Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a snap, look no further than Easy Salmon Teriyaki. This recipe is a star in my weeknight rotation thanks to its rich umami sauce, perfectly seared salmon fillets, and the irresistible balance of savory, sweet, and gently tangy notes. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can whip up restaurant-level teriyaki salmon right at home — honestly, it’s a game-changer for anyone trying to shake up their dinner routine with minimal fuss but maximum payoff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Easy Salmon Teriyaki shines because of its short, simple ingredient list, but every element brings something special to the table. Think luscious salmon, a bold, homemade teriyaki glaze, and those little finishing touches that make all the difference in flavor and appearance.
- Salmon fillets: Four fresh (or thawed) fillets serve as the tender, flaky base for this dish—skin on or off, your choice!
- Soy sauce: The backbone of any teriyaki, it brings all the umami richness you want in each bite.
- Honey: For that classic sticky-sweet teriyaki finish, honey is both a glaze and a flavor booster.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright, gentle acidity to balance the sauce and keep things interesting.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the dish with toasty, nutty undertones that round out the flavors.
- Garlic: One minced clove is all you need for a warm, aromatic depth.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger perks up the sauce with a spark of heat and freshness.
- Cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water quickly thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled over the top for crunch and a little pop of visual flair.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Not just garnish—these add freshness and a subtle bite to every forkful.
How to Make Easy Salmon Teriyaki
Step 1: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Begin in a small saucepan by combining the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Give everything a stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry—this is the magical step that transforms the liquid into a rich, shiny glaze. Keep whisking for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly, then set it aside; you’ll use it to bring the salmon together at the end.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels (this gives you that beautiful golden sear), then season them lightly with salt and pepper. If your salmon has skin, keep it on for extra flavor; if not, that’s fine too. This step ensures the fish cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from every angle.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high and drizzle in a bit of oil. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down if using. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up and the bottom to caramelize beautifully. Carefully flip each fillet and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through but still juicy.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
While the salmon finishes in the pan, grab your luscious homemade teriyaki sauce and brush it generously over each fillet. Let the fish cook for one more minute, just until the glaze bubbles and clings to the surface. This is when all those sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors really come alive.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take your skillet off the heat, then top each piece with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a flurry of sliced green onions if you like. Plate your Easy Salmon Teriyaki right away—hot and glossy, just waiting to be enjoyed over rice or your favorite vegetables.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Teriyaki
Garnishes
The right garnish elevates Easy Salmon Teriyaki from a simple meal to a real show-stopper. I love scattering vibrant green onions and toasty sesame seeds over the top, both for that classic Japanese look and for extra crunch and flavor. Even a few sprigs of cilantro or a wedge of lemon will make each plate feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, nutty brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Add a heap of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy to round out the meal. Don’t be shy about serving Easy Salmon Teriyaki with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled veggies—the fresh flavor contrasts are divine!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your glazed salmon into bite-sized chunks and serving them over a poke bowl loaded with greens, avocado, and shredded carrots. Or, flake the fillets and tuck them into lettuce wraps with an extra drizzle of leftover sauce. For a crowd, arrange the fillets on a large platter and let everyone dig in family style—it makes any dinner feel like a celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Easy Salmon Teriyaki, transfer cooled fillets to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salmon will stay delicious for up to 2 days, and the sauce keeps its flavor and texture surprisingly well.
Freezing
Salmon holds up better than you might think in the freezer! Place cooled, sauced fillets in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag (separate with parchment if stacking) and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying again.
Reheating
To warm up Easy Salmon Teriyaki without drying it out, place the fillets on a parchment-lined sheet and reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. For a quicker method, use the microwave in 30-second bursts at medium power, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Salmon Teriyaki gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes! Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat dry thoroughly before cooking. It works just as well, making Easy Salmon Teriyaki a fantastic last-minute dinner option.
How spicy is this teriyaki sauce?
It’s not spicy at all—think sweet, savory, and aromatic! But you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze if you want a kick of heat. Customizing the sauce is totally encouraged.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your teriyaki sauce tightens up too much while cooking, simply whisk in an extra tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your preferred consistency. It’ll still coat the salmon beautifully!
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Definitely! Arrange the seasoned fillets on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Then brush with the warm teriyaki sauce and finish under the broiler if you’d like a caramelized glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Easy Salmon Teriyaki has become such a go-to favorite in my kitchen: it’s quick, unbelievably satisfying, and loaded with flavor. If you’re looking to make dinner exciting again with minimal effort, this is the recipe to try. Give it a whirl—your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
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Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make salmon dish with this delicious Easy Salmon Teriyaki recipe. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon fillets, creating a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch slurry and thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until cooked through. Brush with teriyaki sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or vegetables.
Notes
- You can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes instead of pan-searing if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
