Name: Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon, divided into 4 pieces; 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 41 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tender flavors, this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is an absolute gem you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Imagine flaky, juicy salmon glazed with a glossy teriyaki sauce that’s rich with garlic, a touch of brown sugar, and a hint of tangy rice vinegar. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet feels special enough for guests, and the best part is it comes together with straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Once you try this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, it just might become your new go-to dinner that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds four pieces of raw salmon fillets, each showing light orange and pink tones with visible white lines of fat. The salmon pieces lie flat and are partially covered by a dark reddish-brown sauce that pools around the fillets at the bottom of the bowl. The scene is set on a white marbled surface that gently contrasts with the rich colors of the salmon and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe plays an essential role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the tender salmon itself to the bold umami and sweetness of the sauce, each component is carefully chosen to elevate the dish without complicating it.

1 pound salmon divided: Use fresh, skin-on pieces for the best flavor and moisture retention while baking.
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce: Provides that signature sweet and savory glaze that defines the recipe.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and salty umami that balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Caramelizes beautifully, giving the glaze a rich sweetness.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses a subtle punch of aromatic flavor without overpowering.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang to cut through the sweetness and brighten the dish.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the fish evenly and adds a smooth richness.
2 green onions for garnish: Provides a fresh, sharp contrast that lifts each bite.

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Salmon

Start by dividing the salmon into four equal pieces to ensure even cooking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, olive oil, and rice vinegar until the mixture is silky and well combined. Place the salmon pieces in the marinade, turning them to coat thoroughly, then cover and let them soak up all those wonderful flavors for 20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This marinade is the magic behind the tender, flavorful outcome.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon on the sheet, making sure each piece has its own space and isn’t touching the others for even heat circulation. Bake the salmon for 12 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness; you’ll know it’s perfectly cooked when the flesh turns a soft pink and flakes easily with a fork. Keep the reserved marinade sauce close—you’re going to turn it into a luscious glaze.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

While the salmon bakes, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and stir frequently as the sauce reduces and thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon in a glossy, sticky glaze. This step elevates the sauce from a simple marinade to a delectable finishing touch.

Step 4: Glaze and Optional Broil

Once the salmon comes out of the oven, generously drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over each piece. If you want to take it a step further, broil the salmon for 1 to 2 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce, adding a slightly crispy, irresistible finish. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning—it goes from perfect to charred quickly!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the salmon with sesame seeds and chopped green onions just before serving. These garnishes add not only color and crunch but also a pop of fresh, nutty flavor that ties the entire dish together beautifully. Your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is now ready to impress, both in taste and appearance.

How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Four pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny orange color and slightly charred edges are placed side by side in a single row on a rectangular metal baking sheet lined with white parchment paper. The salmon fillets have grill marks and a slightly crisp texture, with juices and seasoning visible on the paper. The baking sheet shows some browned spots from cooking. The surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sesame seeds and green onions are classic garnishes that provide contrast in texture and a fragrant finishing touch. Feel free to toss in some thinly sliced chili for a kick or a sprinkle of toasted nori flakes for extra umami. Bright garnishes brighten up the dish and make it feel complete.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or lightly seasoned quinoa to soak up the luscious sauce. For veggie sides, steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or roasted carrots bring color and balance to your plate. A simple cucumber salad with a dash of sesame oil and rice vinegar also complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the teriyaki salmon on a bed of Asian-style slaw or drizzle the sauce over grilled avocado halves for a fusion-inspired meal. You can also create a rice bowl with pickled vegetables, edamame, and a soft-boiled egg to keep things fresh and exciting. Presentation that enhances flavor experiences always makes the recipe feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorsome for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the salmon and sauce together to retain the delightful glaze and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best consumed within a month for optimal taste and texture. When freezing, avoid freezing the garnishes to preserve their fresh crunch.

Reheating

Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or in a microwave at medium power to avoid drying out. You can sprinkle a few drops of water over the fish and cover loosely with foil to keep it moist. Reheating slowly helps preserve that tender, flaky texture and the rich glaze.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and buttery texture, you can substitute other firm fish such as cod, halibut, or trout. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on thickness.

Is it necessary to marinate the salmon?

Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes lets the flavors penetrate and tenderize the salmon, making each bite juicy and flavorful. If you’re short on time, you can brush the sauce on before and during baking, but marinating yields the best results.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just whisk before using, and follow the same reduction step when you’re ready to glaze your salmon for maximum flavor and shine.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Rice vinegar adds a gentle acidity, but in a pinch, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Use slightly less of these alternatives to avoid overpowering the dish.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned a soft pink color internally. Overcooking will dry it out, so check near the minimum cooking time and adjust based on the thickness of your fillets.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about sinking your teeth into perfectly cooked, glossy teriyaki-glazed salmon that marries sweet, salty, and tangy flavors effortlessly. This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is as much about simplicity as it is about satisfying those cravings for a home-cooked meal that delights every sense. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that feels like a treat every time.