This Orange Teriyaki Salmon is a tasty and easy dish that brings sweet and savory flavors together. The salmon cooks up juicy and flaky, covered in a delicious orange glaze!
I love how quick this meal is to make! Just whisk the sauce, pour it on, and bake. It’s the perfect way to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are key for this dish. If you’re not a salmon fan, you can use other fish like trout or cod. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since they have different thickness.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is great to control saltiness; however, you can substitute it with tamari for gluten-free options or coconut aminos for a sweeter, less salty flavor.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best taste, but bottled juice works in a pinch. You could also try using lime juice for a different citrus twist.
Mirin Substitute: If you don’t have mirin, mixing honey with water as suggested is a perfect replacement. A dash of rice vinegar can also add a nice tang!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch. You could switch these for broccoli, snap peas, or even asparagus for variety.
How Do You Create a Deliciously Thick Sauce?
One of the standout features of this dish is the teriyaki sauce. To make it thick and glossy, you’ll be using a cornstarch slurry. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small saucepan, combine your sauce ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water until smooth. Once your sauce bubbles, stir in the slurry gradually.
- Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens; it should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, a small splash of water can help adjust the consistency.
This technique gives the sauce a nice glossy finish, making your salmon not only tasty but visually appealing!
Orange Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine) or substitute with 2 tsp honey + 2 tsp water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For Serving:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup green beans or other green vegetable
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 small red chili, sliced thin (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Orange Teriyaki Salmon takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12 minutes to cook. Total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help cook the salmon perfectly while giving it a nice glaze.
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, fresh orange juice, mirin, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture until it comes to a gentle simmer. This brings all the wonderful flavors together!
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes glossy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the sesame oil for extra flavor.
4. Prepare the Salmon:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet and generously brush them with the orange teriyaki sauce you just made.
5. Bake the Salmon:
Put the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For extra flavor, brush some more sauce on the fillets halfway through the cooking time.
6. Cook the Vegetables:
While the salmon is baking, prepare your green beans by steaming or sautéing them in a pan until they are bright green and crisp-tender. This only takes a few minutes.
7. Serve it Up:
Once everything is cooked, serve each salmon fillet over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Spoon any extra teriyaki sauce over the top for added flavor.
8. Add Final Touches:
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. If you like a little heat, add some thin slices of red chili on top!
Enjoy your flavorful Orange Teriyaki Salmon served with fluffy rice and fresh green beans! It’s a delightful meal that’s sure to impress.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s important to fully thaw it first. The best way to do this is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
What Can I Substitute for Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, a good substitute is 2 teaspoons of honey mixed with 2 teaspoons of water. You can also use a combination of rice vinegar and a bit of sugar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or in a pan over low heat to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick reheat before using it on the salmon. This can save you time on busy weeknights!
