Recipe
Citrus Ponzu Salmon with Orzo
Serves
4
Total Time
62 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Marinate Time
15 minutes
Inactive Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
About
This citrus ponzu salmon with orzo is light, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor. Flaky salmon is glazed with bright ponzu sauce and served over tender orzo for a quick seafood dinner that feels elevated without the extra effort. It’s a perfect choice for anyone searching for healthy salmon recipes or easy weeknight salmon dinners with bold citrus flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Simmer the ponzu glaze just until slightly thickened — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- The glaze can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cook the orzo while the salmon marinates to streamline prep.
- Swap salmon with trout or cod for an easy variation.
Ingredients
For the Ponzu Glaze
- 1 Orange
- 1/3 cup Kikkoman® Ponzu
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 24 oz Salmon Fillets
For the Orzo
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Chives
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
For Salad
- 1 Fennel Bulb with Fronds
- 1 Orange
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Directions
- Zest and juice 1 orange. Add to a saucepan with ponzu, honey, ginger, and pepper. Simmer on medium heat, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut salmon into 6-ounce fillets and place on a parchment paper or foil-lined sheet pan. Brush with chilled ponzu glaze. Refrigerate to marinate 15 minutes. Brush again.
- Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and return to pot with 1/4 cup pasta water, olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, minced chives, salt and pepper.
- For salad, cut remaining orange into segments. Shave fennel bulb on a mandolin or thinly slice with a knife. Save and chop fennel fronds. Juice lemon. Toss shaved fennel, orange segments, lemon juice, olive oil, fennel fronds, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Brush salmon with glaze again and broil for 10-12 minutes, glazing every 3-4 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and top is deeply caramelized. Serve with orzo and salad.
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