Delicious Teriyaki Salmon Recipe | Simple & Flavorful Dinner
1. Introduction
Salmon, with its rich, buttery texture and deliciously delicate flavor, is a favorite for many dinner tables. Add a glossy, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze to the mix, and you have a dish that’s irresistible. Teriyaki Salmon is one of those meals that sounds fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is your go-to for a flavorful and healthy dish.
What’s great about Teriyaki Salmon is how customizable it is. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki glaze to your preference, and it pairs well with a variety of sides—from steamed rice to stir-fried veggies. In this post, you’ll learn not only how to make the perfect teriyaki glaze but also how to cook the salmon to tender perfection. Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
- Salmon Fillets
Salmon is the star of this dish, and it’s best when fresh. Opt for skin-on fillets if you like the crispy texture of the skin. If you’re not a fan of the skin, skinless fillets work just as well. You can also use frozen salmon fillets, but fresh will yield the best flavor and texture. - Soy Sauce
The base of the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce brings the salty umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt content. - Honey
For sweetness and depth of flavor, honey works beautifully in the teriyaki glaze. It also helps create that lovely caramelized finish when the sauce reduces during cooking. You can swap honey for maple syrup for a different twist. - Garlic
Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness to the glaze, enhancing the savory notes of the soy sauce. - Ginger
Fresh ginger brings a bit of heat and warmth to balance out the sweetness. It also adds a bright, fragrant note to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute. - Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients. It also helps to round out the flavors in the teriyaki sauce. - Sesame Oil
A small amount of sesame oil provides a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce, making it more complex and aromatic. You can also use vegetable oil if sesame oil isn’t available. - Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce, giving it that perfect glossy texture that coats the salmon beautifully. - Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
While not necessary for cooking, these garnishes add a burst of color and a fresh crunch that complement the rich, sweet salmon.
Substitutions and Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) instead of regular soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
- Sweetener Substitution: Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
- Vegan: For a vegan version, try using tofu or tempeh instead of salmon. Make sure to press and season the tofu for better texture and flavor.
- Low-Sodium: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use a low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey for a less sweet glaze.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started with making the perfect Teriyaki Salmon.
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
While the sauce is simmering, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the glaze stick better to the salmon while cooking. Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the salmon is cooked through and has a nice, golden-brown sear. The salmon should be tender and flake easily with a fork. For extra flavor, you can spoon some of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon while cooking.
Step 5: Glaze the Salmon
Once the salmon is cooked, pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the salmon cook for another 1-2 minutes in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to overcook the salmon.
Step 6: Serve the Teriyaki Salmon
Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer them to plates. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
4. Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Salmon: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Frozen salmon is a good alternative, but fresh will give you a superior taste and flaky texture.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you want the skin to be extra crispy, increase the heat and cook the skin side down a little longer before flipping the fillets.
- Add More Heat: For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
- Vegetarian Variation: Try grilling or pan-frying tofu instead of salmon for a vegetarian alternative that still soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Make It Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the teriyaki sauce for a richer, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon.
5. Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki Salmon is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few sides:
- Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice complements the savory sauce and is perfect for soaking up any extra teriyaki glaze.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the salmon with sautéed or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy to add some color and nutrients to your plate.
- Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes add a comforting, hearty element to balance the richness of the salmon.
- Salad: A light cucumber and avocado salad with a sesame dressing would be a refreshing side to balance the savory dish.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover Teriyaki Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon separate from the sauce to avoid it getting soggy.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more sauce if necessary to keep it moist. You can also microwave the salmon for about 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
- Freezing: While salmon can be frozen, it’s best eaten fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If you do decide to freeze it, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
7. Recipe Notes
- Meal Prep: You can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This is a great way to save time on busy evenings.
- Can Be Made Ahead: If you want to serve this dish for a dinner party, prepare the salmon in advance and store it in the fridge, then glaze and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat when cooking the salmon. You want the salmon to be cooked through without becoming dry or overcooked.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Value | Amount |
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Iron | 12% |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce by simmering soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for 5-7 minutes.
- Add cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Cook salmon in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the salmon and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
10. Final Thoughts or Conclusion
This Teriyaki Salmon is a quick and easy dinner option that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner when you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take hours to make. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze elevates the salmon and brings out its natural richness.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I did. Let me know how it turns out in the comments, and feel free to share your favorite ways to enjoy Teriyaki Salmon!