Orange Glazed Salmon is a bright, flavorful dinner that combines tender pan-seared salmon with a sticky citrus honey glaze. This easy Orange Glazed Salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. Fresh orange juice, garlic, honey, and tamari create a beautifully balanced sweet and savory glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes
Naturally sweetened with honey and fresh orange
Perfect balance of citrus, savory, and herb flavors
High-protein, wholesome meal
Great for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

Healthy citrus glazed salmon served with extra sauce spooned over the top. — Healthy citrus glazed salmon recipe

2 tablespoons avocado oil
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (Alaskan sockeye or coho)
1 orange, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons tamari
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon arrowroot flour
1 teaspoon water

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer salmon to a plate and set aside.

While the salmon cooks, mix arrowroot flour and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Set aside.

Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add fresh orange juice, honey, tamari, thyme, and the arrowroot slurry. Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.

Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the orange glaze generously over each fillet. Simmer for another minute to coat well.

Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Pan seared salmon topped with bright orange glaze and garnished with herbs. — Pan seared salmon with sweet orange sauce

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor.
Do not overcook salmon; it should flake easily with a fork.
If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water.
For extra caramelization, broil salmon for 1–2 minutes after glazing.
Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley for a flavor variation.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if tamari is certified gluten-free), Dairy-Free

Orange Glazed Salmon fillet in a skillet coated in glossy citrus honey glaze with fresh thyme. — Orange Glazed Salmon with sticky citrus honey glaze

Notes

Serve with steamed broccoli, rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
You can substitute soy sauce for tamari if preferred.
Maple syrup can replace honey for a slightly deeper sweetness.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g

FAQ

Can I bake Orange Glazed Salmon instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with glaze.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, fully thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Is this recipe very sweet?
No, the citrus balances the honey for a mild sweetness.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
What sides pair well with Orange Glazed Salmon?
Rice, roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad work beautifully.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly to avoid drying out.

Close up of honey orange glazed salmon with caramelized edges in a cast iron pan. — Easy honey orange salmon dinner

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