This teriyaki salmon is a tasty treat! The sweet and salty glaze coats the flaky fish perfectly, giving it a finger-licking flavor your family will love.
Honestly, the best part is that it’s super quick to make. Just grill or bake the salmon, brush on the teriyaki sauce, and enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. You could also use skinless salmon or even a different fish like trout or tilapia if salmon isn’t your favorite. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great for controlling saltiness, but if you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos as a substitute. It has a similar flavor without the soy.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds depth. If you can’t find mirin, a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar can work in a pinch (1 tablespoon of each equals 2 tablespoons of mirin).
Honey/Brown Sugar: Either works for that sweet note in the teriyaki sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave nectar.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really boost the flavor. You can use dried versions if fresh is unavailable, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
How Do I Get the Salmon Just Right?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but here are some straightforward tips:
- Make sure your skillet is really hot before adding the salmon. This helps achieve that nice sear.
- Let the salmon cook undisturbed on the first side to allow a crust to form. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- When flipping, be gentle! Use a wide spatula to prevent breaking the fillet.
- Check for doneness by gently pressing it with a fork; it should flake easily when done.
Following these tips can help you serve delicious, tender salmon every time!
Savory Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious teriyaki salmon recipe takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick but packs a big flavor punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat until it simmers, letting the aromas fill your kitchen.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes. If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Remove it from heat and set aside to let the flavors deepen.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
While your sauce is simmering, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (or the presentation side if using skinless). Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to achieve a lovely sear.
5. Flip the Salmon:
Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. It should look beautifully golden on both sides!
6. Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce:
In the last minute of cooking, brush a generous amount of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon to create a nice glaze. Let it cook for a minute longer to caramelize the sauce slightly.
7. To Serve:
On each plate, place a generous scoop of cooked white rice. Top that with a salmon fillet, and drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the top for more flavor.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your savory teriyaki salmon alongside steamed broccoli for a delicious and nutritious meal. Enjoy every bite!
This savory teriyaki salmon recipe brings a rich, slightly sweet, and salty glaze together with tender salmon served on fluffy white rice, making it a delicious family favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
What Can I Use Instead of Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for a quick substitute. This will mimic the sweetness and acidity of mirin.
How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up before using it on the salmon for the best flavor.
