Grilled Orange Salmon

Why you'll love this orange salmon recipe

Skip the glaze. Change up the usual orange glazed salmon with this version that skips the glaze and goes straight to grilled salmon with a luscious orange sauce drizzled on top.

Rich Citrus Flavor. The combo of orange juice and orange marmalade gives this sauce a deep citrus flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

Smoky Grilled Flavor. No baking or pan-frying in sight, which means you get that nice char and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.

Tropical Orange Sauce. Packed with flavor from garlic, lemon zest, coconut flakes, a splash of soy sauce, and a little heat from chili sauce and cayenne.

Quick and easy. Simple but feels like a restaurant-worthy dish that's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

Ingredients

You might glance at the ingredient list and think it's a bit long, but trust me, every single item adds something special to the final flavor. It all comes together to create an orange sauce that's worth all the extra effort. Here's what you'll need:

• Salmon fillets - Choose fresh or thawed fillets with the skin on for easier grilling.
• Orange juice - Brings bright citrus flavor and forms the base of the sauce.
• Sake - Adds a light, subtly sweet note. You can sub in white wine if needed.
• Soy sauce - A splash of savory umami that balances the sweet orange.
• Garlic - Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce a delicious savory kick.
• Orange marmalade - Adds concentrated orange flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Cayenne pepper - Just a pinch for a little heat.
• Red chili sauce - A tiny bit of zing to wake up your taste buds.
• Lemon zest - Brightens up the whole dish with fresh citrus aroma.
• Rice vinegar - Balances the sweetness and adds a gentle tang.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) - Adds a hint of tropical texture if you want to mix things up.
• Red bell pepper - Diced and added at the end for color and crunch.
• Cilantro - Chopped fresh to bring a pop of herbal freshness.
• Green onion - Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor and garnish.

How to make salmon with orange sauce

This recipe is surprisingly simple but packs a ton of flavor! Here's how to bring it all together:

Prepping orange sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine orange juice, sake, soy sauce, garlic, orange marmalade, cayenne, chili sauce, lemon zest, rice vinegar and coconut and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has been reduced by about ⅓. Stir occasionally.
3. Strain mixture into a bowl.
4. Rinse the pan and return the sauce to the pan. Cover and keep warm while grilling salmon.

For the grilled salmon

1. To prepare the salmon, brush the flesh side of the fish with olive oil. This will also help it from sticking to the grill grates.
2. Season the flesh with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat grill to high. Lightly spray grates with an oil spray. Place salmon, flesh side down and cook 4-5 minutes depending on thickness. Turn and cook another 3-4 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Note: If using fillets without skin, cook each side about 4 minutes.
4. When cooked through, lift off the grill with a spatula. You should be able to slide the spatula between the skin and flesh and lift off just the fish. Plate and serve immediately.

Finishing orange sauce

5. In the last two minutes of grilling salmon, add the chopped red pepper and cilantro to the sauce.
6. Stir and simmer until heated through. Serve sauce drizzled over salmon or on the side.

You'll love this orange salmon recipe for summer that replaces the usual sticky orange glaze with a flavorful, zesty homemade orange sauce. It's tangy, sweet, a little spicy, and totally delicious. Keep it light by serving it over brown rice with a side of broccoli and fresh fruit. Perfect for summer grilling or anytime you're craving something a little tropical.

Recipe variations to make it your own

Want to mix things up a bit? This recipe is super versatile.

Change up the fish. This recipe works great with just about any fish including mahi mahi, swordfish, and grouper.

Try it with blood orange juice for a slightly richer citrus flavor.

Add honey or maple syrup to the sauce if you want a sweeter finish.

Skip the grill and cook your salmon in a skillet or bake it in the oven if it's not grilling season where you are.

Recipe tips for success

Preheat your grill well before adding the salmon to get a good sear and keep it from sticking.

Oil the grill grates or brush the salmon with oil to help prevent sticking and promote those gorgeous grill marks.

Use a fish spatula to gently flip the salmon because it's more flexible and helps keep the fillets from falling apart.

Keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers. Don't let it reduce too much or it might get too thick.

Add the fresh herbs and peppers right at the end to keep them bright and vibrant.

How to Serve

Serve the grilled salmon with the orange sauce generously drizzled over the top.

Garnish with fresh orange slices for a pretty presentation and an extra pop of citrus.

Plate it over a bed of steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Serve it alongside roasted or steamed broccoli for a light side dish.

Pair it with a mix of fresh fruit like mango, pineapple, or even a citrus salad for a summery vibe.

Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

Leftover grilled salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 3 days. Keep the orange sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap the cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. The orange sauce can be frozen too. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray. Thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat the salmon gently in the oven until warmed through, and warm the sauce in a small pan or in the microwave before serving.

More easy seafood dinners

• Grilled Mahi Mahi in Foil with vegetables is a complete dinner.
• Salmon with Red Pepper Sauce is a light and healthy summer meal.
• Grilled Fish Tacos are easy, delicious and perfect for Taco Tuesday.
• Grilled Sesame Tuna made with sushi-grade ahi tuna.
• Grilled Salmon Skewers are delicious, easy, and a complete meal on a stick.

Find lots of seafood recipes here on 2CM!