Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Delight in the flavors of Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a dish that beautifully combines the rich taste of salmon with a zesty, sweet glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The vibrant orange and savory soy sauce create a standout meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, ginger, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with vegetables, or alongside a fresh salad to suit any meal preference.
- Health Benefits: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Impressive Presentation: The bright colors and garnishes make this meal look as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining guests.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Orange Teriyaki Salmon efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface ensures even cooking of the salmon while making cleanup simple.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering the sauce and achieving the perfect glaze consistency.
- Whisk or spoon: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring your teriyaki sauce is well mixed.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 6 oz. Salmon Filets
For the Glaze
- 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 Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Chopped Green Onions
How to Make Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add all sauce ingredients into a small saucepan, including the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While your sauce is cooling, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon for Baking
Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled aluminum foil. Place salmon filets on the prepared sheet, skin side down. Generously baste with half of your prepared sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 14 minutes. The salmon should be flakey when ready.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Flavor
Once baked, remove salmon from oven and baste again with remaining sauce. Place under the broiler for about one minute or until you achieve a golden charred top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Orange Teriyaki Salmon over steamed rice or your choice of side dish. Finish with optional toppings like red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. Enjoy this delightful meal!
How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Serving Orange Teriyaki Salmon can elevate your meal experience. Paired with the right sides and garnishes, this dish can shine on any table.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a perfect base. The rice absorbs the delicious teriyaki sauce and balances the flavors.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Add grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini for a colorful plate. The char from grilling enhances the salmon’s taste.
On a Salad
- Serve over a fresh green salad with mixed greens and avocado. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
With Quinoa
- Substitute rice with quinoa for a healthier option. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor that complements the salmon.
In Tacos
- Flake the salmon and use it in soft tortillas. Top with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Orange Teriyaki Salmon
To achieve the best results with your Orange Teriyaki Salmon, follow these tips for perfecting the dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Monitor cooking time: Salmon cooks quickly; check it around 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Baste generously: Basting during cooking keeps the salmon moist and flavorful.
- Adjust heat wisely: Keep an eye on the broiler; it can quickly char the salmon if left too long.
- Garnish well: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add visual appeal and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Pairing side dishes with Orange Teriyaki Salmon can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delightful options:
- Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious green side that adds color and crunch to your plate.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice complements teriyaki flavors beautifully; add peas and carrots for extra texture.
- Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut-infused rice pairs wonderfully with savory salmon, offering contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting warmth alongside your main dish.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory notes of teriyaki sauce.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing adds freshness to each bite.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach provides a healthy green complement without overpowering flavors.
- Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salads with sesame dressing make for a refreshing side that pairs well with salmon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make mistakes when preparing Orange Teriyaki Salmon, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
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Skipping the cornstarch: Not using cornstarch in your sauce can lead to a watery consistency. Always mix it with water first to create a smooth glaze.
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Overcooking the salmon: Cooking salmon too long can dry it out. Aim for about 14 minutes at 400 degrees; it should flake easily but still be moist.
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Ignoring the broil step: Failing to broil your salmon for that golden finish means missing out on added flavor and texture. Broil for just a minute until lightly charred.
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Forgetting to reserve sauce: If you don’t set aside some sauce before baking, you’ll miss out on extra flavor once it’s served. Always save half for basting after cooking!
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Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality orange juice or soy sauce can ruin your dish. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Orange Teriyaki Salmon in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Orange Teriyaki Salmon that may help clarify any concerns you might have.
What is Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a baked salmon dish coated in a flavorful orange teriyaki glaze made from orange juice, soy sauce, and spices.
How do I know when my salmon is cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking for even results with your Orange Teriyaki Salmon.
What can I serve with Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables. You can also add a side salad for extra freshness.
Final Thoughts
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or serving it with various sides. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions—give it a try!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a dish that perfectly marries the rich, buttery taste of salmon with a vibrant, sweet-orange glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets (6 oz each)
- 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with oiled aluminum foil.
- Place salmon filets skin-side down on the sheet and baste with half of the glaze.
- Bake for 14 minutes until flaky, then broil for an additional minute to achieve a charred finish.
- Serve over rice or vegetables, adding garnishes as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
