Description
This vibrant Salmon in Orange Sauce recipe features tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection and glazed with a tangy, sweet orange sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of soy. A quick and flavorful stovetop dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Orange Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are just cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, building the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Make Orange Sauce: Stir in fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the simmering sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly to a glaze consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness and balance the sweetness of the orange glaze.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the salmon is warmed through and coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use blood orange juice when in season for a richer, deeper citrus flavor.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
- Ensure the salmon fillets are dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce quantities to taste if you prefer it sweeter or saltier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
