This easy recipe for Orange Rosemary Glazed Salmon (inspired by Cooking Light) features pan-seared salmon topped with a bright citrus-rosemary glaze and is ready in about 20 minutes.
I tried this orange-rosemary glazed salmon recently and it was a hit. If you enjoy salmon, this preparation—crispy seared fillets finished with a fragrant orange and rosemary glaze—will likely become a favorite. The original inspiration came from Cooking Light, but I followed a pinned version and kept the preparation simple and fresh. The full recipe yields four servings, though you can easily cook fewer fillets and reserve extra sauce for another meal.
How to Prepare Orange Rosemary Glazed Salmon
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add the salmon, skinless side down (it should sizzle), and sear about 3–4 minutes until golden. Turn the fillets and cook the other side 3–4 minutes more until cooked through. When done, remove the salmon to a plate and keep warm, leaving the skillet and hot oil for the sauce.
The searing step produces a nice golden crust that pairs well with the sweet-tangy glaze. Adjust cook time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets; the goal is an internal temperature of about 125–140°F depending on your preferred doneness.
Make the Citrus-Rosemary Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary to the skillet and sauté while stirring for about 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of the chicken broth and simmer gently until most of the liquid reduces.
Stir in 1½ teaspoons orange zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1½ tablespoons honey, and 2/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice. The aroma at this stage is bright and citrusy—an inviting sign the glaze is coming together.
Thicken and Finish the Sauce
In a small cup, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of chicken broth with 2½ teaspoons cornstarch and stir until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet while stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a boil and continue stirring for 1 minute; the sauce will thicken and become glossy. Remove from heat when it reaches the desired consistency.
Serve the Salmon
Return the cooked salmon to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each fillet to coat. Carefully transfer the glazed fillets to serving plates and spoon additional sauce over them as desired. Garnish with thin orange slices and fresh rosemary sprigs for an attractive presentation.
This salmon pairs nicely with steamed green beans, rice, or a simple salad. The glaze adds a sweet-tart brightness that complements the rich fish without overpowering it.
I hope you try this Orange and Rosemary Glazed Salmon. The fresh citrus glaze is flavorful and easy to make, and it elevates a simple pan-seared salmon into a memorable weeknight or weekend meal.
Recipe Details
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- 5 Tablespoons chicken broth (divided: 4 T + 1 T)
- 1½ teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1½ Tablespoons honey
- 2/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 2½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced, and sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Season salmon with salt and pepper. When oil is hot, add salmon and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic and rosemary and cook about 20 seconds. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and simmer until reduced. Stir in orange zest, lemon juice, honey, and orange juice.
- Mix remaining 1 tablespoon chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth, then stir into skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring sauce to a boil and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until thickened. Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over fillets, garnish with orange slices and rosemary, and serve.
Enjoy this simple, flavorful salmon recipe any night of the week. If you liked it, consider saving the recipe for future meals and trying different sides to pair with the glaze.