Nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly glazed salmon bursting with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is an absolute game-changer — it’s quick to prepare yet delivers an irresistible, restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. With tender, flaky salmon slices drenched in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce and topped with crunchy sesame seeds and bright green onions, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a comforting meal, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to for seafood nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe lies in its simple but impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving that irresistible texture and sheen on the salmon.
- Salmon filet: Use fresh 2 ½ pounds sliced into 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect portion sizes.
- Teriyaki sauce: Provides the signature sweet and salty base essential for an authentic flavor hit.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a complex depth with subtle sweetness and umami richness.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness while balancing the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- White vinegar: Gives a gentle tang to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Light brown sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the glaze beautifully during baking.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic offers a punchy, aromatic note.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spice with freshness, or use ground ginger for convenience.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish providing crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onion: Freshly chopped for a burst of color and mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by greasing a large rimmed baking sheet. For easier cleanup, line it with foil before greasing. Then preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes perfectly.
Step 2: Make Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, light brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves completely, creating a beautifully balanced marinade.
Step 3: Marinate Salmon
Place your salmon slices in a mixing bowl and pour the freshly made sauce over them. Cover with plastic wrap and let the salmon soak up all those wonderful flavors for about 20 minutes. You can do this at room temperature or in the refrigerator—both work great.
Step 4: Bake Salmon
Carefully transfer each salmon piece onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping the leftover marinade. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until the flesh is tender, flaky, and cooked all the way through.
Step 5: Thicken Sauce
While the salmon bakes, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. This syrupy glaze will be brushed over the cooked salmon for an extra shiny finish.
Step 6: Serve
Once the salmon is out of the oven, generously brush the teriyaki glaze over each piece. Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add texture, freshness, and a pop of color. And voilà — your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is how well a few simple garnishes enhance the overall experience. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to add a delightful crunch and an earthy toastiness. Freshly chopped green onions bring brightness and a mild, peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every last bit of teriyaki sauce. For some green goodness and texture, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted asparagus, or crunchy snap peas. These sides keep the meal balanced and feel nourishing without stealing the spotlight from the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving this salmon over a bed of lightly dressed mixed greens or spiralized vegetables for a fresh, light twist. For an Asian-inspired feast, arrange the salmon on a sushi rice platter garnished with pickled ginger. Even stacking the salmon slices on small toasted buns with a smear of wasabi mayo makes for an irresistible slider!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers — lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon keeps its moistness well, and the flavors actually meld more deeply after resting overnight.
Freezing
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked teriyaki salmon if needed. Place the cooled salmon pieces tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to a month. To avoid freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps preserve texture and keeps the glaze from drying out. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as it can make the salmon tough.
FAQs
Can I use salmon fillets with skin on for this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Keeping the skin on can help retain moisture during baking and makes the salmon easier to handle. Just cook skin-side down and enjoy the crispy texture it develops.
How do I make sure the salmon doesn’t stick to the baking sheet?
Greasing your baking sheet well or using foil with a light coating of oil is key. You can also lightly oil your salmon before placing it on the tray to create a barrier, ensuring an easy release after cooking.
Is it okay to marinate the salmon longer than 20 minutes?
Marinating for 20 minutes is ideal for a perfect balance of flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish. You can extend up to an hour in the fridge if you want more intensity, but avoid marinating overnight as the acids may begin to “cook” the salmon.
Can I prepare this recipe without hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a bit of honey or molasses plus a dash of soy sauce for sweetness and depth. The teriyaki sauce carries most of the flavor, so it will still be delicious.
What other types of fish work well with this teriyaki sauce?
This sauce is fantastic on other firm, flaky fish like cod, halibut, or even swordfish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as thinner or denser fish may need less or more time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Its perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors, paired with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, makes it an absolute winner for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your home!
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Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Teriyaki Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The salmon is baked to perfection in the oven and finished with a rich, thickened teriyaki glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, making it an easy yet impressive main dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 ½ lbs salmon filet, sliced into 2-inch wide slices
Teriyaki Sauce
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large or 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Grease a large rimmed baking sheet by covering it with foil and then greasing it for easier cleanup. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, light brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth marinade.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon slices in a mixing bowl and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salmon marinate for about 20 minutes, either at room temperature or refrigerated, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the marinated salmon slices onto the prepared baking sheet, reserving the remaining marinade. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Thicken Sauce: While the salmon bakes, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat once done.
- Serve: After removing the salmon from the oven, brush each piece generously with the thickened teriyaki syrup. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to garnish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, but do not exceed 1 hour to avoid over-marinating the fish.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- Using foil on the baking sheet helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
- Leftover thickened teriyaki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
