When I first made this 4-ingredient orange salmon, I couldn’t stop smiling at how easy and flavorful it turned out. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a secret weapon in the kitchen. The orange glaze is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once, and it brings so much life to the salmon.
My family couldn’t get enough of it, and honestly, I loved how little effort it took to make something this impressive. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or serving guests, this recipe never fails to wow everyone! If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you can also enjoy similar ideas like hot honey air fryer salmon recipe.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (4 pieces)
- Orange marmalade (½ cup)
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.
Variations
Love customizing recipes? Here are some fun tweaks you can try:
- Dairy-Free: No changes needed; this dish is naturally dairy-free!
- Low-Sugar: Swap orange marmalade with a sugar-free version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Citrus Boost: Use fresh orange juice and zest to deepen the citrus flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet: For baking the salmon.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Small saucepan: To create the orange glaze.
- Spoon or brush: To coat the salmon with the glaze.
- Knife and cutting board: For mincing garlic.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Orange Salmon
Nothing beats a simple, flavorful recipe, and here you’re just a few steps away from making a restaurant-worthy meal. Follow this easy guide to create a stunning orange-glazed salmon.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be perfectly hot by the time your salmon is ready to cook. Preheating is important for even cooking and to help the glaze caramelize beautifully.
Make the Orange Glaze
Grab a small saucepan and combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. Once ready, take it off the heat and set it aside to cool down a bit.
Prepare the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless.
Coat the Salmon with the Glaze
Take your sauce brush or spoon and generously spread the orange glaze over each fillet. Be sure to coat each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Bake the Salmon
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. To check if it’s done, gently press the salmon with a fork; it should flake easily but still feel moist.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the salmon a minute to cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it right away and enjoy every bite! If this sounds appealing, you might also want to explore how baked honey cilantro lime salmon in foil recipe creates equally vibrant results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. Here’s why it’ll become a favorite in no time!
- Effortless prep makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big, bold flavors from just a handful of ingredients.
- Healthier option, rich in protein and light on carbs.
- Customizable glaze lets you add your unique touch.
- Impressive presentation works for casual dinners and special occasions.
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Orange Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that balance its flavors. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the glaze. Add a side of roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a refreshing citrus salad. Garnish with extra orange zest for a fancy final touch. For a variety in salmon-based dishes, you might enjoy trying creamed corn orzo with salmon for a creamy, comforting twist.
Nutritional Information
This healthy dish is as satisfying as it is delicious. Approximate values per serving are:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 16g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, you’ll love how well this salmon keeps.
To store, place the fully cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each fillet in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, use a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Cover the salmon with foil while reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve made this recipe plenty of times, and here’s what I’ve learned to make it even better!
- Bring the salmon to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Baste the salmon halfway through baking for an extra layer of glaze.
- Keep a close eye on the oven to avoid overbaking (dry salmon is no fun!).
- For a tangier flavor, squeeze a little fresh orange juice over the salmon before serving.
This orange salmon recipe isn’t just easy but also incredibly satisfying. I love how it turns simple ingredients into something so special. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked like I am! Save this recipe and make it your go-to for any occasion!
Watch this video to see how it’s made:
4 Ingredient Orange Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets 4 pieces
- Orange marmalade ½ cup
- Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
- Garlic minced (2 cloves)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be perfectly hot by the time your salmon is ready to cook. Preheating is important for even cooking and to help the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- Grab a small saucepan and combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. Once ready, take it off the heat and set it aside to cool down a bit.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless.
- Take your sauce brush or spoon and generously spread the orange glaze over each fillet. Be sure to coat each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. To check if it’s done, gently press the salmon with a fork; it should flake easily but still feel moist.
- Once out of the oven, give the salmon a minute to cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Bring the salmon to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Baste the salmon halfway through baking for an extra layer of glaze.
- Keep a close eye on the oven to avoid overbaking (dry salmon is no fun!).
- For a tangier flavor, squeeze a little fresh orange juice over the salmon before serving.
