There’s something truly unforgettable about Salmon in Orange Sauce. The bright tang of freshly squeezed orange juice, the sweet floral notes of honey, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard all come together to turn ordinary salmon into a meal that feels both elegant and remarkably cozy. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a special weeknight dinner, this combination of tender salmon fillets and glossy, citrusy sauce delivers joyful flavors in every bite.

Salmon in Orange Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its sophisticated flavor, Salmon in Orange Sauce comes together with a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each item pulls its weight—adding savory depth, zippy brightness, or velvety texture to the final dish.

Salmon fillets: Look for vibrant, fresh fillets for a rich, moist texture and mild flavor; about 6 oz each works perfectly.
Olive oil: A bit of olive oil not only prevents sticking, but also gives the salmon a gorgeous golden crust as it cooks.
Salt and pepper: Season the salmon simply to let those natural flavors shine.
Orange juice (freshly squeezed!): The heart of the dish—this is where all that lively citrus flavor springs from.
Orange zest: Adds intense, aromatic orange oils for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Honey: Brings out orange’s sweetness and gives the sauce its irresistible, glossy finish.
Soy sauce: A surprising umami background note lifts all the flavors without overpowering the citrus.
Dijon mustard: Offers that subtle tang and a little heat, making the sauce beautifully rounded.
Minced garlic: A must for savory depth and a touch of warmth.
Cornstarch (mixed with water): Just a touch, for thickening the sauce to a silky spoon-coating consistency.

How to Make Salmon in Orange Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This isn’t just a fussy chef trick! Removing excess moisture ensures you get a beautiful sear and ultimately a more flavorful fillet. Season both sides with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, as this step lays a crucial flavor foundation.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add each salmon fillet, skin side down if your fillets have skin. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until a golden crust forms, then gently flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Your salmon should be just opaque and irresistibly flaky! Transfer the fillets to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

With the salmon set aside, use the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—the flavorful bits left behind are golden). Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, toss in the orange zest, drizzle in honey, splash in soy sauce and Dijon mustard, and add in the minced garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let the mixture bubble for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin reducing.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Now comes the magic touch! Stir together cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then whisk it into your simmering sauce. In just a minute or two, the sauce will transform—becoming thick, shiny, and perfect for spooning. Be patient here; avoid high heat to prevent lumps or scorching.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish the Salmon

Return your cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them back into the luscious orange sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let everything warm together for one more minute. This final step allows the salmon to soak up every nuance of that citrusy glaze before serving.

How to Serve Salmon in Orange Sauce

Garnishes

Elevate your Salmon in Orange Sauce with a pop of color and freshness! Sprinkle with additional orange zest or thinly sliced green onions for a burst of aroma and visual appeal. Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro also brings a lovely herbal note that pairs beautifully with the sauce’s brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish loves simple, wholesome sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or a tangle of steamed broccolini. Roasted baby potatoes or tender asparagus round out the meal, soaking up every drop of that dazzling orange sauce for a totally satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy presentation, fan thin orange slices on the platter, nestle the glazed salmon fillets on top, and finish with a generous drizzle of sauce. Or, place the salmon atop a bed of herby rice pilaf, finishing with a few edible flowers for extra charm. Little touches like these transform Salmon in Orange Sauce into the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Salmon in Orange Sauce, let the dish cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and enjoy within 2 days for the best flavor and texture. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it stays delicious.

Freezing

While fresh salmon is best, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Place cooled salmon and sauce in a freezer-safe container, separating fillets with parchment if needed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, set your skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce. Warm the salmon gently, just until heated through—overheating can dry it out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave using short intervals for best results.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a much brighter, cleaner citrus flavor to Salmon in Orange Sauce, but bottled will work in a pinch. If using bottled, choose one without added sugar or preservatives for the best taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Salmon in Orange Sauce as written is gluten-free! Just ensure your soy sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.

Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Bake the seasoned fillets at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes or until flaky, then finish by spooning the orange sauce over them. The flavor will still shine, and it’s a great hands-off alternative.

What other proteins can I use with this orange sauce?

This zesty orange sauce pairs nicely with chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times as needed, and you’ll still get all that wonderful citrus flair.

Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance. Store it chilled, then gently reheat just before serving. It makes weeknight dinners with Salmon in Orange Sauce even easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking to brighten up your weeknight dinner routine or wow friends with something new, Salmon in Orange Sauce is pure magic on a plate. Every forkful is a burst of citrus, a revelation of how vibrant and effortless healthy cooking can be. Give this recipe a try—you’ll come back to it again and again!

Salmon in Orange Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with this flavorful Salmon in Orange Sauce recipe. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and then coated in a tangy orange glaze. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Orange Sauce:

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden.
Make Orange Sauce: Combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, mustard, and garlic in the skillet. Simmer and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Finish Dish: Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over fillets, and heat through. Serve hot.