Sticky Orange Salmon Rice (Printable)

Tender salmon with tangy-sweet orange glaze atop buttery, fluffy rice with scallions and sesame seeds.

# What You Need:

→ Salmon & Marinade

01 - 4 skin-on salmon fillets, approx. 5.3 oz each
02 - 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
03 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons honey
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Rice

10 - 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
11 - 3 cups water
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

14 - 3 scallions, thinly sliced
15 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
16 - Orange zest (optional)

# How-To:

01 - Whisk together gochujang, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a medium bowl until smooth.
02 - Pat salmon fillets dry and place in a shallow dish. Spoon 2 tablespoons of glaze over, turning to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing rice.
03 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
04 - Preheat broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil the surface.
05 - Place marinated salmon skin-side down on prepared baking sheet. Brush with additional glaze. Broil 6-8 minutes at 5–7 inches from heat source, brushing with glaze halfway through, until salmon is caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C).
06 - Pour remaining glaze into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Divide fluffy rice among bowls. Top with glazed salmon, drizzle with thickened sauce, and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and orange zest if desired.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The glaze caramelizes into something almost jewel-like, making weeknight dinner feel like you've been cooking for hours.
  • Everything happens in 35 minutes, which means you can actually eat before 8 PM.
  • It tastes complex and impressive but the technique is genuinely forgiving.
02 -
  • Dry the salmon properly—any moisture will steam instead of sear, and the glaze won't stick.
  • The broiler is fast and unforgiving; 30 seconds too long means overcooked salmon, so watch it.
  • Orange juice straight from a bottle won't give the same bright lift as fresh-squeezed, and it matters here.
03 -
  • Make the glaze the night before and refrigerate it; the flavors deepen and it'll be thicker when you brush it on.
  • If you want extra spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a tiny pinch of cayenne to the glaze.
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