If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is your new go-to meal. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets generously coated in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze that tickles your taste buds without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re rushing home after work or simply want to impress without the stress, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality delight you’ll happily make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients for this recipe is your first step toward a sensational meal. Each component plays a vital role—from the rich, hearty salmon to the fragrant garlic and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce—ensuring your Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is bursting with flavor and texture.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Opt for skin on or off based on your preference; the oil content in salmon keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides the perfect sear and prevents sticking while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Offers the essential umami base for the teriyaki sauce while keeping sodium in check.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements of the glaze.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle acidity that lifts and brightens the sauce.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Enhances the caramel notes for a glossy, rich finish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a nutty aroma, elevating the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Contributes savory depth and a hint of pungency.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a fresh, spicy zing that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water, optional): Use this slurry to thicken your teriyaki sauce if you prefer it more glaze-like.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish): Sprinkle these on top for extra crunch, color, and a fresh finish.
How to Make Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This simmering allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that quintessential teriyaki glaze that will coat the salmon perfectly. If you like your sauce thicker and more luscious, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional minute until it slightly thickens and develops that irresistible sheen.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
While your sauce is simmering, heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down if the skin is on, and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. This step helps achieve that coveted crispy edge. Flip the fillets carefully and continue cooking until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about another 4 to 5 minutes. This method locks in moisture and provides a beautiful texture contrast between crispy outside and tender inside.
Step 3: Glaze the Salmon
Just before the salmon finishes cooking, pour your teriyaki sauce over the fillets in the skillet. Let it bubble gently as it coats each piece, becoming sticky and shiny in about a minute. This final glaze step is what makes the dish truly sing, enveloping the fish in an irresistible, flavorful blanket that’s both sweet and savory.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once off the heat, sprinkle your salmon with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for that last pop of flavor and texture. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also a beautiful crunch and freshness that complements the rich sauce.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds generously and scatter vibrant green onions atop the finished salmon for a burst of color and subtle crunch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, making it feel special while adding delicate layers of nutty and fresh flavors.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the teriyaki sauce. Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy provide a fresh, crisp pairing that balances the rich flavors of the fish. You can even toss together a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing, tangy side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also arrange the salmon fillets on a platter surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables or wrap the glazed salmon in lettuce leaves for a hand-held delight. Presentation is your playground—don’t hesitate to get creative and surprise your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and teriyaki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon keeps well for up to 2 days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be mindful that the texture might soften slightly, but the flavors remain deliciously intact.
Freezing
If you want to save the salmon for longer, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. Properly frozen, the salmon maintains quality for up to 2 months. The teriyaki sauce freezes well separately in a small container or ice cube trays for quick defrosting later.
Reheating
Reheat salmon gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F (135°C) to preserve moisture and avoid drying out the fish. Warm the teriyaki sauce separately and drizzle over the salmon once heated to refresh the glaze and maximize flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the sauce?
Not at all. Cornstarch is optional and only used if you prefer a thicker, more glaze-like sauce. The sauce will still be flavorful and delicious without it.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes! Baking at 400°F (205°C) for about 12-15 minutes works great; just brush the salmon with the teriyaki sauce halfway through baking for that beautiful glaze.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free. This swap maintains the authentic flavor without any gluten concern.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to add more or less honey and brown sugar according to your taste preferences to make the sauce sweeter or more savory.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe is truly a gem for anyone wanting a delicious, comforting meal that’s quick to make yet impressive in every bite. From its vibrant sauce to the tender salmon, it’s a dish that invites you to linger at the table, savoring every moment. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished staple in your cooking rotation—and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
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: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy-Free
Description
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a savory and sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that can be paired with steamed vegetables or rice. The recipe offers a delicious Asian-inspired flavor using simple ingredients, with options for gluten-free and baking or air-frying alternatives.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Glaze Salmon: During the last minute of cooking, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the salmon to coat and glaze the fillets thoroughly. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly and infuse flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added texture and flavor. Serve the salmon hot alongside rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can bake the salmon in the oven or air-fry it as an alternative to pan-searing for different texture and convenience.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the amount of honey according to your taste preference.
