Description
This festive orange glazed salmon features a tangy, sweet, and savory citrus-maple glaze that shimmers like molten candy—perfect for Halloween dinners or autumn gatherings. Quick, healthy, and beginner-friendly, it’s a crowd-pleasing main dish that’s as memorable as the costumes.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup juice, 1 tablespoon zest)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove, finely minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra orange slices or zest (for garnish)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub gently to coat.
- Zest the orange directly into a medium saucepan. Squeeze the juice into the pan.
- Add maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
- Whisk to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the glaze thickens and reduces by about a third (6-8 minutes).
- Brush a generous layer of orange glaze over each salmon fillet. Reserve some glaze for finishing.
- Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, add 2-3 minutes; for thinner, check at 10 minutes.
- Brush salmon with reserved glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley, additional orange zest, and pomegranate seeds if desired.
- Transfer fillets to a serving platter. Serve warm, with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. The glaze can be made ahead and gently reheated. Substitute honey for maple syrup if desired. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free. The glaze works well on chicken or tofu. Don’t overcook the salmon—check for doneness at 12 minutes. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and orange slices for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with glaze (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Halloween, salmon, orange glaze, festive dinner, autumn, easy recipe, healthy, kid-friendly, party food, maple syrup, citrus, oven baked salmon