This delicious Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just a sheet pan for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the citrus flavors to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftover oranges or lemons you might have lying around. Trust me; whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe will become your go-to for busy nights!
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into cooking, let’s chat about the ingredients, shall we? You want to make sure you have everything you need, and maybe a few tips for substitutions. Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing meal!
Salmon Fillets : Salmon is the star here, and not just any fish will do! This flaky fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, it cooks so quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can use fresh or frozen fillets in this recipe. If you’re using frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking!
Olive Oil : Olive oil adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the salmon. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor profile, which pairs beautifully with the citrus. If you’re out, you could substitute with melted coconut oil or even avocado oil for a different taste.
Honey : Ah, honey! It’s not just for tea. It balances the acidity of the citrus and adds a lovely gloss to the glaze. You can use maple syrup or agave in place of honey if you’re looking to make it vegan. Just keep in mind the consistency might vary a bit!
Juice of 1 Orange and Juice of 1 Lemon : The citrus juices are key to this dish, giving it that bright, zesty flavor! Fresh juice is best for the most robust flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. I like to mix it up sometimes by using lime juice or even grapefruit juice for a twist.
Salt and Pepper to Taste : I usually throw in a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste! These simple seasonings really help bring out the flavors of the salmon and glaze.
Chopped Fresh Herbs (like dill or parsley) for Garnish : Nothing says “I’m a fancy cook” quite like fresh herbs! They add a pop of color and freshness at the end. Fresh dill is my favorite with salmon, but you can certainly use parsley or even cilantro if that’s what you have on hand.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze
All right, my friends, are you ready? Let’s jump into cooking your Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze! You’ll be amazed at how simple this is. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you whip it up in no time.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want that oven nice and hot when the salmon goes in so it cooks evenly.Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, the juice of 1 orange, and the juice of 1 lemon. Add a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and combined. The smell is going to be so refreshing!Prep the Salmon
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents the fish from sticking. Place 4 salmon fillets onto the baking sheet, skin side down (if your fillets have skin).Brush on that Glaze
Using a brush (or just a spoon, no judgment here!), generously coat the salmon fillets with the citrus glaze mixture. Make sure they’re well covered because we want all that flavor to soak in!Bake
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. It should look beautifully golden and glossy when done!Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with your choice of chopped fresh herbs. The colors are going to be so vibrant, and the smell? Just wait until you take that first bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I’m staring into the fridge with zero meal inspiration after a long day. Salmon is always in my freezer because it’s such a versatile and healthy protein. I’m a real sucker for that delicate, flaky texture combined with the bright citrus glaze, it’s truly comfort food at its finest! And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it easy to customize and create something delicious every time.
If you loved this Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze, be sure to check out my Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta, my Easy Cuban Mojo Pork, or my Sous Vide Coffee Ancho Short Ribs!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those busy nights, am I right?
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since everything is made on a single sheet pan, prep and cleanup are a breeze! Just toss the parchment paper and rinse the bowl, and you’re done.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe relies on everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Salmon may sound fancy, but it can be surprisingly affordable, especially when bought in bulk or on sale!
Customizable
The beauty of this dish is that it’s customizable. You don’t like lemon? Use lime! Don’t have honey? Brown sugar will work in a pinch. This is flexible enough that you can make it work with what you have.
Comfort Food
Salmon is such a cozy protein, we love how it melts in your mouth and carries those tons of flavor from the glaze. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this incredible Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze, let’s talk about what to serve with it! Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Veggies: Toss some asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt, and roast them alongside the salmon for some added color and health benefits.
- Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa is perfect for soaking up that citrusy glaze. Plus, it makes the dish feel a little heartier if you have hungry bellies at the table!
- Simple Salad: A light side salad of mixed greens and cucumbers dressed in a vinaigrette complements the meal’s flavors nicely.
- Crusty Bread: Who could say no to some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover glaze? Trust me; it’s a game-changer.
Storage and Reheating
Okay, let’s chat about leftovers. You can store any leftover Flaky Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as salmon can lose its texture. But if you do have leftovers, they would best be consumed within a couple of days for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, your new favorite Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze recipe! You’re just a quick and easy dinner away from a dish your family will love and ask for again and again. The best part is that you can have it on the table in no time, and it looks so fancy that they’ll never know how effortless it really was!
Thanks for cooking with me today! And remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting, so don’t stress the small stuff. Enjoy and happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, juice of the orange, and juice of the lemon. Add salt and pepper, whisk until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on the sheet, skin side down.
- Generously coat the salmon fillets with the citrus glaze mixture.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and serve.