This Easy Orange Teriyaki Baked Salmon is a tasty treat! It combines the bright flavors of orange and the sweet touch of teriyaki sauce, making the salmon juicy and flavorful.
Honestly, it takes just a few minutes to prepare. I love how my kitchen smells while it’s baking! Pair it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a quick dinner that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe. You can also use frozen salmon; just thaw it completely before cooking. If you prefer, swap salmon for trout or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce works great, but homemade is even better! If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a low-sugar or soy sauce-based version.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed oranges offer the best flavor. However, bottled orange juice can also work if that’s what you have on hand. Lime juice can provide a zesty alternative if you want to mix things up!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic and ginger powders instead, but reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon each.
How Can I Make the Salmon Extra Flavorful?
The key to a delicious, flavorful salmon lies in the marinade and baking process. Start by letting your salmon soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. If time allows, a few hours or even overnight would enhance the flavors! Here’s a simple way to do it:
- After combining the marinade ingredients, place the salmon in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, cover, and refrigerate.
- When marinating, flip the salmon halfway through for even flavor distribution.
Don’t forget to save some marinade for brushing on while baking to keep that glaze lovely and juicy!
Easy Orange Teriyaki Baked Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking the salmon. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix until well combined—this will be your flavorful marinade!
3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker glaze for your salmon, take half of the marinade and heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water, and cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, set it aside.
4. Prepare the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generous amounts of the teriyaki orange sauce over each fillet. Make sure they’re well coated for maximum flavor!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Put the salmon in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. Halfway through baking, give the fillets another brush with sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the salmon is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Spoon the thickened sauce (if you made it) over each fillet for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the salmon with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side vegetables for a delightful meal.
This recipe yields a beautifully glazed salmon with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, highlighted by the brightness of fresh orange juice. Enjoy your delicious Easy Orange Teriyaki Baked Salmon!
FAQ for Easy Orange Teriyaki Baked Salmon
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely before baking. The best way to do this is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours in advance. If you want to go even further, bake the salmon and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar, and adding a splash of vinegar. For a sweeter alternative, use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and pineapple juice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook it, which can make it dry.