Name: Pan Fried Orange Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4, 6 ounce salmon fillets (cut into cubes with or without skin); 2 tablespoons oil; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 3/4 cup fresh orange juice; 2-3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1-2 tablespoons orange zest; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 2 cups cooked broccoli

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, fresh dinner that’s both speedy and stunning, look no further than Pan Fried Orange Salmon. This dish marries succulent bites of salmon with a sweet, tangy glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, and a touch of ginger. Every forkful is juicy, colorful, and just a little bit spicy, making it an absolute go-to whenever you want to impress yourself or your friends with something a little special. Even better, this recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to anchor any celebratory table.

Pan Fried Orange Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one here plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make Pan Fried Orange Salmon so irresistible. Make sure to gather everything before starting — you’ll be amazed how these humble elements transform the dish.

Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on or skinless, and cut into cubes for gorgeous caramelized edges.
Oil: Helps the salmon crisp up beautifully without sticking to the pan; use a neutral oil like avocado or canola.
Minced Garlic: Adds depth and a savory undertone that plays so well with the citrus.
Fresh Grated Ginger: Gives the sauce a zippy kick and balances the sweetness.
Fresh Orange Juice: The star of the glaze — use freshly squeezed if possible for that bright, punchy flavor.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce and helps create a silky, glossy finish.
Rice Vinegar: Offers gentle acidity to keep things from getting too sweet.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: Brings umami and saltiness without overpowering the orange.
Orange Zest: Intensifies the fruity aroma and gives the glaze a little burst of texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a dreamy, glaze-like consistency that clings perfectly to the salmon.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint of heat cuts through the sweetness and livens up every bite!
Cooked White or Brown Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that glorious orange glaze.
Cooked Broccoli: Adds color, crunch, and a veggie boost to round out the meal.

How to Make Pan Fried Orange Salmon

Step 1: Whisk Up the Orange Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until fully blended. Keep the cornstarch aside for now — it joins the party later to thicken things up. This fragrant, tangy marinade is what transforms the dish and gives Pan Fried Orange Salmon its signature punch!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Add your cubed salmon to the bowl and gently toss it to coat each piece in the zesty orange sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This short rest time helps infuse the fish with flavor and keeps it incredibly moist as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring frequently. Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes. This simple step unlocks their flavors and perfumes your kitchen, setting a gorgeous base for the salmon to shine.

Step 4: Brown the Salmon

Using tongs, lift the salmon cubes out of the marinade (but don’t throw that marinade away!). Lay them gently in the skillet, spacing them so they get direct heat. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re golden brown, crispy on the edges, and just cooked through in the center. The sizzle and color are your signs of success with Pan Fried Orange Salmon!

Step 5: Thicken the Orange Sauce

Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a low boil. In a separate cup, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water until smooth, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for a few minutes until the consistency is glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Once your salmon is perfectly browned and your sauce is thick, pour about three-quarters of that luscious glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the glaze clings beautifully to every piece of fish.

Step 7: (Optional) Broil for Extra Crispy Edges

If you love an extra crispy finish, pop the pan under your oven’s broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick blast gives the salmon even more golden, caramelized edges — a delicious secret weapon for Pan Fried Orange Salmon.

Step 8: Build Your Bowls

Start with a cozy bed of cooked rice in each bowl, then add the steamed broccoli and golden salmon cubes. Finish everything off with a generous drizzle of the remaining orange sauce, letting it pool over the salmon and rice for maximum flavor in every bite. Now, enjoy your masterpiece!

How to Serve Pan Fried Orange Salmon

Garnishes

Top your salmon bowls with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, sliced green onion, or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Each garnish adds a little pop of color and an aromatic finish that makes Pan Fried Orange Salmon even more mouthwatering to eat and downright beautiful to serve.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with simple sides that let the main flavors take center stage. Think fluffy jasmine or brown rice, steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas, or even a fresh cucumber salad tossed with a splash of rice vinegar and sesame oil. You can’t go wrong with lightly salted edamame or crisp Asian slaw as an extra crunch on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy touch, serve Pan Fried Orange Salmon over black rice or in vibrant grain bowls topped with avocado and fresh herbs. You can also skewer the marinated salmon cubes and broil them on sticks for a stunning appetizer platter. Turn leftovers into lettuce wraps with a dash of sriracha mayo for a lunch you’ll actually look forward to!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Pan Fried Orange Salmon, let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Keep the rice and veggies separate from the salmon and sauce, if possible, to help maintain their textures. Stored properly, the salmon will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftover salmon! Arrange the cooled salmon cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. The orange sauce freezes well, too; just portion it separately. For best quality, try to use within a month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pan Fried Orange Salmon gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen things up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use short bursts and cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep the fish moist. Avoid high heat to prevent the salmon from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Pan Fried Orange Salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before marinating. Frozen salmon cubes work beautifully and are super convenient for quick weeknight dinners.

Is it necessary to remove the salmon skin?

Nope! Keeping the skin on can add an extra crispy texture, but it’s entirely up to you. Just make sure to sear it skin-side down first if you want that crispy finish.

Can I substitute another citrus for the orange?

Yes, though orange gives the classic sweet-tart flavor. Tangy tangerine, blood orange, or even a blend with fresh lime or lemon creates a different but still delicious citrusy sauce.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

It provides a gentle warmth rather than a fiery kick, so it’s family-friendly, but you can absolutely adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

What other vegetables go well with Pan Fried Orange Salmon?

Bok choy, snap peas, carrots, and even snow peas work beautifully. You can mix and match whatever’s in your fridge for a colorful, nourishing bowl meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring sunshine and bold flavors to your weeknight dinner rotation, you simply have to try Pan Fried Orange Salmon. It’s easy, healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to leave you smiling at the dinner table. Grab some fresh oranges and salmon, and let this recipe wow you — trust me, it’s worth it!

Pan Fried Orange Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Pan Fried Orange Salmon is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the zesty citrus taste of orange with tender pan-fried salmon cubes. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and savory, making it a perfect complement to the rich salmon. Serve over a bed of rice and steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Whisk sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients except cornstarch in a medium bowl.
Marinate salmon: Add salmon cubes to the sauce and marinate for 15 minutes.
Sauté: In a pan, sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and oil over medium/low heat for about 2 minutes.
Cook salmon: Cook marinated salmon cubes on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Thicken sauce: In a small saucepan, simmer the remaining sauce and cornstarch mixture until thick.
Add sauce to salmon: Combine most of the sauce with the cooked salmon and simmer briefly to meld flavors.
Broil: Optionally broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serve: Serve over rice and broccoli, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Broiling
Cuisine: Asian