Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
What is Teriyaki Salmon?
Teriyaki salmon is a beloved Japanese-inspired dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory glaze. This recipe brings restaurant-quality teriyaki salmon right to your kitchen. The glossy sauce perfectly complements the rich, buttery texture of the fish.
Many home cooks love this dish because it’s quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make authentic teriyaki salmon at home.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
This teriyaki salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. The homemade teriyaki sauce beats store-bought versions every time.
Your family will ask for this dish again and again. The combination of sweet and salty flavors creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the fish. Plus, salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Salmon
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly. Take your fillets out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Combine soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. The sauce will start to develop deeper flavors.
Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce. Whisk continuously as the sauce thickens. This takes about 2 minutes. Remove from heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This indicates it’s hot enough for searing.
Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side up if using skin-on fillets. Don’t move them for 4-5 minutes. This creates a beautiful golden crust.
Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. The salmon should be cooked to medium, with a slightly pink center.
Step 4: Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets. Spoon sauce over the top repeatedly for even coating.
Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. The glaze will become thick and glossy. Turn the fillets once more to ensure complete coverage.
Step 5: Serve Your Teriyaki Salmon
Transfer the glazed salmon to serving plates. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce from the pan over each fillet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color and crunch.
Serve immediately while hot and fresh. Your homemade teriyaki salmon is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon
Choose Quality Salmon
Fresh or frozen wild-caught salmon works beautifully. Look for bright, firm flesh without any strong fishy smell. King salmon, sockeye, and coho are excellent choices for this recipe.
Don’t Overcook Your Fish
Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from heat. Take it off when the center is slightly translucent. It will reach perfect doneness as it rests.
Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
Some people prefer less sweet teriyaki sauce. Reduce the honey or brown sugar if desired. Taste your sauce before adding it to the salmon.
Make Extra Sauce
Teriyaki sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make a double batch and use it for chicken, vegetables, or stir-fries.
Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or brown rice. The fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
Add steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a complete meal.
Try serving your teriyaki salmon over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Quinoa or rice noodles also make excellent bases.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftover Teriyaki Salmon
Place cooled salmon in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep extra teriyaki sauce in a separate container.
Reheating Your Salmon
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals.
Avoid high heat when reheating. This can make the salmon dry and tough.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 385
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2.2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 920mg
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 14g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Health Benefits of Teriyaki Salmon
Rich in Omega-3s
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support heart health and reduce inflammation. They also benefit brain function and eye health.
High-Quality Protein
Each serving provides over 35 grams of protein. This supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer. Protein is essential for overall body function.
Loaded with B Vitamins
Salmon contains B vitamins including B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins help convert food into energy. They also support nervous system health.
Good Source of Minerals
This teriyaki salmon recipe provides selenium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals support thyroid function, heart health, and bone strength.
Variations of Teriyaki Salmon
Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Prefer using your oven? Bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Brush with teriyaki sauce halfway through cooking. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for caramelization.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Fire up your grill for smoky flavor. Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Air frying creates crispy edges with minimal oil. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Brush with teriyaki sauce in the last 2 minutes.
Spicy Teriyaki Salmon
Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to your sauce. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference. The spice complements the sweet teriyaki beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using High Heat Throughout
High heat can burn the teriyaki sauce before the salmon cooks through. Start with medium-high for searing, then reduce heat when adding sauce.
Not Patting Salmon Dry
Wet salmon won’t sear properly. Always pat fillets dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures a beautiful crust forms.
Crowding the Pan
Give each fillet enough space in the pan. Overcrowding creates steam instead of a sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
Skipping the Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the teriyaki sauce to the perfect consistency. Without it, your sauce stays thin and watery. Don’t skip this important step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Salmon
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat very dry before cooking for best results.
What if I don’t have mirin?
Substitute with equal parts rice vinegar and sugar. Or use dry sherry with a pinch of sugar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F. The flesh should flake easily with a fork. It’s okay if the center is slightly translucent.
Can I meal prep teriyaki salmon?
Absolutely! Cook the salmon and store portions separately. Reheat gently when ready to eat. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Make This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Tonight
This easy teriyaki salmon recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. The combination of sweet and savory flavors never gets old. Your friends and family will think you ordered takeout.
The homemade teriyaki sauce makes all the difference. You control the ingredients and avoid excess sodium and preservatives. Plus, it tastes infinitely better than bottled versions.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this teriyaki salmon fits even the busiest schedules. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try and discover why teriyaki salmon is a timeless favorite.
What are you waiting for?
Head to your kitchen and start cooking this amazing teriyaki salmon today!