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4-Ingredient Orange Salmon

4-ingredient orange salmon with a bright, sweet orange reduction glaze that caramelizes to jewel-toned amber. Oven-baked fillets get brushed halfway and finished under the broiler for a glossy, citrusy aroma.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets About 6 oz each
  • 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 0.25 salt to taste
  • 0.1 pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Make the orange glaze
  1. Combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy, stirring so it turns glossy and slightly thick.
Bake and caramelize the salmon
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet and season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. Brush the salmon generously with the orange glaze. Add another even coat so the fillets look bright and fully covered.
  3. Bake for 12–14 minutes, brushing again halfway through. The glaze should darken slightly and cling to the surface.
  4. Broil for 2 minutes for a caramelized finish. Watch closely until the top turns amber and shiny in spots.
  5. Serve the salmon immediately. Keep it hot so the glaze stays glossy.

Notes

Pro tip: If your glaze thickens too much while waiting, warm it for 30–60 seconds so it brushes easily. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days; reheat gently so the glaze doesn’t dry out. Freezing is not recommended because the citrus glaze can lose its shine. For a lower-sugar option, use a reduced-sugar honey alternative in the same amount.