A quick, flavourful twist on a family favourite
Salmon is hands down the favourite fish in our household. No matter how many types of fish I try to introduce to our weekly meals, we somehow always circle back to it. This week, I decided to put a fresh twist on my classic Honey Glazed Salmon by swapping out the lemon for sweet, juicy orange. The result? A beautifully balanced Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce – sweet, slightly tangy and packed with flavour.
Why orange and honey?
Orange juice brings a mellow sweetness with just the right hint of acidity. It’s not as sharp as lemon or lime, and when paired with honey, it creates a lovely glaze that clings to the salmon without overpowering it. I’ve also adjusted the quantity of honey in this recipe, using slightly less than I would in my Honey Glazed Salmon, as the natural sweetness from the orange does part of the job already.
What you’ll need
To make this Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce, I used a 500g side of salmon and cut it into five strips, skin on. I find leaving the skin on helps keep the shape, and when seared properly, it adds a lovely crisp texture. The sauce is made from the juice of a fresh orange, dark soy sauce and a touch of honey. Garlic adds fragrance and a knob of butter helps bring it all together.
If you prefer a lighter colour and taste, feel free to use light soy sauce instead. The dark version just adds that dramatic caramel glaze which I personally love. Either way, the dish works beautifully.
Cooking method – quick and easy
This dish comes together in just 20 minutes – perfect for a busy weekday dinner.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. Place the salmon strips in, skin side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip them over and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or so. You want them golden but not dry, so be gentle here. Remove the salmon and set aside.
In the same pan, drop in a knob of butter and add the minced garlic. Fry until it turns golden and fragrant, then pour in your freshly squeezed orange juice and let it come to a boil.
Stir in the honey and soy sauce mixture, bring it back up to boil and then reduce to a simmer.
Now return the salmon to the pan, this time fish side down to soak up all the gorgeous sauce. After 3 minutes, flip the salmon skin side down, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes and then turn once more for the final minute or two before turning off the heat.
Serving suggestions
Slice up half of an orange and use it to garnish the dish. Plate the salmon and spoon that glossy orange and honey sauce all over. This Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce is best served with fluffy rice and some simple steamed veg – we had beans and baby corn today.
Don’t forget to drizzle that sauce over your rice – it’s honestly magical. My younger son always tries to get the last drops!
A perfect midweek meal
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that tastes like it took hours, this Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce is your answer. It’s light but satisfying, bursting with flavour and takes just 20 minutes from stove to table. Give it a go this week and let me know what you pair it with – or if your family fights over the last spoon of sauce too!
Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce (Cá Hồi Sốt Cam)
Description
This Salmon in Orange and Honey Sauce recipe is a quick and delicious twist on a classic favourite. Juicy salmon fillets are pan-seared until crispy, then simmered in a fragrant glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that’s sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy – ideal for a fuss-free weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s best served with rice and steamed vegetables for a wholesome, flavour-packed meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Sear the salmon
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat.
- Place salmon strips skin side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
-
Make the sauce
- In the same pan, add a knob of butter and fry the garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Pour in the orange juice, bring to a boil then add honey and soy sauce.
- Let the mixture bubble gently.
-
Simmer the salmon
- Return the salmon to the pan, fish side down.
- Simmer for 3 minutes, then flip to skin side down for another 3 minutes.
- Flip once more for a final minute before turning off the heat.
-
Garnish and serve
- Slice half of an orange for garnish.
- Plate the salmon, spoon over the sauce and serve hot with rice and steamed vegetables.
- Don't forget to drizzle the sauce over your rice - it's the best part1
