You’ve got to try this Honey & Garlic Orange Glaze Salmon—a dish inspired by the delicious fusion of flavors found in orange chicken. This flavorful easy salmon recipe combines tangy orange, savory soy sauce, and rich honey, creating a perfect simple sauce for perfectly cooked salmon. And the best part is, it’s on your table in under 20 minutes! How can you beat that?! It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight.
I absolutely love a good orange chicken so I set out to create a seafood-inspired variation that would capture the essence of this beloved flavor combination. The result? This delicious Honey & Orange Garlic Glazed Salmon that brings together the best of both worlds—bright citrus notes and umami-rich sauces—for a truly unforgettable dining experience. If you love quick weeknight meals perfect for a busy day, check out my Healthy Orange Chicken recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Wholesome Ingredients & Vibrant Flavor Profile: The combination of tangy orange, savory soy sauce, and aromatic fresh garlic creates a flavor profile that is both bold and balanced.
Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. And on your table in under 20 minutes!
Versatile Appeal: Whether served as a centerpiece for a special occasion dinner or as a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this orange glazed salmon is sure to impress even the most discerning diners.
Honey & Orange Garlic Glazed Salmon Video
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Honey & Orange Garlic Glazed Salmon Ingredients
Juicy Skin-on Salmon Fillets: Juicy salmon provides a rich and hearty base for our glaze, ensuring each bite is succulent and satisfying.
Butter & Olive Oil: A combination of butter and olive oil forms the foundation of our glaze, imparting richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Minced Garlic & Ginger: Crushed garlic and ginger add aromatic warmth and complexity, infusing the salmon with layers of savory goodness.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest lend bright citrus notes to the glaze, complementing the natural flavors of the salmon. Top with orange slices when serving to amp up the flavor
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce provides a savory umami kick, balancing the sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the orange.
Honey: A touch of honey adds luscious sweetness to the glaze, creating a beautifully caramelized finish on the salmon.
How to Make Honey & Orange Garlic Glazed Salmon
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in recipe card at end of post
Glaze Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine your soy sauce, orange zest, orange juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and water.
Salmon
- Preheat your oven on the broil setting. Make sure the rack is 6-8 inches from your heat source so your salmon doesn’t burn.
- Bring your salmon filets to room temperature. Make sure to pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat your pan to medium-high heat and add in your butter. I find a cast iron pan delivers the best results. Once the butter is melted, lower to medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until the butter is a golden brown.
- Add a tsp of olive oil and add your crushed garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add your salmon skin side up and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add your sauce to your pan and scrape up all those delicious bits on the bottom of your pan.
- Add in your honey and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Add your salmon skin side down and spoon some sauce over the salmon.
- Broil for 6 minutes. If too much of your sauce has evaporated, add 1-2 tbsp of water and give your pan a shake to revive your sauce. I served mine over some jasmine rice and steamed broccoli.
FAQ
Can I use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly use skinless salmon fillets if you prefer. The skin adds extra flavor and helps protect the flesh during cooking. However, the glaze will still impart delicious flavor to the salmon even without the skin.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container . Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before brushing it onto the salmon fillets.
Can I substitute other citrus fruits for the orange in the glaze?
While orange provides the classic flavor profile for this recipe, you can experiment with other citrus fruits. You can use lemon or lime for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the citrus fruit used.
Can I use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if you prefer. Both options will add sweetness to the glaze, but keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly. Adjust the amount used to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to butter?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter or margarine as a substitute for regular butter in the recipe. Look for options made from plant-based oils such as soy, coconut, or olive oil.
Honey & Orange Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
For Salmon
- Four 6 oz Salmon Filet I used skin on
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- salt & fresh black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- ½ tsp crushed ginger
Sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
Sauce
- Combine all your sauce ingredients.
Salmon
- Preheat your oven on the broil setting. Make sure the rack is 6-8 inches from your heat source so your salmon doesn't burn.
- Bring your salmon filets to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat your pan to medium high and add in your butter. I find a cast iron pan works best. Once the butter is melted, lower the heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter is a golden brown.
- Add a tsp of olive oil and add your crushed garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add your salmon skin side up and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add your sauce to your pan and scrape up all those delicious bits on the bottom of your pan.
- Add in your honey and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Add your salmon skin side down and spoon some sauce over the salmon.
- Broil for 6 minutes. If too much of your sauce has evaporated, add 1-2 tbsp of water and give your pan a shake to revive your sauce.