Pan Fried Orange Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Pan Fried Orange Salmon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender salmon cubes with a tangy, sweet orange glaze. Paired with rice and broccoli, it makes a delightful and balanced meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), cut into cubes (with or without skin)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2-3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1-2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups cooked broccoli

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce, reserving the cornstarch for later.
2. Step 2: Add the salmon cubes to the sauce and marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Using tongs, add the marinated salmon cubes to the pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Do not add the marinade to the pan yet; set it aside.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, pour the reserved sauce (without cornstarch) into a small saucepan and bring to a very low boil.
6. Step 6: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Once the salmon is cooked and the sauce is thick, pour about three-quarters of the sauce over the salmon in the pan and let it simmer together for a few minutes.
8. Step 8: For extra crispiness, you may broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes before serving.
9. Step 9: To serve, assemble bowls with cooked rice as the base, top with broccoli and salmon, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use tamari to make this dish gluten-free and retain a rich soy flavor.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Try adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas to the broccoli for more colorful veggies.
• Marinating the salmon longer will deepen the flavor, but 15 minutes is sufficient for quick meals.
• Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white or brown rice to vary the base.

Storage

Store leftover orange salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the salmon from drying out. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it if necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on or off?

Yes, you can use salmon with or without skin based on your preference. Cooking with skin on can add extra crispiness when pan-fried.

Is it necessary to marinate the salmon?

Marinating helps the salmon absorb the orange flavor, enhancing the dish. While you can skip marinating for a quicker meal, 15 minutes is recommended for the best taste.

Pan Fried Orange Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Pan Fried Orange Salmon recipe features tender salmon cubes marinated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, sautéed to a golden crisp, and finished with a luscious thickened glaze. Served over rice with steamed broccoli, it delivers a deliciously balanced meal with bright citrus notes and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or impressive meal.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), cut into cubes, with or without skin
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

Sauce

• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2–3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1–2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Accompaniments

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups cooked broccoli

Instructions

1. Whisk Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine fresh orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
2. Marinate Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the salmon marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook Salmon: Using tongs, transfer the salmon cubes from the marinade to the pan, leaving excess sauce behind. Cook the salmon on each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
5. Thicken Sauce: While the salmon cooks, pour the reserved sauce (minus cornstarch) into a small saucepan and bring it to a low boil.
6. Simmer with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add this slurry to the boiling sauce and reduce heat to a simmer. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens.
7. Combine Salmon and Sauce: Once the salmon is cooked and sauce thickened, pour about three-quarters of the sauce over the salmon in the pan. Let it simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy finish, transfer the salmon to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top crisps further.
9. Assemble Bowls: Serve the salmon over a bed of cooked rice, add steamed broccoli on the side, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful orange salmon bowl!

Notes

• You can use skin-on or skinless salmon based on preference; skin adds crispy texture when pan-fried.
• Adjust honey quantity to balance sweetness according to your taste.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh orange juice, freshly squeezed juice is best, but high-quality bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra texture.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used as a glaze for other proteins or vegetables.

Keywords: orange salmon, pan fried salmon, citrus salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon bowl, honey glazed salmon, ginger garlic salmon