Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Picture this: you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that promises the perfect fusion of sweet and savory, with a side of enough flavor to leave you daydreaming about Japanese street food vibes—let’s dive into this mouthwatering teriyaki salmon! 🧡

For my Easy Teriyaki Salmon, I love how well the flavors come together. The rich soy sauce base combined with mirin and honey creates a savory-sweet glaze, while sesame oil, garlic, and ginger add depth.

This quick dish is both nutritious and delicious, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, supporting heart and brain health.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor; provides sodium and essential amino acids.
• Mirin: Sweetens and enhances the depth of flavor, with subtle acidic notes.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Natural sweetness balances out savory flavors.
• Rice Vinegar: Contributes a touch of acidity, enhancing freshness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma and richness; contains healthy fats.
• Garlic: Provides antioxidants; contributes to savory complexity.
• Ginger: Offers warmth and spiciness; aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

How to Make this Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.

2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.

3. Slowly incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, reserving the other half for later. Ensure the salmon is evenly coated, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

6. Remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the salmon fillets skin-side down for 5-6 minutes.

7. Flip the salmon fillets carefully and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.

8. While the salmon is grilling, reheat the reserved teriyaki sauce over low heat.

9. Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the warmed teriyaki sauce over the top.

10. Garnish the salmon with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki salmon!

Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Medium heat-safe stirring spoon or spatula
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk or fork
5. Shallow dish for marinating
6. Grill or grill pan
7. Tongs or fish spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife (for mincing garlic and slicing green onions)
10. Grater (for grating ginger)
11. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?
  You can substitute salmon with other types of firm fish like trout or cod for a delicious variation.
• Is there a substitute for mirin?
  If you don’t have mirin, you can use a mix of rice vinegar and a bit more honey or sugar to balance the sweetness.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the salmon.
• How long should I marinate the salmon?
  Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours for optimal flavor.
• What is the recommended cooking method for the salmon?
  You can bake, grill, or pan-sear the salmon. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes is a simple and effective method.
• Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger?
  Yes, but use about half the amount, as powdered ginger is more concentrated. Fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of mirin, use 1/4 cup of sake with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• Substitute honey or brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar acidity.
• Use olive oil in place of sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
• If fresh ginger is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger instead.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor To maximize the flavor infusion, consider marinating the salmon for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the teriyaki sauce to penetrate the salmon deeply, enhancing its taste.

2. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic provide a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to pre-packaged versions. This will elevate the overall taste of your teriyaki sauce.

3. Control the Heat When grilling the salmon, ensure your grill is at medium-high heat and well-oiled. This helps achieve a perfect sear without sticking. If the heat is too high, the outside might burn before the inside is fully cooked.

4. Check for Doneness Salmon is best when it’s slightly opaque in the center, so be cautious not to overcook. A cooking thermometer can help ensure it reaches an internal temperature of around 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.

5. Rest the Salmon Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a moister and more flavorful fillet.