This simple orange maple glazed salmon recipe is the perfect indulgent healthy weeknight meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this sweet citrus salmon is sure to become a favorite!
What to serve with the salmon? I recommend my Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Roasted Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary.
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Why You'll Love This Orange Maple Glaze Salmon Recipe
Orange Maple Salmon is not only healthy but incredibly rich in flavor. Here's why you will love this simple recipe:
- Easy recipe to make. This may look like a dish you would be served in a high-end restaurant, but making this orange-glazed salmon at home is super easy!
- Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon has many health benefits to offer, including being high in protein and rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which help with inflammation. When selecting a good quality salmon, look for wild-caught versus farm-raised.
- Delicious flavor and simple ingredients. We love finding new ways to serve salmon, and this recipe is one of our favorite healthy weeknight meals. The orange maple glaze compliments the salmon perfectly, making it a delicious savory-sweet combination. If you love this recipe, check out my honey mustard salmon!
Orange Maple Salmon Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this easy and delicious Maple Orange Glazed Salmon!
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon: You'll need four (6-ounce) fresh salmon fillets. You can use thawed frozen salmon, but for health benefits, choose wild-caught over farm-raised.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasons the salmon and brings forward the flavors in the glaze.
- Orange Juice + Orange Zest: Full of vitamin C, fresh orange juice and orange zest give the glaze a delicious citrus flavor and vibrant color.
- Coconut Aminos: This healthier soy sauce substitute gives the sauce a savory flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch of pure maple syrup provides the perfect sweetness. You can also substitute the maple syrup for honey.
- Fresh Thyme: Freshly minced thyme brings a lot of flavor to the prepared dish.
Find the printable recipe with full instructions and measurements below.
How To Make Orange Maple Salmon: Step By Step
- Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, skin side down, and into the preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Prepare the orange glaze ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and minced garlic.
- Reduce the glaze. Pour the sauce into a medium-sized frying pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer on medium-high heat while whisking continuously until thickened about (3 to 5 minutes). The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the glaze to the salmon. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Brush each piece with the orange maple glaze until fully coated. Garnish with minced thyme as desired.
Hint: Brush the glaze on top of the salmon fillets after they have been transferred to a plate. The heat from the baking sheet can cause the glaze to thin.
Recipe Tips
- Watch the glaze carefully to avoid burning. It takes about 3-5 minutes for the glaze to reduce, and it will continue to thicken after resting. You will know the glaze is ready when it can coat the back of a spoon.
- Use fresh navel oranges. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but you could use regular cold-pressed orange juice without added sugar.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet to ensure the salmon is cooked properly. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Storage
To store: This maple orange salmon recipe is best served the same day, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat: You can reheat this dish the next day in the microwave or the oven at 300ºF until warm.
Variations
- Orange-Honey Salmon: Use equal amounts of honey in place of maple syrup.
- Orange-Rosemary Salmon: Instead of fresh thyme, season salmon after adding the glaze with freshly minced rosemary.
- Orange-Ginger Salmon: Add a ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder, or a ½ teaspoon of freshly minced ginger to elevate the glaze.
- Orange-Dijon Salmon: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a creamier glaze.
FAQ
You can combine the uncooked ingredients of the glaze in advance, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. But do not prepare the glaze on the stovetop until you are ready to serve.
The most accurate way to determine if salmon is cooked to the correct temperature is to use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and make sure it reads 145°F. The fish should be tender and easily flake with a fork.
Yes, salmon is perfectly safe to eat cold if that is your preference.
Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days
More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
I hope you love this orange maple salmon recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Recipe
Orange Maple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, (Alaskan Sockeye or Coho)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 grams) freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 large navel oranges
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons (54 grams) coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- sprig of thyme finely minced, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, skin side down, and into the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and minced garlic.
- Reduce the glaze. Pour the sauce into a medium-sized frying pan or skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer on medium-high heat while whisking continuously until thickened about (3 to 5 minutes). The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the glaze to the salmon. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a plate. Brush each piece with the orange maple glaze until fully coated. Garnish with minced thyme as desired.
Notes
- Orange glaze: Watch the glaze carefully to avoid overcooking. It takes about 3-5 minutes for the glaze to thicken, and the glaze will continue to thicken after resting. Brush the glaze on top of the salmon fillets after they have been transferred to a plate. The heat from the baking sheet can cause the glaze to thin.
- The internal temperature of salmon: The salmon is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
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