If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy but cooks up in no time, this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is a total game changer. It combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re tossing together a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without the stress, this salmon recipe hits all the right notes and is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this dish is a breeze thanks to its simple yet powerful lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful glossy finish that makes teriyaki so irresistible.
- Salmon fillets (4 about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best texture and crispy skin.
- Soy sauce (1/3 cup): This salty base is essential for that classic teriyaki taste.
- Mirin (1/4 cup): A sweet rice wine that adds depth and subtle sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and a touch of acidity.
- Garlic (2 cloves minced): For aromatic punch and a hint of warmth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon grated): Adds zingy freshness and complexity.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Offers a nutty aroma and enhances overall flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon mixed with 1 tablespoon water): This slurry thickens your sauce into the perfect glaze.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for crisping the salmon skin beautifully in the skillet.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): For garnish and a lovely crunch.
- Green onions (2 sliced): Fresh, colorful, and adds a mild onion bite on top.
How to Make Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
Begin by combining the soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk these together until the honey dissolves completely. This mixture will be the magic that transforms your salmon with its glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Skillet and Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns beautifully crispy and golden brown. This step not only adds texture but locks in the salmon’s moisture.
Step 3: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Flip the salmon fillets gently and cook for another 2 minutes. This ensures your salmon is perfectly cooked through but still tender and juicy inside. Timing is key to keep that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 4: Add and Simmer the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce you whisked earlier over the salmon in the skillet. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the salmon absorbs those incredible flavors and the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the salmon like a gorgeous glaze. This sticky, shiny coating is what makes this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe stand out on your plate.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the salmon with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These final touches add freshness and crunch, making each bite a delight.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and crisp green onions on top creates a wonderful textural contrast and adds that vibrant pop of color you want to see on your plate.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the teriyaki sauce. For a healthier twist, serve it alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or crisp snow peas for extra crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the salmon over a bed of seasoned soba noodles or spiralized vegetables to mix things up. Adding a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of toasted nori flakes can also surprise your taste buds in the best way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon teriyaki keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the sauce-coated salmon separately from rice or sides to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon teriyaki by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat to preserve its moisture and the sauce’s glossy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish and make the sauce less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking for the best texture and even cooking. Pat it dry after thawing to help crisp up the skin nicely.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the salmon in this recipe?
Yes! You can try marinating firm tofu or grilled tempeh in the teriyaki sauce. The sauce’s rich flavor pairs wonderfully with these plant-based proteins for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen, making your Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe even more flavorful when cooked.
What’s the best way to get crispy salmon skin?
Dry the skin thoroughly before cooking and make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding the fillets skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that irresistible crispiness.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Of course! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash more rice vinegar for tang. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe at home. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to pull together any night of the week. Give it a go—your taste buds and your busy schedule will both thank you.
Print
Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki recipe is a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner option featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a hint of garlic and ginger, making it perfect to serve alongside rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Flip the Salmon: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side until just cooked through.
- Add the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the salmon in the skillet and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another minute or so until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the salmon fillets.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the cooked salmon with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For a bolder flavor, marinate the salmon in half of the teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve crisp skin.
- Adjust honey amount to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet sauce.
