Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets braised gently in a bright, citrus-infused broth with fennel and fresh herbs for a light, flavorful seafood dish. This seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, large, zested and juiced orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, sauté for 5-6 minutes until fennel softens and becomes translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add zest and juice of 1 large orange along with 1 cup water, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet nestling them among the fennel. Cover and cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill over the salmon and fennel just before serving for a fresh herbal finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Orange whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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