signature crisp crust.
- Navel orange juice (1/2 cup): Offers bright, classic citrus sweetness and color for the glaze.
- Cara cara orange juice (1/2 cup): Slightly sweeter and pinker than a navel orange, this adds beautiful hue and depth.
- Lemon juice (3 tbsp): A touch of acidity sharpens and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Soy sauce (4 tbsp): Infuses deep umami and saltiness—you’ll taste the difference!
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle back-note of warmth; adjust to taste.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds savory aroma and complexity to the glaze.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Sweetness acts as a glaze “glue” for gorgeous shine and sticky texture.
- Corn starch (1 tbsp) & Water (1/4 cup): This quick slurry thickens the glaze so it coats every bite of salmon.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to riff on this Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon and make it your own! This recipe is super versatile—just a few tweaks can adapt it to your pantry or dietary needs, or give it a brand-new spin.
- Blood Orange Twist: Swap cara cara oranges for blood oranges for a gorgeous crimson glaze and bolder berry-citrus notes.
- Ginger Infusion: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for extra zip and Asian-inspired flair.
- Maple in Place of Honey: Try pure maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness and subtle earthiness.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos if you’re sensitive to gluten.
How to Make Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets completely dry, skin and flesh sides—this is the secret to serious crispness! Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor all the way through. Letting the salmon rest at room temperature briefly also helps it cook evenly and stay super tender.
Step 2: Pan-Sear for Ultimate Crispiness
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high until a few drops of water sizzle and vanish instantly—a sign it’s ready for searing. Add vegetable oil, wait until shimmering, then lay the salmon skin side up in the pan. Don’t touch it! Let it sizzle for about 4 minutes to get a deep golden crust before carefully flipping. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes—the flesh should flake easily with a fork.
Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze
While the salmon cooks, combine both orange juices, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, red pepper flakes, corn starch, and water in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a gorgeously glossy glaze. This takes just a few minutes, but resist the urge to crank the heat—the glaze is happiest when thickened gently!
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
With the salmon almost cooked through, pour the bubbly orange glaze right into the pan around the fillets. Let it all cook together for a final two minutes—spooning glaze over the fish so every inch gets sticky-sweet and glossy. Serve immediately while the glaze is shimmering and the salmon is at peak crispness!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon
- The Power of Patting Dry: Removing all moisture from your salmon fillets is key—it helps the surface caramelize, giving that signature crisp bite.
- Let the Pan Get Properly Hot: Don’t rush this part! A sizzling-hot pan makes that golden crust possible and keeps your salmon from sticking.
- Stir, Stir, Stir the Glaze: As soon as the glaze starts to simmer, keep it moving with a whisk to prevent lumps and ensure a silky result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a double batch, cook the salmon in batches—crowding steams the fish instead of crisping it!
How to Serve Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon
Garnishes
For a stunning (and tasty) finish, sprinkle your Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon with chopped chives, fresh parsley, or cilantro. Thin orange zest or sliced scallions add bright color, while a final flake of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the glaze—don’t skip it!
Side Dishes
This salmon shines with simple sides that soak up every last drop of glaze. Think fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, garlicky sautéed greens, or roasted broccolini. For something cozy, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or a lemony couscous salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Treat guests to individual fillets topped with microgreens and citrus wheels for a restaurant look. For a family-style meal, arrange the salmon on a platter, drizzle extra glaze over the top, and scatter orange segments, making it both striking and crowd-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon cool fully before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep lunches!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Allow the cooked salmon and glaze to cool thoroughly, then wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To keep your salmon moist and flavorful, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to prevent drying out. The microwave works in a pinch but use 50% power and short bursts for the best results.
FAQs
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Can I use just one type of orange juice if I don’t have both navel and cara cara oranges?
Absolutely! If you only have one variety of orange on hand, simply double its amount to replace the other. The glaze will still have a brilliant citrus flavor—cara cara adds a pretty blush and sweetness, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you can’t find it.
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Is it okay to use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless fillets, though you’ll miss out on the glorious crispiness the skin provides. If using skinless, be extra attentive when searing and shorten the cooking time just a bit to avoid overcooking.
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Can I make the orange glaze ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it (covered) in the fridge. Warm it gently before adding to the pan with salmon to keep things silky and smooth.
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Does this work with other types of fish?
Definitely. Try the orange glaze with trout, Arctic char, or even thick-cut cod fillets. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your seafood so everything stays moist and flaky.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh, fuss-free dinner that feels a little special, give this Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon a spot on your table. The vivid citrus glaze and tender, crackly fish are sure to make every bite a treat—so gather your ingredients and make some (delicious) memories tonight!
Print
Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon recipe is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of citrus with the savory goodness of salmon. The crispy seared salmon is topped with a sweet and tangy orange glaze that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 2 lb salmon fillets, skin on
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orange Glaze:
- 1/2 cup navel orange juice
- 1/2 cup cara cara orange juice
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat oil in a pan, sear the salmon until crispy on both sides.
- Make the Orange Glaze: Combine orange juices, lemon juice, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, honey, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
- Glaze the Salmon: Pour the orange glaze over the cooked salmon and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
