This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a deliciously sticky, sweet, and savory dish featuring a rich orange-infused teriyaki glaze. Made with fresh citrus, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, this easy salmon recipe is perfect for a quick yet gourmet weeknight dinner. Pan-seared, baked, or grilled, it always turns out tender and flavorful!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Teriyaki Glaze:

½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)

1 tablespoon orange zest

¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

2 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water (to thicken)

For Garnish:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoon chopped green onions

Orange slices (optional)

Directions

Make the Orange Teriyaki Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and whisk until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Sear the salmon skin-side down first for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until golden and flaky.

Glaze the Salmon:

Pour the orange teriyaki glaze over the salmon in the pan and let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes.

Serve & Garnish:

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serve with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Marinate Time (Optional): 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes with the glaze on top.

Grilled Version: Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the glaze.

Extra Heat: Add a drizzle of Sriracha or chili paste to the glaze.

Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Citrus Twist: Try mixing in a splash of lime or grapefruit juice for a different citrus profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze the salmon (without garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium-low heat with a little extra glaze or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The center should be opaque but still moist.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but I recommend thawing it completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for the best sear.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving it with jasmine rice, roasted broccoli, or stir-fried vegetables. A light cucumber salad also pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy glaze.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before using.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The natural sweetness from the orange and honey makes it appealing to kids. If making it for children, I usually leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions. Whether pan-seared, baked, or grilled, it turns out flavorful and tender every time. I love serving it with rice and veggies for a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Recipe:

Orange Teriyaki Salmon

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This sweet and savory salmon is coated in a rich orange teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful dish. The combination of fresh citrus and umami-packed soy sauce makes this a perfect meal for a quick yet gourmet dinner.

Instructions

1. Make the Orange Teriyaki Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and whisk until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the salmon, skin-side down first, for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until golden and flaky.