Let me introduce you to a showstopping dinner you’ll want to make on repeat: the Teriyaki Salmon Recipe. Picture perfectly cooked, flaky salmon fillets glazed with a glossy, fragrant teriyaki sauce that balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes in all the right ways. This recipe is one of those effortless meals that feels restaurant-fancy yet comes together easily at home, making it perfect whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or impressing guests for a special dinner. No need for complicated steps or a long list of ingredients—just a handful of fresh pantry staples, and you’re on your way to an unforgettable bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity, and this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is proof. Each ingredient plays a distinctive role—boosting flavor, lending texture, and even adding color that makes your finished dish pop on the plate.
- Salmon fillets: The star of the dish, rich and buttery, best when fresh and skin-on for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This forms the umami-rich base of your teriyaki glaze without making it too salty—perfectly balanced.
- Honey: Adds a luxurious touch of sweetness, helping the sauce thicken and gloss the fish beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that cuts through richness and elevates all other flavors.
- Sesame oil: Just a spoonful adds irresistible nutty aroma and Asian flair to the sauce.
- Freshly grated ginger: Infuses the glaze with zingy warmth and freshness—don’t skip it!
- Garlic cloves: Sautéed into the sauce for depth, savory punch, and that familiar comforting aroma.
- Cornstarch: Helps the teriyaki glaze cling to the salmon and get perfectly silky.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.
- Sesame seeds: For a satisfying crunch and visual pop when scattered over finished salmon.
- Green onions: Sliced thin for a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the whole dish.
- Cooking spray or oil: Keeps your fish from sticking, whether you’re roasting or pan-searing.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk them up to create a harmonious base. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until completely smooth, then gradually stir this into your saucepan. Cooking the sauce for just 2 to 3 minutes while whisking will let it thicken slightly, turning shiny and wonderfully fragrant. When it reaches a syrupy consistency, remove it from the heat—it’s ready to use!
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick and the fish cook up with a lovely, crisp edge. Arrange them skin-side down in a lightly greased skillet or on a baking dish. Grab a brush (or spoon) and coat each fillet generously with your homemade teriyaki sauce, making sure each piece gets an even, glossy layer.
Step 3: Marinate for Extra Flavor
If you have a little extra time, let the sauced salmon rest for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. It’s not required, but this brief marinade gives the flavors more time to soak right into the fish, making every bite that much more irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Now you get to choose—oven or skillet! Preheat your oven to 400°F if baking, or set a skillet over medium-high heat for pan-searing. Bake the salmon for 12 to 14 minutes, or pan-sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for fillets that flake easily with a fork and turn a beautiful, caramelized color, thanks to that homemade sauce.
Step 5: Finish With Extra Sauce
Once your salmon is cooked, brush each fillet with a little more teriyaki sauce for maximum sheen and flavor. This last step really takes your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe from delicious to downright crave-worthy!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
You eat with your eyes first, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds along with a generous scatter of sliced green onions transforms these salmon fillets into a true centerpiece. The seeds add a delightful crunch, while the green onions give each bite a pop of freshness that brightens up the glaze.
Side Dishes
My favorite pairing for this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up any extra sauce like a dream. Stir-fried Asian greens, garlicky broccoli, or even simple sautéed snap peas make fantastic veggie sides, rounding out your meal with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your dinner guests, try serving individual salmon fillets over a small mound of sushi rice, topped with pickled ginger and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. You can also flake the salmon and serve it in grain bowls with edamame, avocado, and shredded carrots for a fun, modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Teriyaki Salmon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it just as satisfying the next day—perfect for a quick, nourishing lunch.
Freezing
This salmon freezes surprisingly well—just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe will maintain its quality for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, let the salmon thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in the microwave or in a covered pan over low heat. A splash of water or extra sauce will help keep the fish moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking so the glaze evenly adheres and you still get that perfect texture.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Yes, maple syrup works beautifully as a swap for honey in the teriyaki sauce, lending a slightly deeper sweetness and subtle earthiness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make the Teriyaki Salmon Recipe gluten-free by using tamari in place of soy sauce. Just double-check all your condiments to be sure.
What’s the best way to tell if salmon is cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout—usually after 12 to 14 minutes in a hot oven or a quick sear on both sides in a skillet.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking or pan-searing?
Definitely! Grilling gives the Teriyaki Salmon Recipe an extra smoky flavor—just be sure to oil the grates and brush the fillets generously with sauce as they cook.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is the kind of easy, flavor-packed meal that instantly brightens up dinnertime. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—let it become a new favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!
Print
Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender salmon fillets glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Whether baked in the oven or pan-seared, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 2 green onions (thinly sliced), cooking spray or oil for the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the saucepan. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a greased skillet or baking dish, skin-side down. Brush with teriyaki sauce and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: Bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes or pan-sear for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Brush with sauce after cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Serve over rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
- If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed and dried before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
