15 Minute Orange Glazed Salmon

I love the new year because it really sparks my creativity with healthy recipes.

I want you to be excited to jump into new habits and new flavors as you prioritize your health journey!

Today's recipe was inspired by my Blueberry Glazed Salmon from last September and you are going to love it!

(It's way better than chicken and rice with steamed broccoli!)

This Orange Glazed Salmon is sweet, sticky, and served with pomegranate and pistachios. It's got all the delicious seasonal ingredients of winter all wrapped into an easy weeknight meal with tons of fresh flavor and only a few minutes of cooking. The whole family will love it!

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Why you'll love this recipe

Easy to make: all you need is a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes of cook time. It really is an easy recipe!

Healthy ingredients: the salmon is good for your heart and bones, the citrus and fruit is good for your immune system, and the pistachios are good for your brain.

Allergen friendly: this recipe is gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free!

Macro friendly: this means there's a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in each serving so you stay fuller longer and have a balanced blood sugar after eating.

Versatile: there are so many different things to eat with orange salmon. Keep reading for 10+ ideas!

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Ingredients you'll need

• Salmon fillets: a fantastic source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. The best option here is fresh, with skin, and without pin bones. If you only have frozen fillets, be sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. And don't worry, the fishy smells will go away with cooking and all the flavor!
• Fresh orange juice: you can use the orange juice from a whole orange or just get 100% orange juice.
• Orange zest: from the orange peel. I don't recommend using "cuties" or mandarin oranges here because their skins are a bit different and they're not great for juicing, either.
• Coconut aminos: the gluten free version of soy sauce. Feel free to use equal amounts of either.
• Sweet chili sauce: most other orange salmon recipes call for honey, but that's too dominant of a flavor in my opinion (and lots of extra sugar). I love using G Hughes sugar free sweet chili sauce to get that perfect blend of sweet, sticky, and spicy. If you don't want to use chili sauce, you could use equal amounts orange marmalade and red pepper flakes.
• Corn starch: to help thicken the orange glaze as it reduces.
• Seasonings: ginger, rosemary, salt, and a touch of pepper. You could also use half as much fresh ginger and fresh rosemary.
• Pomegranate seeds: a delicious winter fruit that bursts with flavor in every bite. It's the perfect compliment to the citrusy orange!
• Chopped pistachios: a creamy nut to add contrast to the sweet and citrus in the dish. Before you go substituting the pistachios, give them a shot!

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How to make orange glazed salmon

Step 1: cook the salmon

Add a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. (I highly recommend a cast iron skillet above anything else!) Heat to medium-high heat, then lay the salmon fillets down away from you, skin side down. Season the top of the salmon with salt and pepper.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sides of the salmon are opaque pink or nearly white.

Flip and reduce the heat to medium heat, cooking an additional 3-4 minutes until the tops are golden with crispy edges.

Avoid touching the fish multiple times or using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will cause the fish to separate and leave fish flakes in the pan.

Once the salmon is finished, remove and set on a paper towel while you reduce the sauce.

Step 2: make the sauce

Whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. This includes the orange juice, orange zest, coconut aminos, sweet chili sauce, cornstarch, and seasonings.

Reduce the heat of your skillet to medium-low and pour in the glaze/sauce. (BONUS: slice the remainder of your orange and caramelize those orange slices in the sauce!)

Stirring frequently, allow the sauce to thicken and reduce, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add some water to thin it out.

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Step 3: garnish and serve

Add the cooked salmon back into the pan and spoon the sauce over the top of the salmon.

Garnish the pan with the pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.

Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

How to store orange salmon

Let cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container (preferably glass) in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For meal prep, you can divide the salmon, sauce, and toppings into individual portions, then store for up to 3 days.

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What to serve with orange salmon

• Pomegranate Quinoa Arugula Salad (omit the steak)
• Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta and Pistachios
• Healthy Homemade Alfredo (omit the shrimp)
• Cacio e Pepe (omit the shrimp) and fresh arugula
• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
• Roasted Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Feta
• Healthy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (3 ways!)
• Healthy Homemade Baked Beans (sugar free!)
• White Cheddar Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Roasted Cinnamon Maple Brussels Sprouts and a bed of rice

You absolutely have to make this easy salmon recipe. It's cozy, fresh, and great for pairing with a simple side salad or starch.

Be sure to leave a star rating and review below the recipe card so other readers know how you liked the recipe!