Teriyaki Salmon That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Looking to impress at your next dinner gathering or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal? This Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe is the perfect solution. The fusion of zesty orange juice with the unmistakable umami of soy sauce creates a flavorsome glaze that melds beautifully with the buttery richness of salmon. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings, yet special enough for entertaining guests. Let your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas as this dish comes together effortlessly!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to dive into making Orange Teriyaki Salmon right at home. Firstly, it’s a breeze to whip up — you’ll have a delightful meal on your table in roughly 30 minutes! Plus, it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and savory, appealing to both kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to get your Omega-3s while keeping your taste buds dancing.
Imagine sitting down to a beautifully plated salmon, glazed with that citrusy teriyaki sauce, after a long day. It feels indulgent yet doesn’t break the bank or your schedule. Also, because it’s so vibrant and customizable, you can easily dress it up for holidays or special occasions.
"Delicious! The orange glaze couldn’t be more perfect. My family devoured it!" — A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Preparing Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a simple yet rewarding experience. Here’s how it breaks down: First, you’ll make the zesty glaze that serves as both a marinade and a sauce. Next, the salmon filets are generously coated before they meet the oven for a quick bake. The final touch is adding that slight char under the broiler, which elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a truly memorable meal.
What you’ll need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Orange Teriyaki Salmon shine:
- 4 (6 oz.) salmon filets
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tsp water
- 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, chopped green onions for garnish
If you’re looking to customize, feel free to swap out brown sugar for honey or use a low-sodium soy sauce to make it healthier!
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s break this down into clear steps to make your cooking experience effortless:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Combine this mixture with orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for around 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the sauce cools.
- Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled foil and place the salmon filets there. Baste generously with the sauce, saving half for later.
- Bake for 14 minutes until the salmon is flakey and cooked through.
- For that golden finish, baste the salmon again with the reserved sauce and broil for about a minute.
- Serve your delectable salmon over a bed of steamed rice and top it off with optional sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to plating, presentation matters! Serve your Orange Teriyaki Salmon over fluffy steamed rice to absorb the extra glaze, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. For a pop of color, consider adding stir-fried veggies or a fresh cucumber salad on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of avocado or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seed takes it to another level. This meal pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or iced green tea.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Allow your salmon to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently in the microwave, keeping the moisture in mind — a splash of water can help keep it from drying out. If you’d like to store it for an extended period, consider freezing the salmon in individual portions for up to a month. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
There are a few tricks to make your Orange Teriyaki Salmon shine even brighter! Firstly, marinating the salmon in the sauce for an hour or so before cooking can deepen the flavor. If you prefer a more intense glaze, mix in a bit of Mirin, a sweet rice wine, to add complexity. Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning to enhance browning. Lastly, keep an eye on the broiler to prevent over-charring; just a minute can make all the difference!
Creative twists
If you’re looking to shake things up, there are plenty of variations you can try. Swap the orange juice for pineapple or mango juice for a tropical twist. Feeling adventurous? Add a hint of sriracha or chili paste for some zing! You can also replace salmon with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for this dish?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while cooking adds another 20, making the total time around 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the salmon a few hours in advance for deeper flavor.
How should I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If freezing, wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Enjoying Orange Teriyaki Salmon is an experience that marries convenience with flavor, making it an essential recipe for any home cook. Happy cooking!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon filets (6 oz. each)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tsp water
- 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup soy sauce can use low-sodium for a healthier option
- 1/4 cup brown sugar can substitute with honey
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes
- sesame seeds for garnish
- red pepper flakes for garnish
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Combine this mixture with orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for around 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the sauce cools.
Cooking
- Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled foil and place the salmon filets there. Baste generously with the sauce, saving half for later.
- Bake for 14 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- For that golden finish, baste the salmon again with the reserved sauce and broil for about a minute.
Serving
- Serve your delectable salmon over a bed of steamed rice and top it off with optional sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions.
