Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Delight your taste buds with Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory. This easy baked salmon recipe is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or a quick weeknight meal. With its mouthwatering orange teriyaki glaze, this dish stands out and promises to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 50 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices creates a glaze that elevates the salmon’s natural flavors.
- Healthy Meal Option: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
- Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice, with veggies, or in a salad for various meal options.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the orange glaze and garnishes make this dish visually appealing for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Orange Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the salmon, ensuring perfect doneness.
- Aluminum foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for heating your teriyaki sauce without burning it.
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. Add all sauce ingredients to a small saucepan including the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While your sauce cools, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with a lightly oiled piece of foil. Place your salmon filets on the sheet skin-side down.
Step 4: Baste with Sauce
Generously baste each salmon filet with the prepared teriyaki sauce, reserving about half of it for later use.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 14 minutes. The fish is ready when it is flakey yet moist.
Step 6: Broil for Finish
Remove salmon from the oven. Baste with more sauce before placing it under the broiler for about one minute or until you achieve a golden brown top.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Orange Teriyaki Salmon over steamed rice. Finish with optional garnishes like red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your delightful meal!
How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Serving Orange Teriyaki Salmon can elevate your dinner experience with a burst of flavor and color. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this delicious dish.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant option that perfectly absorbs the orange teriyaki glaze.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Sautéed Broccoli: Quickly sautéed in garlic, it balances the sweetness of the salmon.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a crunch and vibrant green color.
On a Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it provides freshness alongside the rich flavors of the salmon.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw can help cut through the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
As Part of a Sushi Roll
- Sushi Rolls: Use leftover salmon in sushi rolls with avocado and cucumber for a fun twist on traditional sushi.
How to Perfect Orange Teriyaki Salmon
To make your Orange Teriyaki Salmon even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and high-quality orange juice will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon while baking to prevent overcooking; it should flake easily when done.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar in your glaze for personal taste preferences.
- Add Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes or fresh chili for an extra kick that complements the sweet glaze.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like cilantro or lime zest for unique presentations.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your salmon right after cooking for optimal taste and texture; reheating can dry it out.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Pairing side dishes with Orange Teriyaki Salmon can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside this flavorful fish.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice beautifully complements the tropical notes in the teriyaki sauce.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and pairs well with Asian-inspired meals.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with vegetables adds texture and nutrition to your plate.
- Garlic Noodles: Rich garlic noodles provide a deliciously savory contrast to the sweet salmon.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet grilled pineapple slices add an exotic touch that pairs wonderfully with teriyaki flavors.
- Edamame Pods: Lightly salted edamame is a healthy finger food that complements any Asian dish perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Orange Teriyaki Salmon, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the dish’s flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Salmon: Always choose fresh or high-quality salmon for the best results. Frozen salmon can be acceptable but ensure it’s of good quality.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly; overcooking leads to dryness. Aim for a flakey texture, usually around 14 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Letting your salmon sit in the teriyaki glaze enhances flavor. Even a short marinating time can make a difference.
- Not Adjusting Flavors: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more brown sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Ignoring Broiling: Broiling adds a delicious char to your salmon. Don’t skip this step if you want that caramelized finish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the salmon is cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) on medium power until warm, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or orange juice, covering to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Orange Teriyaki Salmon.
What is Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
Orange Teriyaki Salmon combines tender baked salmon with a sweet and tangy orange teriyaki glaze, creating a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Yes! You can substitute other fish like trout or tilapia, but adjust cooking times as necessary based on thickness.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
What sides pair well with Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
Serve with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make Orange Teriyaki Salmon ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and marinate the salmon ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner. Just bake before serving.
Final Thoughts
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding spices or changing side dishes. This recipe will surely impress your family and friends—give it a try!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a dish that effortlessly marries sweet and savory elements for a truly memorable meal. This easy baked salmon recipe shines with its luscious orange teriyaki glaze, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a quick weeknight feast.
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 minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, blend cornstarch and water until smooth. Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with oiled aluminum foil and place salmon skin-side down.
- Generously baste each filet with the teriyaki sauce, reserving some for later.
- Bake for approximately 14 minutes until flaky and moist.
- Broil for one minute to achieve a golden finish.
- Serve over rice with optional garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet (170g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
