Name: Honey Orange Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 shallot (diced); 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 oranges); 2 tsp cornstarch; 4 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; fresh rosemary (for serving); roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts (for serving); orange zest (for serving)

Honey orange salmon. An amazing 20 minute dish that combines tangy flavors with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s utterly delicious, especially when topped with toasted hazelnuts and rosemary. Serve over pearl couscous or with some crusty bread for a fancy looking meal. If you’re still on the lookout for an impressive dish to add to your holiday dinner, this could be the one.

Why you’ll love this orange salmon recipe

Zesty orange, honey, soy sauce and garlic match perfectly together to turn your dinner into something truly special. It takes only minutes to prepare, and it’s a one-skillet situation where we make the sauce from the pan drippings.

This easy honey orange sauce gives the salmon an instant flavor boost and it has that beloved tangy-sweet-hearty taste. A delicious balance of flavors, especially when served with pearl couscous, mashed potatoes and steamed or roasted vegetables.

Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.

You’ll Love How Easy This Comes Together

Seared salmon in honey orange sauce is such a great thing to make for any celebration. It’s super fast so you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but worry not, the result is a nothing less than amazingly delicious.

We start by searing the salmon fillets. Next shallot, garlic, orange juice, honey, soy and fish sauce are combined in the same skillet. We simmer the sauce for just a few minutes. It’s the quickest sauce but packs in so much flavor. The finishing touch? Rosemary and hazelnuts to round out the dish.

Ingredients for honey orange salmon

Salmon: Use salmon fillets with the same size and thickness so they can cook evenly. Skinless salmon is the go-to in this recipe, but if you want to use skin-on salmon, no problem!
Butter and Olive Oil: We need them to sear the salmon.
Salt and Pepper: To season the salmon fillets.
Garlic and Shallot: Flavor base essentials for the pan sauce.
Orange Juice: We use freshly squeezed juice, as it adds the necessary acidity and just tastes better.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
Honey: Adds sweetness which complements the acidity of the oranges. Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
Lime juice: For a citrusy boost.
Soy and Fish Sauce: For a huge salty flavor boost.
Hazelnuts: They add a delicious crunchy touch and a nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, you can substitute them for pistachios.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary, you can swap it for oregano.

Recipe tips

How to sear salmon? The biggest tip I can give you is to use a nonstick skillet and to make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon fillets. Use a combination of butter and oil to get those flavors happening without burning. Then sear the salmon for 3 minutes per side, until crispy.
Serve over couscous, buttered orzo, pearl couscous or mashed potatoes. Or with some crusty bread if you want to serve it as an appetizer.
If you are eating low-carb, you can try this salmon with roasted zucchini, cauliflower rice or broccoli.
Which veggies? Keep it light and simple! Roasted green asparagus, roasted broccoli, steamed green beans or green peas are a great match.

Storing tips

Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

To make this recipe ahead of time, you can juice the oranges and lime a day in advance.

Festive dinner ideas

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Thanksgiving recipe ideas, Christmas dinner ideas or New Year’s Eve party ideas for even more delicious options!

Honey Orange Salmon