This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a tasty dish that features a sweet and tangy glaze made with orange juice and soy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor!
I love the way the orange adds a bright kick to the salmon. Plus, it cooks up in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. Your kitchen will smell amazing! 🍊🐟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this dish. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or even chicken breast for a different protein option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a bright flavor. You can also use store-bought juice, but look for 100% juice with no added sugar. In a pinch, substitute with pineapple juice for a tropical twist!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish from being overly salty. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos as great gluten-free alternatives.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeteners work well, but if you want a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave syrup instead. Each brings a unique sweetness that complements the dish.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide lots of flavor. You can use ground versions in a pinch, but the fresh taste really shines in this recipe. For garlic, about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can work as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy?
Getting that nice, crispy skin is all about the technique! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with a hot skillet: Preheat the skillet until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
- Dry the fish: Pat the salmon skin dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps it crisp up better.
- Use enough oil: Ensure the skillet has enough vegetable oil, as this will help crisp the skin as it cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give each fillet space to allow steam to escape, which enhances crispiness.
- Leave the skin side down: Cook the salmon skin-side down for the initial cooking time without touching it. This allows the skin to become crispy and prevents it from sticking.
By following these steps, you’ll have deliciously crispy salmon skin ready to enjoy!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (for serving)
- Steamed or sautéed greens, such as broccolini or bok choy (optional side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
Start by whisking together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. This will be your flavorful teriyaki sauce!
2. Cook the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the flavors blend and the sauce reduces slightly. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the salmon fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to become crispy while the salmon cooks halfway through.
4. Glaze and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and pour about half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. Keep spooning the sauce over the top as it thickens and glazes the salmon to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked through, remove the salmon from the heat. Serve the fillets over a bed of cooked rice, drizzled with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a lovely touch. You can add some steamed or sautéed greens on the side to round out the meal.
Now, enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Orange Teriyaki Salmon! It’s delicious, easy to make, and sure to impress.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. The best method is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also submerge the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Orange Juice?
No worries! You can substitute orange juice with pineapple juice for a similar sweetness and acidity. Alternatively, a mix of lemon juice and a bit of sugar can also work in a pinch, although the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid drying it out. You may want to add a splash of water or additional sauce while reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce before glazing the salmon. Cook the salmon fresh for the best texture and flavor!