Orange glaze is a versatile, sweet, and tangy sauce that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It adds a burst of citrus flavor that enhances everything from roasted meats and vegetables to cakes, pastries, and even pancakes.

Made from fresh orange juice and zest, this glaze is often thickened with sugar and can be infused with additional flavors like ginger, honey, or soy sauce depending on how you plan to use it. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your next batch of cookies or give a caramelized shine to a holiday ham, orange glaze is a simple and delicious way to add a burst of citrusy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3-4 oranges)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
• ½ cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (to dissolve cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a sweet dessert glaze)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated, for savory dishes)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for an Asian-inspired savory glaze)

How to Make Orange Glaze:

Juice the Oranges

Start by juicing fresh oranges to yield about 1 cup of juice. Freshly squeezed juice gives the glaze the best flavor, but you can use store-bought orange juice if you’re in a pinch. If using fresh oranges, zest one or two before juicing to gather 2 tablespoons of zest. The zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor and aroma that enhances the glaze.

Dissolve the Cornstarch

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water. This slurry will help thicken the glaze without creating lumps. Set it aside for later use.

Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar (or honey), orange zest, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using lemon juice for extra tang, add it at this stage. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture begins to simmer.

Add the Cornstarch Mixture

Once the orange mixture begins to simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture thickens. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The glaze should become glossy and slightly thick, coating the back of a spoon.

Optional Additions

If you’re making a savory orange glaze, you can add ingredients like grated ginger or soy sauce at this point for extra depth. For a dessert glaze, a teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

Finish with Butter (Optional)

For a richer, smoother glaze, stir in a tablespoon of butter once the glaze has thickened. This step is optional, but it adds a luxurious mouthfeel and a slight gloss to the finished glaze.

Cool and Store

Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. Use it warm for a shiny, smooth coating on meats, cakes, or other dishes. If you’re making the glaze in advance, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave before using.

Chef’s Note:

Consistency:

You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by controlling how much cornstarch you use. For a thinner glaze, use less cornstarch or more orange juice. If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it out by stirring in additional orange juice or water until you reach the desired consistency.

Flavor Adjustments:

Orange glaze is incredibly adaptable. For a sweeter glaze, increase the sugar or honey. If you prefer a tangier, more tart flavor, add more lemon juice. The salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, so don’t skip it. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.

Using Orange Zest:

Don’t skip the orange zest, as it adds a concentrated burst of citrus flavor that elevates the entire glaze. Make sure to avoid grating too deep into the white pith, as that part of the orange can be bitter.

Savory or Sweet:

This orange glaze is flexible enough to be used in both savory and sweet dishes. For a savory application, add ingredients like soy sauce or fresh ginger to complement roasted chicken, duck, or ham. For desserts, vanilla or a dash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier can enhance cakes, pastries, and pancakes.

Serving Suggestions:

Orange glaze can be used to glaze meats such as chicken, pork, or duck, adding a glossy, caramelized finish to your dishes. It’s also great drizzled over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. On the sweeter side, use it as a topping for cakes, scones, or cookies, or as a syrup for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You can even mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of citrus flavor.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 30% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 2% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 1% of Daily Value
• Iron: 1% of Daily Value

Orange glaze is relatively low in calories, making it a flavorful addition to your dishes without adding excessive fat or sugar. The fresh orange juice provides a good amount of Vitamin C, while the cornstarch helps create a silky texture without adding fat. By using honey or natural sweeteners, you can adjust the sugar content to your liking.

Whether you’re glazing a savory roast or drizzling over a cake, this bright and flavorful orange glaze will add a delightful citrusy touch to your next meal!