Citrus Glazed Salmon Recipe

Salmon fillets: The main protein of the dish, salmon is rich in healthy fats and has a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the citrus glaze.

Orange juice: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that brightens the glaze.

Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty kick to balance the sweetness.

Honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally and helps it caramelize while baking.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the glaze.

Garlic: Provides a savory note that complements the citrus and soy.

Olive oil: Helps blend the glaze ingredients and keeps the salmon moist during cooking.

One of the most important steps in this Citrus Glazed Salmon Recipe is brushing the citrus glaze over the salmon fillets. Doing this right helps the flavors stick to the fish and makes sure every bite is tasty and juicy. Here’s how you can brush the glaze like a pro:

1. Use a clean basting brush or a spoon if you don’t have one.
2. Dip the brush or spoon into the bowl with the glaze mixture, making sure you get a good amount but not too much that it drips everywhere.
3. Gently spread the glaze over the top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface evenly.
4. Don’t forget to brush the sides a little too, so the flavor wraps all around.
5. If you want extra flavor, you can brush on another layer halfway through baking.

Brushing the glaze carefully helps the salmon cook with a nice shiny coating that caramelizes a bit in the oven, giving it a sweet and tangy taste. It also keeps the fish moist, so it won’t dry out while baking. If you just poured the glaze on without spreading it, some parts might taste bland or others too sticky.

When I first tried this, I didn’t brush the glaze evenly and ended up with some bites that were super sweet and others that were plain. After that, I made sure to take my time and brush gently but thoroughly. Now, I even like to save a little extra glaze to drizzle on the salmon right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of flavor that’s really nice.

Brushing the glaze might seem small, but it makes a big difference in how your salmon tastes and looks. Give it a try, and you’ll see!

• salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a great alternative for this dish.

• salmon - Substitute with arctic char: Arctic char is closely related to salmon and offers a comparable taste and texture.

• orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a sweet and tangy flavor that can mimic the citrusy notes of orange juice.

• orange juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice offers a tartness similar to orange juice, though slightly more bitter.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity needed in the recipe, though it lacks the citrus flavor.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will add a slightly different flavor.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and can be used as a vegan alternative to honey.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative to soy sauce.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor but can still provide a similar aromatic quality to garlic.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it lacks the same depth of flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral oil that can be used in place of olive oil for cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative to olive oil.

• Allow the salmon to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the salmon soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the salmon fillets in an airtight container. If you have multiple fillets, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The citrus glaze will continue to infuse the salmon, enhancing its flavor over time.

• For longer storage, wrap each salmon fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain the moisture and flavor.

• Place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the bag with the date of freezing. The salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months, maintaining its delightful citrus flavor.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain the texture and taste.

• Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, or enjoy it cold atop a fresh salad for a refreshing meal.

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the leftover salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This gentle method helps retain the salmon's moisture and flavor.

• Use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of orange juice to the pan. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method revives the citrusy glaze beautifully.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. While not ideal for texture, this method is speedy and convenient.

• Steam the salmon gently by placing it in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the salmon moist and enhances the citrus aroma.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon inside and heat for 4-5 minutes. This method can help maintain a slightly crispy exterior while warming the inside.

• Oven: Used to bake the salmon fillets at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to whisk together the citrus glaze ingredients, ensuring they are well combined.

• Whisk: Helps in blending the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil into a smooth glaze.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the salmon fillets for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Brush: Used to apply the citrus glaze evenly over the salmon fillets.

• Fork: Handy for checking if the salmon is cooked through by testing if it flakes easily.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic the night before to save time on cooking day.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the salmon from sticking.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin preparing the citrus glaze to ensure it's ready when you are.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra salmon fillets to have leftovers for another meal, saving time on future cooking.