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Sesame Citrus Glazed Salmon Recipe

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4.2 from 45 reviews

This Sesame Citrus Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon filets coated in a flavorful, tangy-sweet orange glaze infused with garlic, sesame, and a hint of chili heat. It’s a quick and delicious dish that balances vibrant citrus with savory soy and honey for a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 5-ounce salmon filets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Citrus Sesame Glaze

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce (such as Huy Fong or sriracha)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Season the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin side up and cook until the salmon turns golden, about 3 minutes. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Remove the salmon from the pan and keep warm, loosely tented with foil.
  3. Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange marmalade, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, chili-garlic sauce, and cornstarch in a measuring cup until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Finish the Dish: After removing the salmon, check the pan for oil—add a little more if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic in the skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared orange sauce and bring it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken slightly. Return the salmon to the skillet, skin side up to maintain crispness, and let it simmer in the sauce for 30 seconds to absorb flavors. Serve immediately, ideally over rice with steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Notes

  • Bringing the salmon to room temperature before cooking helps achieve even cooking and better searing.
  • Adjust the amount of chili-garlic sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor, but bottled orange juice can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
  • To keep the salmon skin crispy, place it skin side up in the skillet when simmering with the sauce just before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion