Pan-Seared Salmon with Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf
Tender pan-seared salmon served with a vibrant orange and fresh basil glaze, paired with a nutty wild rice pilaf. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin on, orange juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin on
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup wild rice blend under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups chicken broth and 1 finely chopped shallot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Stir in 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, combine 1/2 cup orange juice and 2 tbsp honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and edges are opaque.
- Step 4: Flip salmon carefully and cook for 2-3 more minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat and spoon the orange-basil glaze over each fillet.
- Step 5: Serve the glazed salmon atop wild rice pilaf, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf?
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 Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Orange-Basil Glaze and Wild Rice Pilaf?
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.
