Tender fish fillets are gently pan-seared and finished in a bright, glossy orange sauce made with fresh citrus, honey, garlic, and ginger. This dish balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully and comes together quickly, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses simple, wholesome ingredients with fresh citrus flavor.
The sauce is naturally sweetened and perfectly balanced.
The recipe is quick to prepare with minimal cleanup.
It works well with several types of fish.
It feels light yet satisfying, ideal for any season.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or salmon), about 150 g each
½ cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 medium orange
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
1 small orange, sliced, for garnish
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until fully mixed and set aside.
Pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the fish fillets in the skillet without overcrowding.
Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden on the outside and flaky in the center. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and keep warm.
Pour the prepared orange sauce into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook together for about 1 minute so the fish absorbs the flavors.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and orange slices before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: approximately 375 kcal per serving
Variations
Use lime or mandarin juice for a different citrus profile.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker sauce.
Serve the fish over steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the fish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Mild, flaky fish such as tilapia, cod, or salmon work very well.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and refrigerated up to one day in advance.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the flavors are mild and slightly sweet, making it kid-friendly.
Can I bake the fish instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake the seasoned fish at 200°C for about 12–15 minutes, then add the sauce afterward.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Can I reduce the sweetness of the sauce?
You can slightly reduce the honey or balance it with more soy sauce.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if necessary.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
It can be prepared ahead, but it is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Conclusion
Fish fillets in orange sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning. With its quick preparation and versatile options, it’s a reliable recipe you can return to whenever you want a light, satisfying meal that still feels special.
These fish fillets in orange sauce feature tender pan-seared fish glazed in a bright, sweet-savory citrus sauce made with fresh orange juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. It’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
4 fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or salmon), about 150 g each
½ cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 medium orange
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 small orange, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and set aside.
Pat fish fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Return the fish to the skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets. Simmer for 1 minute to combine flavors.
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or cilantro and orange slices, and serve warm.
Notes
Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if needed.
Add chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
