Teriyaki Salmon is a staple in many kitchens for its sweet and savory balance, tender texture, and impressive flavor. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a favorite for quick dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Why Teriyaki Salmon?
This Japanese-inspired dish is beloved for its flavorful glaze, which combines soy sauce, mirin, and sugar (or honey) to create a caramelized coating on the salmon. Teriyaki Salmon is:
- Packed with flavor: The blend of umami-rich soy sauce, sweetener, and rice wine creates a deep, complex flavor.
- Healthy and nutrient-dense: Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and protein.
- Quick to prepare: With minimal ingredients and cooking time, it’s a great option for busy nights.
- Versatile: You can pair Teriyaki Salmon with rice, vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon
Choose the Right Salmon
Fresh salmon with bright, firm flesh works best. Wild-caught varieties like sockeye or coho have a richer flavor, while farmed salmon, like Atlantic, is milder.
Marinating Magic
Marinate your salmon briefly to infuse flavor, but avoid over-marinating to prevent a “cooked” texture.
Control the Sweetness and Saltiness
Adjust sweetness with more or less brown sugar or honey and use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty flavor.
Cook the Skin Side First
If using skin-on fillets, start with the skin side down for crispiness. This technique also helps prevent sticking.
Reduce the Sauce for Extra Glaze
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer on low heat until it reduces to your preferred consistency.
Delicious Variations of Teriyaki Salmon
Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Place the marinated salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes. This method is hands-off and results in a juicy, evenly cooked fillet.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
For a smoky flavor, grill the salmon fillets on medium heat, brushing them with the sauce as they cook. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
Serve your salmon over a bed of rice with avocado slices, cucumber, edamame, and pickled ginger. Top with extra teriyaki sauce for a satisfying bowl meal.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Pineapple
Add pineapple slices to the skillet for a fruity twist. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory glaze.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon
Pairing Teriyaki Salmon with complementary sides enhances the meal. Here are some ideas:
- White or brown rice: Soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Quinoa or couscous: Adds a grainy, nutty flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Steamed or sautéed vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, or carrots.
- Salad with Asian dressing: Try a light sesame or miso dressing for an Asian-inspired side.
- Noodles: Soba or udon noodles make a great base under the salmon.
Storing and Reheating Teriyaki Salmon
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat Properly: To avoid drying out, reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals with a splash of water.
Teriyaki Salmon FAQs
Can I make Teriyaki Salmon without mirin?
Yes, if you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar. Use 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sugar for every ¼ cup of mirin.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Most other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon fillets in the refrigerator before marinating. Frozen salmon is often just as nutritious as fresh, especially if flash-frozen.
Is Teriyaki Salmon healthy?
Teriyaki Salmon can be a healthy meal option. Opt for a lower sugar content in the sauce, choose wild-caught salmon for higher omega-3s, and serve with nutrient-dense sides like vegetables or whole grains.
Why is my teriyaki sauce not thickening?
To thicken teriyaki sauce, simmer it longer until it reduces, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the sauce as it cooks.
Teriyaki Salmon
Teriyaki Salmon is a staple in many kitchens for its sweet and savory balance, tender texture, and impressive flavor. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a favorite for quick dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs salmon filet, sliced into 2” wide pieces
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
- 3 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
To Serve (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Grease lightly to prevent sticking (and for easy clean-up!).
In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves. - Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl, pour the sauce over, cover, and let it marinate for 20 minutes (either on the counter or in the fridge).
- Arrange the marinated salmon on the baking sheet, reserving the marinade. Bake for 12-16 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through (time may vary based on thickness).
- While the salmon is baking, transfer the leftover marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Once the salmon is out of the oven, brush it with the warm teriyaki glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki Salmon is a crowd-pleaser for a reason—it’s delicious, easy, and customizable. Whether you’re grilling it for a smoky flavor, baking for ease, or cooking on the stovetop for a quick meal, this dish offers endless opportunities to get creative in the kitchen. Plus, with all the tips and FAQs covered here, you’re equipped to make Teriyaki Salmon like a pro.
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