Salmon, but make it pretty.

This honey orange braided salmon is as tasty as it is impressive. The braid makes it look elevated but it’s super simple to do. Sweet honey, bright orange, and that buttery salmon combine for the perfect balance of fancy and fuss free.

If you watch the recipe video you’ll see me whipping up a little sidekick for this dish. A cheddar herb biscuit was perfect for soaking up that honey orange glaze.

Honey Orange Braided Salmon

Course: DinnerDifficulty: Medium
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

This honey orange braided salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and stunningly simple. Bright orange, sweet honey, and buttery salmon come together in this easy braided recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 -2 lbs whole side salmon fillet

  • 3 lemons, sliced

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • 2-3 garlic gloves, minced

  • 2 Tbs soy sauce

  • 1/2 Tbs ginger, grated ( can be substituted for 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

  • 1/4 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375° F
  • Prep the salmon
    -Carefully remove the skin from the salmon fillet.
    -Cut the salmon fillet longways into three strips. Do not cut the fillet completely. Leaving the top together makes braiding much easier.
    -Arrange the sliced lemons in a baking dish and lay the braided fillet on top.
    -Season to taste.
    I used salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of orange blossom honey.
  • Make glaze
    -In a small sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat.
    -Add garlic, soy sauce, orange juice, ginger, brown sugar and honey. Stir until well combined.
    -Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens. Once thick, allow to cool slightly and add in chopped parsley. Pour over the salmon braid.
  • Bake salmon
    -Bake for 15-25 minutes. Cook time will vary depending on the desired internal temperature and thickness of salmon.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Save some glaze and baste the salmon halfway through cooking. Save a little more to drizzle over the salmon just before serving for that extra burst of flavor.