Crispy Orange Glazed Salmon Recipe

This is an easy orange glazed salmon recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy a delicious, crispy pan seared salmon cooked with a homemade orange glaze.  

If you've been following this blog for long enough, you know we love our salmon recipes. From simple dishes such as baked salmon in foil and baked salmon fillet with lemon to more adventurous ones like teriyaki pineapple salmon and dijon salmon, we have many recipes using this delicious fish.

This post is sponsored by Darling Clementines. All opinions are mine. 

Orange glazed salmon recipe

If you are looking for a tasty salmon recipe, this is it. This orange glazed salmon is a family favorite and we love serving it with our favorite side dishes. The sticky orange glaze adds so much flavor to the crispy pan seared salmon fillet. We love this delicious salmon recipe because: 

• It comes together in less than 20 minutes. 
• The salmon is perfectly seared on the outside and is tender on the inside. 
• This crispy glazed salmon has such bright flavor thanks to the tasty homemade orange glaze. 
• It's made with fresh ingredients which makes this dish the perfect dinner! 

What I love the most about salmon recipes is that they are so quick to make and you can have a delicious dinner ready on the table in less than 20 minutes. Everyone loves this glazed salmon and will come back to seconds. 

Ingredients to make orange glazed salmon recipe

To make this dish, you need the following ingredients: 

• Fresh salmon 
• Navel oranges 
• Cara cara oranges 
• Lemon juice
• Soy sauce
• Garlic 
• Honey 
• Cornstarch 
• Water 

Cara cara oranges are so tasty. They are orange on the outside and pink on the inside. For this recipe, I have used equal parts of of cara cara juice and navel orange juice which brings a complex citrus flavor to the glaze that pairs perfectly with lemon juice and soy sauce. 

What kind of salmon to use for this recipe

When it comes to cooking with salmon, there are a few important notes to keep in mind: 

• Ask for wild-caught salmon when possible. 
• You can buy coho, king, sockeye or any other type of salmon for this recipe. 
• If buying fresh, the salmon you buy should have a bright color and look fresh. 
• Fresh and healthy salmon doesn't smell "fishy."

As for fresh versus frozen, my preference is to use fresh salmon. However, I have tried this recipe with frozen salmon that was properly thawed and it works just as well. 

How to make crispy orange glazed salmon recipe

• Sear the salmon: Make sure the salmon is at room temperature and not very cold. This will help the salmon cook quicker and more evenly. Generously sprinkle salt on salmon fillets. Heat a non stick pan or a well seasoned cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough by dropping a bit of water into the pan. The water drops should form beads and evaporate quickly. At this time, pour the oil into the pan and wait for a minute. Once the oil is shimmery, place the salmon fillets, skin side up in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes on medium high until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear for another 4 minutes until the skin is crispy and the sides are opaque. 

• Make the glaze: Mix orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, honey, red pepper flakes cornstarch and water in a sauce pan and bring it to simmer. Once it thickens, turn the heat off and set it aside. 

• Cook together: Pour the glaze over seared salmon fillet and cook for another two minutes. 

How long does it take to sear salmon?

This depends on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets. My salmon fillets were average and they took about 7 minutes to cook. The thicker the salmon fillet, the longer it would take to sear it. 

How do you know when salmon is done?

According to FDA salmon should reach the internal temperature of 145ºF and you should be able to flake it easily with a fork. Make sure not to overcook salmon because it can dry out easily. 

Can I bake the salmon for this recipe? 

To make baked glazed salmon recipe, preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Coat the baking sheet with non stick spray and place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Prepare the glaze as mentioned in the recipe card and brush the salmon fillets with half of the glaze. 

Season the fillets with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for about 15-25 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once the salmon fillets are baked, brush the remaining glaze on them and serve immediately. 

Grilled glazed salmon 

The best part about this glazed salmon recipe is that you can make them on the stove top, in the oven or even on the grill! To make grilled glazed salmon recipe, preheat you grill to medium high and make the glaze as mentioned in the recipe card. Brush one side of the salmon liberally with the glaze. 

Place a cedar plank or a grill mat on the grill and place the salmon on it, glazed side down. I prefer doing this since salmon is very tender and it might stick to the grill or fall apart. Brush one side the salmon liberally with half of the glaze (save about one tablespoon) and grill for about 5-7 minutes until the glaze is slightly charred. Brush the salmon with the remaining glaze and flip it. Grill for another 5 minutes until it's completely cooked. Drizzle one tablespoon glaze on the salmon and serve. 

What to serve with orange glazed salmon 

This glaze salmon makes a wonderful weeknight dinner. We love serving this orange glazed salmon with some instant pot white rice and roasted butternut squash or lemon garlic oven brussel sprouts. This salmon recipe also goes quite well with any kind of salad such as homemade potato salad or Mediterranean salad. 

What to do with the leftovers?

You can turn the leftovers into a tasty glazed salmon salad with some greens, tomatoes and avocados. Or make yourself a delicious salmon sandwich with whole wheat or sourdough bread, some sriracha mayo, arugula and avocado. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can also turn them into these incredibly delicious salmon patties that everyone loves (leave out the olives). 

Can I freeze the leftovers? I don't recommend freezing glazed salmon since it might lose its texture and flavor. However, cooked salmon keeps well in the fridge if properly stored for about 3 days and there are many ways to use it up. 

Step-by-Step Recipe