This easy and healthy Orange Ginger Salmon with just a handful of ingredients is a perfect weeknight main course. Fresh orange juice, maple syrup, dill and ginger make for a flavorful simple sauce.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salmon – You can use any type of salmon, like Atlantic, Coho or Sockeye. Atlantic is my go-to. First, the texture and flavor of Atlantic salmon is delicate. Second, Atlantic salmon is readily available where we live. Last but not least, Atlantic salmon is more affordable, while still providing plenty of heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. I prefer to keep the skin on the salmon. The skin helps seal in the oils and nutrients in the fish. The skin itself has loads of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B and D, along with essential minerals.
- Juice of an Orange – I recommend using the juice of an orange to avoid the added sugar in store bought orange juice.
- Maple syrup – You can substitute honey or agave nectar.
- Ginger – Fresh minced ginger adds freshness and flavor.
- Dill – Preferably fresh but you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried dill.
Preparation
- To help achieve super crispy skin, place the uncooked salmon on a cutting board skin side up. Then, with chef knife, gently scrape the blade across all of the salmon skin. This removes excess water and makes the skin perfectly crisp. Sprinkle the salmon flesh evenly with salt.
- Create your sauce: In a saucepan mix together remaining ingredients. Simmer on medium-low while the fish cooks.
- Sear the salmon in olive oil flesh side down, for 3 minutes. Flip to skin side down and pop in the oven for 5 minutes.
Notes:
- How can you tell when the salmon is done? The salmon will turn from translucent to pink (opaque) and it will begin to flake.
- You can fillet the salmon prior to cooking if you prefer not to mess with cutting it after it is cooked.
- Is a cast-iron skillet required? Cast-iron gets nice and hot and stays hot, resulting in a beautiful sear and juicy salmon. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, an uncoated heavy bottomed pan will do.
What to Serve with Orange Ginger Salmon?
This salmon is perfect over my Quinoa Chickpea Salad or served with Corn and Avocado Salad or Sheet Pan Green Vegetables . It also pairs well with a simple couscous, quinoa or rice, along with almost any veggie.
Equipment
PrintOrange Ginger Salmon
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pan seared orange ginger salmon with maple syrup and dill is a delicious, healthy weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon, skin on
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sauce
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped, plus 4 sprigs for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towel. Place on a cutting board skin side up. Using a chef knife, scrape the skin all over to remove the excess moisture. Flip the salmon so that it is flesh side up and sprinkle evenly with salt.
- In a small sauce pan, mix the orange juice, maple syrup, ginger, chopped dill, extra virgin olive oil. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally.
- Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon in skin side up. Sear for 3 minutes. Flip the salmon to skin side down and place the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and place on a cutting board. Cut into 4 equal pieces. Plate the salmon with your chosen side and top the salmon with the orange ginger sauce. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs (optional).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Cast iron skillet
Keywords: Salmon, Ginger, Orange Ginger Salmon, Fish, Seafood
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