Description
This Pan-Fried Orange Salmon is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. Tender salmon cubes are pan-fried to perfection and coated in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes (with or without skin)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Orange Sauce:
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2–3 tablespoons honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1–2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups cooked broccoli (or other vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. Do not add the cornstarch yet.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a separate bowl or resealable bag. Pour a small amount of the prepared orange sauce over the salmon, just enough to lightly coat (about 1/4 cup). Reserve the remaining sauce. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Salmon: Using tongs, remove the salmon cubes from the marinade and add them to the skillet. Discard the used marinade that the raw salmon was in. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, pour the reserved orange sauce into a small saucepan. In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Bring to a very low boil, whisking constantly, and simmer until thickened.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Pour about 3/4 of the thickened orange sauce over the cooked salmon in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the salmon. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispy salmon, transfer the skillet to the broiler (if your skillet is oven-safe) and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the cooked broccoli (or other vegetables) and the orange-glazed salmon. Drizzle with the remaining orange sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Salmon: You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. If using skin-on fillets, cook them skin-side down first for a crispy skin.
- Doneness Cook time may change depending on the thickness.
- Honey: Adjust the amount of honey to your preference.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salmon with rice and your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would all be great choices.