This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky citrus glaze that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The fresh orange juice adds brightness, while soy sauce, garlic, and ginger bring depth. Finished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for dinner guests.
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Orange Teriyaki Salmon (Sweet, Tangy & Savory)
Tender salmon fillets glazed with a sticky orange teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and savory. Finished with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
½ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until nearly done.
Brush salmon generously with the orange teriyaki sauce. Let it caramelize in the pan for 1–2 minutes.
Transfer to plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor. Don’t overcook the salmon. Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Healthy Dinner Recipes
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy — just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- A fresh twist on teriyaki with real citrus flavor.
- Healthy and protein-packed, with omega-3 benefits.
- Fancy-looking but simple to prepare.
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Tools and Preparation
- Small Saucepan: To cook the orange teriyaki glaze until glossy.
- Whisk: To stir in the cornstarch slurry without lumps.
- Skillet (nonstick or cast iron): For searing salmon fillets.
- Fish Spatula: To flip salmon without breaking it.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate sauce balance.
With these simple tools, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Orange Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
How to Make Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until nearly done.
- Brush salmon generously with the orange teriyaki sauce. Let it caramelize in the pan for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve hot.
How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
- Pair with garlic stir-fried vegetables or bok choy.
- Add sesame noodles on the side for a hearty option.
- Top with extra sauce and a wedge of fresh orange.
- Make it a bowl with quinoa, cucumbers, and edamame.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t overcook the salmon it should flake easily but stay moist.
- Thicken the sauce until glossy before brushing it on.
- Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling for a nutty flavor boost.
- For caramelized edges, finish salmon under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed jasmine or coconut rice.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans.
- Asian cucumber salad.
- Garlic sesame noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking salmon: Leads to dryness — remove as soon as it flakes.
- Too thin sauce: Always let slurry cook until sauce is thick and shiny.
- Using bottled orange juice: Fresh juice gives the best flavor and color.
- Adding sauce too early: Brush near the end for caramelization without burning.
- Skipping garnish: Sesame seeds and green onions add freshness and crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon (without garnish) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with sauce in the last few minutes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar both work well.
Can I use other fish?
Yes. Cod, halibut, or trout pair wonderfully with this sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy. It’s quick to make, stunning on the plate, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try the sticky orange glaze, you’ll want to make it again and again.