Introduction

This Easy Orange Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is your ticket to a vibrant, restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes. The sweet and tangy citrus glaze perfectly complements the rich salmon, creating a simple yet impressive meal. If you love quick teriyaki flavors, try this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Ready in 30 Minutes or these Easy Juicy Chicken and Pineapple in Bell Peppers – Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe comes together with a vibrant, sweet, and savory glaze that perfectly coats tender, flaky baked salmon.

• 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 (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Ginger, minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
• Sesame Seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Red Pepper Flakes, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped Green Onions, for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Orange Teriyaki Salmon recipe is ready in about 25 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than many similar baked salmon recipes that require longer marinating or cooking times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Orange Teriyaki Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy glaze, then remove from heat.

Step 2 — Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This ensures the skin gets crispy and the glaze adheres properly. Place the fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3 — Apply the First Glaze Layer

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top and sides of each salmon fillet with about half of the warm orange teriyaki glaze. Reserve the remaining glaze for serving. Let the salmon sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to start penetrating.

Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A properly hot oven is key for achieving a beautifully caramelized exterior and a tender, flaky interior. While the oven heats, ensure the salmon fillets are spaced evenly on the baking sheet for even cooking.

Step 5 — Bake the Salmon

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the orange teriyaki salmon for 12-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets; a good rule is about 4-5 minutes per half-inch of thickness at the thickest part.

Step 6 — Check for Doneness

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. The glaze should be sticky and caramelized. Avoid overcooking, as salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 7 — Rest and Final Glaze

Transfer the baked salmon to a serving platter and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. While resting, gently reheat the reserved orange teriyaki glaze. Drizzle the warm glaze over the rested fillets for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Finish your delicious easy baked salmon with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These fresh garnishes add color, texture, and a final layer of flavor that complements the sweet and savory glaze perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~380 kcal
Protein	~34 g
Carbohydrates	~18 g
Fat	~18 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This delicious easy baked salmon is also a good source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Swap: Use Chicken Thighs or Tofu — Chicken thighs stay juicy when baked in the glaze, while extra-firm tofu offers a fantastic plant-based option that soaks up all the sweet and savory flavors.
• Lower-Carb Option: Sugar-Free Sweetener — Replace the brown sugar or honey in the glaze with a monk fruit blend or erythritol to cut carbs without sacrificing the signature sticky-sweet finish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Tamari or Coconut Aminos — Use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free teriyaki base that’s naturally lower in sodium.
• Low-Sodium Version: Low-Sodium Soy Sauce & Fresh Citrus — Combine low-sodium soy sauce with the fresh orange juice and a touch of rice vinegar to build flavor depth without the excess salt.
• Dairy-Free & Whole30: Compliant Coconut Aminos & Date Paste — For a strict dairy-free and Whole30-friendly glaze, use coconut aminos and a small amount of date paste instead of honey or sugar.
• Nut-Free & Sesame-Free: Omit Sesame Seeds, Use Avocado Oil — Simply skip the sesame seed garnish and use a neutral oil like avocado oil in the marinade for those with allergies.
• Spicy Twist: Add Chili Garlic Paste or Sriracha — Stir a teaspoon of chili garlic paste or sriracha into the orange teriyaki glaze for a deliciously spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
• Herb Variation: Swap Green Onion for Cilantro — Top your baked salmon with fresh chopped cilantro instead of green onions for a bright, herbaceous finish that pairs wonderfully with the citrus.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this delicious easy baked salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up every drop of the mouthwatering orange teriyaki glaze.
• For a complete meal, pair it with simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
• This orange teriyaki salmon is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests at a dinner party.
• Garnish with the fresh chopped green onion and sesame seeds just before serving for a pop of color and texture.
• For a fun twist, flake the leftover salmon and use it to top a vibrant poke bowl or stuff into lettuce wraps for lunch the next day.
• Consider serving with a wedge of lime or lemon on the side for guests who enjoy an extra citrus kick to complement the orange teriyaki glaze.

Whether plated simply on a white dish to let the glaze shine or served family-style on a large platter, this orange teriyaki salmon is always a showstopper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using bottled teriyaki sauce, which can be overly salty and sweet, masking the fresh orange flavor. Fix: Make a quick homemade glaze with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a balanced, vibrant orange teriyaki salmon.
• Mistake: Baking salmon directly on a sheet pan, leading to sticking and a messy, difficult cleanup. Fix: Always line your pan with parchment paper or foil for perfectly released fillets and easy washing.
• Mistake: Overcooking the salmon until it’s dry and chalky, a frequent error with leaner cuts. Fix: Bake just until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare; carryover heat will bring it to a safe, flaky 145°F (63°C).
• Mistake: Pouring all the glaze on at the start, causing it to burn in the oven’s high heat. Fix: Brush most of the orange teriyaki glaze on during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
• Mistake: Not patting the salmon skin dry, which prevents it from becoming crisp and can steam the fish. Fix: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the skin side before seasoning and baking for better texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the marinade or glaze reduction step, resulting in a thin, watery sauce that doesn’t cling to the fish. Fix: Simmer the glaze mixture in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and intensifies in flavor.
• Mistake: Adding sesame seeds and green onions before baking, causing them to burn or wilt. Fix: Garnish your delicious easy baked salmon with fresh chopped green onion and sesame seeds immediately after it comes out of the oven.
• Mistake: Using low-quality, pale sesame seeds that lack nutty flavor and visual appeal. Fix: Lightly toast white sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until golden to unlock their aroma and enhance the dish’s presentation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover orange teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the salmon has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled salmon and glaze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat the salmon in a covered oven-safe dish at 275°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.

For best results, add fresh garnishes like green onion and sesame seeds after reheating to keep their texture and flavor vibrant.

Conclusion

This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s bursting with flavor. The sweet and savory orange teriyaki glaze creates a mouthwatering meal perfect for any night of the week. We hope you love it! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For another great side dish, try our Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this orange teriyaki glaze?

Yes, this delicious orange teriyaki glaze works well with other firm fish like cod or halibut. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your fish fillet. The sweet and savory orange teriyaki salmon marinade is very versatile.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For this easy baked salmon, it typically takes 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven. The mouthwatering orange teriyaki glaze will caramelize slightly.

Can I make the orange teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the orange teriyaki glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before brushing it over your salmon. This makes preparing the delicious easy baked salmon even quicker.