If you are craving a delicious meal that balances sweet and savory flavors with minimum fuss, this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is just the answer. Juicy salmon fillets get beautifully glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s rich in garlic, ginger, and honey, creating a mouthwatering dish that comes together in just about 20 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises a satisfying dinner that feels special without hours of effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding depth of flavor and sweetness to providing the perfect texture and finishing touches that make the dish truly shine.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each): Fresh or thawed, these tender fillets are the star of the dish, packed with protein and healthy fats.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch, balancing saltiness without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally, helping it caramelize beautifully on the fish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to soften and brighten the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and depth, elevating the dish to an Asian-inspired delight.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers pungency and warmth that pairs perfectly with ginger.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds zing and a little spice, making the sauce lively and fresh.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening): Helps thicken the sauce for those who love a glaze-like consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking): Ideal for searing the salmon and locking in moisture.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish: Provide crunch, color, and an extra flavor pop at the finish.
How to Make Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Begin by whisking together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This simple combination is where the magic happens, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that will infuse the salmon with flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. This step locks in moisture and adds a pleasant texture contrast.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking the Salmon
Flip each fillet over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures the salmon is cooked through but remains tender and juicy inside. Adjust the timing depending on how you like your salmon done.
Step 4: Simmer in Teriyaki Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the salmon. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets regularly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional minute until glossy and luscious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These simple garnishes bring freshness and a lovely finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both the flavor and presentation. If you want to take it a step further, a few thin strips of toasted nori or a dash of chili flakes can add an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all the tasty teriyaki sauce. Steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas provide a crisp, healthy contrast, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching meal, serve the salmon over a bed of spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also plate it with a fresh cucumber salad dressed with a light sesame vinaigrette. Finally, try stacking the salmon on a toasted bun with lettuce and avocado for a gourmet teriyaki salmon burger experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep well for 2 to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish again without any hassle.
Freezing
While fresh salmon tastes best, you can freeze cooked salmon in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Just remember that freezing might slightly change the texture, but the teriyaki sauce will continue to impart great flavor when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, spooning extra teriyaki sauce on top to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, covered loosely, to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon fillets and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and flavor absorption.
Is there a substitute for honey in the teriyaki sauce?
Yes, brown sugar is a perfect alternative that will keep the sauce sweet and sticky. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work too if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t want to use cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
You can skip the cornstarch if you prefer a thinner sauce. Just simmer the sauce a bit longer after adding it to the pan to reduce and naturally thicken slightly.
Can I bake this salmon instead of cooking it on the stove?
Yes, baking is a fantastic alternative! Place the salmon in a baking dish, pour the teriyaki sauce over it, and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe because it truly makes bringing restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen a breeze. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner to impress without stress, and once you taste that sticky, savory glaze paired with tender salmon, it’s bound to become a regular go-to. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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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-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki is a flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired dish featuring tender salmon fillets cooked in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of sesame, ready in just 20 minutes and ideal served with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a balanced, flavorful teriyaki sauce.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down carefully and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin becomes golden and slightly crisp.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until the salmon reaches your preferred level of doneness; the flesh should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
- Simmer with Sauce: Lower the heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let them simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish to coat it evenly and infuse flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry, carefully mixing it into the sauce. Continue to simmer for another minute until it thickens to a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the salmon with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness. Serve the salmon hot, ideally alongside jasmine rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a baked variation, place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, pour the teriyaki sauce over them, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a medley of stir-fried greens to complete the meal.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar according to your taste preference.
