Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Delicious and easy to prepare, Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining the sweetness of orange with savory teriyaki for a uniquely delightful experience. The tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection, making this meal not only tasty but also a healthy option everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about 50 minutes, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices creates a deliciously balanced glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with steamed vegetables, or on its own—this recipe fits any occasion or side dish you choose.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and vitamin C from orange juice, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the glaze and garnishes make this dish visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather some essential tools to make your preparation smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment will help ensure that your Orange Teriyaki Salmon turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking salmon while allowing for easy cleanup.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the teriyaki sauce without taking up too much space on the stove.
- Basting brush: Helps apply the sauce evenly over the salmon for maximum flavor infusion.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 6 oz. Salmon Filets
For the Sauce
- 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. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, including the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
While your sauce cools, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled aluminum foil. Place the salmon filets on the sheet and generously baste them with half of your prepared sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon in your preheated oven and bake for about 14 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Flavor
Remove the salmon from the oven and baste it again with some of the reserved sauce. Place it under the broiler for about one minute or until you achieve a golden char on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your orange teriyaki salmon over a bed of steamed rice. Top with optional red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy this delightful dish!
How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Serving your Orange Teriyaki Salmon can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious suggestions to complement the flavors of this dish.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice provides a neutral base that absorbs the teriyaki sauce well, enhancing every bite.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the salmon. Consider adding cucumbers and avocados for extra texture.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice. Its nutty flavor pairs nicely with the sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki glaze.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a low-carb option, serve the salmon in lettuce wraps. This adds a refreshing crunch and is perfect for a light meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your salmon with chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
With Pickled Vegetables
- A side of pickled vegetables can provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon, adding tanginess and crunch.
How to Perfect Orange Teriyaki Salmon
To achieve the best results with your Orange Teriyaki Salmon, follow these essential tips for perfecting your dish.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh salmon, ginger, and garlic will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
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Marinate longer: If time permits, marinate your salmon in the teriyaki sauce for at least an hour to deepen the flavors.
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Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your salmon while baking. Overcooking can make it dry; aim for flakiness without losing moisture.
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Broil for extra flavor: Broiling at the end adds a delicious caramelization to the top of your salmon, making it visually appealing.
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Adjust sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness in your teriyaki sauce by tweaking brown sugar amounts based on personal preference.
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Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions—they add visual appeal and enhance flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Pairing side dishes with your Orange Teriyaki Salmon creates a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: A classic side that adds vibrant color and crunch while being healthy and easy to prepare.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside the rich flavors of teriyaki salmon.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick stir-fried bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas bring color and nutrition to your plate.
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Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut-infused rice provides a tropical twist that pairs nicely with Asian flavors.
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Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus offers elegance and complements the salmon’s flavor profile beautifully.
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Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup is light yet flavorful, making it an ideal starter before enjoying your main course.
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Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up sauces well and adds a nice texture without overpowering flavors.
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Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing create a refreshing contrast to warm salmon while adding interesting textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Orange Teriyaki Salmon experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the salmon: Salmon should be flaky but not dry. Use a timer and check the salmon at the 14-minute mark, then adjust as needed.
- Skipping the sauce cooling step: Allowing the sauce to cool thickens it, making it stick better to the salmon. Don’t rush this process.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: The flavor of your teriyaki sauce hinges on good soy sauce. Choose a brand that you enjoy tasting.
- Not basting enough: To get that delicious glaze, make sure to baste the salmon well before baking and again after broiling.
- Ignoring garnishes: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add texture and flavor. Don’t skip these finishing touches!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the salmon is completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Wrap individual filets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place salmon on a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm salmon for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a delicious baked fish dish coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes! While salmon is perfect for this recipe, you can also try it with trout or even chicken for similar results.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Orange Teriyaki sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs. It’s great for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe combines rich flavors with simple preparation, making it an excellent choice for dinner any night of the week. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or side dishes like steamed broccoli or quinoa. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a vibrant dish that combines the sweet, zesty flavors of orange with savory teriyaki sauce, creating an irresistible glaze for tender salmon fillets. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, delivering a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. Baked to perfection, this salmon dish not only pleases the palate but also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Serve it over rice, with steamed vegetables, or fresh herbs for an impressive presentation that your family and guests will love.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz.) Salmon filets
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with oiled aluminum foil, place salmon filets on it, and baste with half of the sauce.
- Bake for 14 minutes or until flaky.
- Broil briefly for added flavor, then serve garnished as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
