Orange Teriyaki Salmon

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, then this Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe is just what you need! It’s one of my all-time favorites because it combines the bright, zesty flavors of orange with the savory depth of teriyaki. This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for a cozy gathering. Trust me; your family will love it!

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that feels fancy without any fuss. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for great lunch options the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about 50 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this salmon dish!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrients from salmon and fresh ingredients, it’s a guilt-free meal option.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with steamed veggies, or even in a salad for a refreshing twist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time, saving you even more time on busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Orange Teriyaki Salmon is easy and fun! You only need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Let’s gather everything we need to make this delightful dish:

For the Salmon

• 4 6 oz. Salmon Filets

For the Sauce

• 2 tsp Cornstarch
• 4 tsp Water
• 2/3 cup Orange Juice
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Ginger (minced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil

Optional Toppings

• Sesame Seeds
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Chopped Green Onions

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts or tofu if you’re looking for a different twist.
• Add some spice: Mix in some sriracha or chili paste to give your sauce an extra kick!
• Change up the citrus: Substitute lime juice for orange juice for a tangy twist.
• Add veggies: Toss some broccoli or snap peas onto the baking sheet for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Orange Teriyaki Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water. This mixture helps thicken your sauce later on. Combine all other sauce ingredients in a small saucepan along with the cornstarch mixture. Bring everything to a low simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it lightly thickens. Removing it from heat allows it to cool down while retaining that delicious flavor.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While your sauce is cooling down, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful flaky texture we all love.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with a lightly oiled sheet of foil. This makes cleanup super easy! Place your salmon filets on the sheet and generously baste them with your homemade orange teriyaki sauce—be sure to save about half for later!

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Carefully place your salmon in the preheated oven and bake for around 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when they are nice and flaky, they are ready to come out!

Step 5: Broil for Perfection

Take your salmon out of the oven and baste it again with more sauce. Now place it under the broiler for about one minute until you achieve that lovely golden char on top—this step really enhances both flavor and presentation!

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve your beautiful salmon filets over a bed of steamed rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds on top if desired. Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering Orange Teriyaki Salmon!

This recipe has everything you need—flavor, ease, and comfort—making it an instant favorite at my dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Teriyaki Salmon

Cooking salmon can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest enhance the flavor of your teriyaki sauce, making it more vibrant and aromatic. This freshness will elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon is best when it’s flaky yet moist. Keep an eye on it while baking, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your filets. This ensures you enjoy a tender and flavorful meal.
• Marinate for extra flavor: If time allows, let the salmon marinate in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before baking. This step infuses the fish with even more taste and makes every bite irresistible.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, you can modify the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. A little less sugar gives it a tangier kick, while more creates a sweeter glaze that balances perfectly with the savory soy sauce.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with garnishes like crushed nuts or additional herbs. These toppings not only add texture but also bring an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon

Presenting Orange Teriyaki Salmon beautifully can make any dinner feel special! Here are some ideas on how to plate this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch, enhancing both taste and presentation.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright note that complements the sweetness of the orange glaze while adding a pop of color.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges alongside lets diners add a zesty kick if they desire, enhancing the dish’s citrus profile.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the delicious teriyaki sauce—its fluffy texture makes for a comforting addition to your meal.
• Roasted broccoli: The earthy flavor of roasted broccoli balances out the sweet salmon beautifully and adds vibrant color to your plate.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, bell peppers, and a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and keeps things healthy.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Quick sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots toss in some soy sauce for added umami—perfectly complementing your flavorful salmon.

Enjoy every element of this meal as you dive into the world of flavors brought together by this Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious and healthy meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 days for best quality.
• When storing with rice or vegetables, keep them separate to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• For the best results, reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave on a low setting in short intervals until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before following the above methods.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Orange Teriyaki Salmon.

Can I use frozen salmon for this Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe?

Yes! Frozen salmon works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and a delicious result.

What should I serve with Orange Teriyaki Salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad. It’s versatile enough to complement a variety of sides!

How do I know when my salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe a try! It’s not only simple and quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor that brings joy to any dinner table. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with your loved ones. Remember, cooking should be fun and fulfilling—happy cooking!