Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze

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

Salmon fillets pan-seared to crisp perfection and finished with a bright, tangy citrus glaze for a light, delicious meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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: 8 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds through.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from the pan and tent with foil to keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the citrus glaze over the salmon fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (8 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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