Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki Salmon is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. This dish is inspired by traditional Japanese flavors, featuring soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup.

It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion. The sticky, glossy teriyaki glaze perfectly complements the richness of salmon, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fuss-free, and restaurant-quality at home. The salmon stays tender and moist, while the teriyaki glaze adds a rich, savory-sweet layer of flavor. It’s versatile, so you can bake, pan-sear, or grill the salmon, and it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in 25–30 minutes.
• Healthy: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Restaurant-quality: The teriyaki glaze makes it taste gourmet.
• Versatile: Can be baked, pan-seared, or grilled.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish / Dinner
• Cuisine: Japanese / Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar if unavailable)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven or prepare skillet.
2. Make the teriyaki sauce.
3. Season and cook the salmon (bake, pan-sear, or grill).
4. Glaze salmon with teriyaki sauce.
5. Optional: thicken sauce and drizzle on top.
6. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Skillet method: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. If a thicker glaze is desired, mix cornstarch with water and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Oven Method:

1. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Brush salmon with some teriyaki sauce.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
4. Brush again with sauce halfway through baking.

Skillet Method:

1. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) in the hot skillet.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes.
3. Brush with teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Optional: Pour remaining sauce into a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and thicken with cornstarch mixture for a glossy finish.

Step 5: Serve

• Plate salmon and drizzle extra teriyaki glaze on top.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed white or brown rice and stir-fried or roasted vegetables.
• Can also be served over noodles or salad bowls for a lighter option.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a wedge of lime.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook salmon: Salmon cooks quickly; remove from heat when it flakes easily.
• Glaze consistency: Simmer teriyaki sauce separately to thicken if desired.
• Even cooking: Choose fillets of similar size for uniform cooking.
• Skin-on vs. skinless: Skin keeps salmon moist; remove before serving if preferred.
• Extra flavor: Marinate salmon for 15–30 minutes in sauce before cooking for deeper flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: Add 1/4 tsp chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
2. Citrus Teriyaki: Add 1 tsp orange or lime zest for a citrus twist.
3. Honey Garlic Teriyaki: Increase garlic to 3 cloves and add 1 tbsp honey for sweeter glaze.
4. Sesame Teriyaki Salmon: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
5. Grilled Teriyaki Salmon: Brush glaze on salmon and grill 4–5 minutes per side.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

To Freeze:

• Freeze raw, marinated salmon fillets individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet and parchment paper (oven method)
• Nonstick or cast iron skillet (stovetop method)
• Small saucepan (optional for thickening sauce)
• Whisk or fork for mixing sauce
• Brush for glazing

Conclusion

Teriyaki Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that combines the richness of salmon with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s healthy, visually appealing, and delicious.

✨ Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort.