If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in no time, you’re going to love this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flaky salmon coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki glaze that requires just a handful of everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with simplicity and speed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms simple salmon into a mouthwatering dish. From the zing of fresh ginger to the nuttiness of sesame oil, every component plays a delicious role.
- Salmon fillets (4 x 6 oz): Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for maximum moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): The salty backbone of your teriyaki sauce, lending umami depth.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature to teriyaki dishes.
- Fresh ginger (2 teaspoons, grated): Delivers a fresh, spicy kick that enlivens the glaze.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds savory warmth and complexity.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Green onions (sliced): Provide a pop of color and fresh mild onion flavor for garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Add a subtle crunch and visual appeal on top.
How to Make Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and bring it to a simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors together. If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. Once ready, set the sauce aside so it’s waiting for your perfectly cooked salmon.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon Fillets
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and then carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. This technique helps lock in moisture while providing a nice crispy edge. Sear the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it around to get a golden crust. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Timing here ensures the salmon stays moist and tender.
Step 3: Coat with the Teriyaki Sauce
Once the salmon fillets are cooked, pour the warm teriyaki sauce right over them in the pan. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds as the glaze thickens slightly and beautifully coats each fillet. This final step gives the salmon that irresistible glossy finish and deep flavor punch.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add layers of texture, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the salmon. The green onions offer a bright, fresh pop of flavor while the sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and a nutty aroma, making every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is a star that pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice and some sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. These sides soak up the delicious sauce and keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, serve your teriyaki salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa or spiralized vegetables for a lighter twist. Alternatively, top a fresh salad of mixed greens and cucumber ribbons with the salmon for a colorful, healthy bowl. No matter how you present it, the sauce’s shine and the salmon’s appealing color will impress every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the salmon to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a flavorful, hassle-free meal the next day.
Freezing
While this salmon teriyaki is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly altered once thawed, but the flavors will still delight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a non-stick skillet over low heat or use the microwave on a low power setting to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if it seems a bit dry, and heat just until warmed through for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to get that nice sear and avoid excess moisture.
Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes. You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free and retain the savory, umami flavor essential to teriyaki sauce.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Feel free to reduce the amount of honey or add a little extra soy sauce for a saltier, less sweet balance tailored to your taste buds.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes works well. Just pour the sauce over the salmon during the last few minutes of baking to allow it to glaze nicely.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Ground ginger can be used in a pinch—just use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Fresh ginger, however, provides the best flavor and brightness for this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is truly a lifesaver on busy days when you want a home-cooked meal that feels special without any fuss. Its vibrant flavors and quick preparation make it a dish to keep in your regular rotation. Give it a try soon and enjoy a gratifying meal that’s bursting with flavor and made with love.
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: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy-Free
Description
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki recipe offers a delicious and healthy Japanese-inspired main course featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and continue simmering for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon is cooked on one side.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the salmon in the skillet and let it bubble gently for about 30 seconds, ensuring the fillets are thoroughly coated and glazed.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and plate immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve hot with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Use fresh ginger to enhance the sauce’s authentic flavor.
- Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness.
