Sweet Citrus Teriyaki Salmon Recipe: A Bright Dinner Win

Succulent salmon meets a zesty Asian-inspired glaze in this mouthwatering orange teriyaki salmon recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The bright citrus notes dance perfectly with the rich, caramelized teriyaki sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that will elevate your dinner experience.

Each flaky bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory elements that melt in your mouth.

Tender salmon fillets absorb the vibrant marinade, ensuring every morsel is packed with incredible depth.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive yet comes together effortlessly.

The recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this delectable seafood sensation that brings a touch of culinary magic to your table.

FAQs

• Is salmon a healthy protein choice?

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12, making it an excellent heart-healthy and nutritious protein option for balanced diets.

• How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the flesh should look slightly translucent and moist, not dry or overly white.

• Why is it important to pat salmon dry before cooking?

Patting salmon dry helps achieve better sauce adherence and promotes a crispy exterior. Moisture on the surface prevents proper caramelization and can make the fish steam instead of developing a nice golden crust.

• Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor and natural sweetness, but bottled juice works as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars for the most authentic teriyaki sauce taste.

Why Orange Teriyaki Salmon Is A Standout Dish

• Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates.
• Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal culinary skills to prepare perfectly.
• Minimal prep and cooking steps transform salmon into a delectable meal faster than ordering takeout, solving dinner dilemmas with delicious results.
• Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, complemented by vibrant citrus and aromatic spices, delivering a healthy and flavorful dining experience.

Ingredients For Orange Glazed Salmon

• Salmon Filets: Fresh fish with rich flavor perfect for teriyaki glaze.
• Orange Juice: Bright citrus base that provides sweet and tangy sauce foundation.
• Soy Sauce: Classic Asian condiment adding deep umami and saltiness to the teriyaki sauce.

• Cornstarch, Water: Thickening agents that create smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Orange Zest: Concentrated citrus oils that enhance orange flavor profile.

• Ginger, Garlic: Classic Asian flavor builders that add warm, spicy undertones.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty oil that contributes authentic Asian flavor complexity.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Red Pepper Flakes: Colorful toppings that add texture, freshness, and mild heat.
• Steamed Rice: Classic accompaniment that serves as a perfect base for the glazed salmon.

How To Make Teriyaki Salmon At Home

Step 1: Craft the Tangy Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.

• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Sesame oil

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy glaze, thickening after 3-5 minutes.

The sauce is perfect when it coats the back of a spoon smoothly.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled foil.

Thoroughly pat salmon filets dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce clings beautifully.

Arrange the filets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Sauce and Bake the Salmon

Generously brush the filets with teriyaki sauce, reserving half for later.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 14 minutes.

The salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork, revealing its tender, juicy interior.

Step 4: Create a Caramelized Finish

Switch the oven to broil.

Brush the filets with additional sauce and broil for approximately 1 minute.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

The goal is a golden, slightly charred top that adds depth to the flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve the salmon atop a bed of steamed rice.

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Red pepper flakes

Enjoy the warm, sticky salmon immediately, savoring the vibrant blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Pro Cooking Tips For Glazed Salmon

• Control the consistency by slowly adding cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a perfect glossy glaze.
• Pat salmon filets completely dry before seasoning to ensure the teriyaki sauce adheres better and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Use a fork to check salmon doneness; it should flake easily and appear opaque in the center without looking translucent or raw.
• Enhance the dish by using freshly zested orange and high-quality soy sauce for a more vibrant and authentic teriyaki experience.
• Watch carefully during the final broiling minute to achieve golden caramelization without burning the delicate salmon surface.

Best Ways To Store Orange Teriyaki Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 2-3 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain quality.
• Warm salmon on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a covered dish with a splash of water or sauce. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, avoiding overcooking.
• Skip freezing this salmon recipe, as the delicate texture and sauce will break down, resulting in a less appetizing meal.

Pairing Ideas For Citrus-Glazed Salmon

• Elevate Citrus Harmony: Pair this zesty orange teriyaki salmon with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity and herbaceous notes complement the dish's tangy glaze.
• Refresh with Rice Companion: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, adding a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet salmon.
• Balance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts over the rice for a buttery, textural element that enhances the salmon's tender, caramelized exterior.
• Cleanse the Palate: Offer a small glass of yuzu sorbet as a dessert, its clean, citrusy flavor echoing the orange notes in the teriyaki sauce and providing a sweet, refreshing finish.

Variations On Teriyaki Salmon To Try

• Gluten-Free Teriyaki Salmon: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a lighter, vegetable-forward meal option.
• Spicy Sriracha Version: Add sriracha sauce to the teriyaki glaze for extra heat and a bold kick that transforms the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Grilling Alternative: Cook salmon on an outdoor grill instead of baking, which adds smoky char and provides a different cooking method for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Orange Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty orange teriyaki in this Pacific Northwest-inspired dish that promises bold flavors and elegant simplicity. Glazed with a tangy citrus sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood right to your dinner table with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon filets (6 ounces each)

Fish Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 teaspoons water
• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant teriyaki sauce by whisking cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry. In a saucepan, blend orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Incorporate the slurry and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, spoonable glaze.
2. Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with a light oil coating. Thoroughly dry salmon fillets with paper towels to ensure optimal sauce adherence, then position them skin-side down on the prepared surface.
3. Lavishly coat the salmon with teriyaki sauce, reserving half for later application. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 14 minutes, monitoring until the fish easily separates with a gentle fork twist.
4. Activate the broiler and brush the fillets with additional sauce. Broil for approximately 1 minute, watching carefully to achieve a golden, slightly caramelized exterior without burning.
5. Transfer the salmon onto a bed of steamed rice. Embellish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes for a dynamic presentation. Serve immediately while the glaze remains warm and lustrous.

Notes

• Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant, natural flavor that elevates the entire teriyaki sauce.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding water gradually if it becomes too dense during cooking.
• Pat salmon filets completely dry to ensure sauce adheres perfectly and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Monitor broiling closely to prevent burning, as the high heat can quickly transform salmon from golden to charred.
• Choose skin-on salmon filets for added moisture and easier handling during cooking.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the final dish.
• Swap salmon with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options that work beautifully with teriyaki glaze.
• Prepare extra sauce for drizzling over rice or as a dipping condiment during serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg