Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Delight your taste buds with Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a dish that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your dinner table. This easy baked salmon recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for family meals, special occasions, or quick weeknight dinners. The standout feature of this dish is the vibrant orange teriyaki glaze that elevates the salmon fillets, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This baked salmon can be prepared in just 50 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a rich glaze that tantalizes your palate.
- Healthy Option: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and is a great source of protein, making this dish not only tasty but nutritious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, vegetables, or salads for endless meal possibilities.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and garnish make this dish visually appealing for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather the essential tools you’ll need for preparing Orange Teriyaki Salmon. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the salmon, ensuring it cooks uniformly.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering the sauce to achieve the perfect consistency without burning.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients efficiently before applying them to the salmon.
Ingredients
Delicious easy baked salmon in a mouthwatering orange teriyaki glaze finished with fresh chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
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 this mixture to a low simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until it lightly thickens. Once ready, 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 Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with lightly oiled aluminum foil. Place the salmon filets on the sheet skin-side down. Baste generously with half of your prepared sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 14 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Step 5: Broil for Finish
After baking, remove the salmon from the oven and baste again with reserved sauce. Put it under the broiler for about one minute until you achieve a golden lightly charred top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Orange Teriyaki Salmon over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds as desired. Enjoy this delightful meal!
How to Serve Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Serving Orange Teriyaki Salmon can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, enhancing its vibrant flavors and creating a balanced meal.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the rich teriyaki glaze, absorbing the sauce perfectly.
Over a Salad
- Create a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to add crunch and freshness.
In Tacos
- Flake the salmon and serve it in warm corn tortillas topped with avocado and lime for a fun twist.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled asparagus or bell peppers add a smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
On Quinoa
- Serve the salmon over quinoa for a nutritious option that adds protein and fiber to your meal.

How to Perfect Orange Teriyaki Salmon
To achieve perfect Orange Teriyaki Salmon, follow these essential tips for optimal flavor and texture.
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Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon ensures better taste and texture. Look for bright color and firm flesh.
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Marinate for Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor infusion.
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Watch Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by checking the salmon around 12 minutes. It should flake easily but remain moist.
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Use High Heat Broiling: Broiling gives the salmon a delicious charred finish. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Garnish Thoughtfully: Use chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Pairing side dishes with your Orange Teriyaki Salmon can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the savory flavors of teriyaki well.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick stir-fried bok choy adds a crisp texture and nutrient boost.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and balances flavors without overpowering.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the umami teriyaki glaze.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans add crunch while being simple to prepare.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing cools down the palate nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Orange Teriyaki Salmon, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect dish.
- Using Fresh Juice Only: Always use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can be overly sweet or lack freshness.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Salmon should be flaky but moist; overcooking can lead to a dry texture.
- Neglecting the Sauce: Don’t skip basting your salmon halfway through cooking. This keeps it juicy and enhances flavors.
- Ignoring Marinade Time: If you have time, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Forgetting Garnishes: Garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped green onions add texture and visual appeal. Don’t skip them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Orange Teriyaki Salmon in an airtight container.
- It can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Place cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap it in foil.
- It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place salmon on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and cover. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Orange Teriyaki Salmon.
How do I know when my Orange Teriyaki Salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Yes! Other firm fish like trout or halibut can work well with orange teriyaki glaze.
What side dishes pair well with Orange Teriyaki Salmon?
Consider serving it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this Orange Teriyaki Salmon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the salmon in advance for convenience.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and can be portioned out for quick meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Orange Teriyaki Salmon is not just delicious but also versatile. Its sweet and tangy glaze complements various side dishes, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite garnishes or spices to suit your taste preferences!

Orange Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Orange Teriyaki Salmon, a quick and easy dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. This baked salmon recipe features a luscious orange teriyaki glaze, ensuring each bite is bursting with citrusy goodness. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes a stunning presentation that will impress your family and guests. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or salads for a healthy and versatile meal option that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- optional garnishes: sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Combine with remaining sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with oiled aluminum foil and place salmon skin-side down. Baste generously with half the prepared sauce.
- Bake for about 14 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for an additional minute after basting again with reserved sauce for a golden finish.
- Serve over steamed rice and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg