Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
If you’re searching for a delicious way to bring restaurant-level flavor to your weeknight dinner table, this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine salmon fillets bathed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki glaze that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami notes, then baked until beautifully tender. Not only is this recipe surprisingly simple, but it’s also bursting with vibrant flavor and offers a wonderful way to bring the family together over a nourishing dish. It’s no wonder this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe has quickly become a superstar in my kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in how a handful of bold, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can create layers of flavor and texture. Each component has a purpose, contributing to that irresistible teriyaki sheen and depth you’ll crave again and again.
- Salmon fillets: Choose 4 fillets (about 6 oz each) for perfectly moist results and a rich, buttery texture that shines in the teriyaki sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone of the marinade, offering saltiness without overpowering the salmon.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a dazzling, sticky glaze that makes this dish so tempting.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and caramel notes, rounding out the flavors of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of brightness to cut the richness and balance the glaze perfectly.
- Sesame oil: Rich, nutty, and aromatic, a small amount infuses the dish with classic Asian-inspired flair.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a deep savoriness that makes every bite burst with flavor and zest.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Offers spice and freshness, giving the marinade a subtle kick.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry): Thickens the sauce until it’s restaurant-quality and glossy.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Lively garnishes for a final pop of color, flavor, and crunch.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by creating the heart and soul of this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe: the sauce. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Let it come to a gentle simmer so all those incredible flavors can meld. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes—this step is magical, transforming your sauce into a sleek, luscious glaze. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Arrange your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or even a zip-top bag for easy cleanup. Generously pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the fish, making sure every piece is coated. Let your salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have the time). This simple soaking time infuses the fillets with deeply savory, slightly sweet flavors from the marinade, while the other half of the sauce is reserved for drizzling later.
Step 3: Prepare to Bake
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step guarantees an easy release and even baking. Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade and place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if yours have skin. Discard any leftover marinade from this step for food safety.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. The fillets are ready when they flake easily with a fork and glow with a beautiful lacquered finish. For an extra dose of deliciousness, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze, creating irresistible golden edges and intensifying the classic teriyaki flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your baked salmon to serving plates and drizzle generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Finish each piece with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a shower of fresh green onions. This final touch adds eye-catching color, a hint of crunch, and a fresh, aromatic lift. Your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is ready to take center stage!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Garnishes
Garnishes do so much more than make your dish pretty! A generous shower of sliced green onions brings crispness and color, while a scattering of sesame seeds adds subtle nuttiness and crunch. These simple add-ons make every forkful of your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe taste (and look) even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for the company of fluffy steamed rice—it soaks up the luscious teriyaki sauce and balances the rich salmon beautifully. Steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, edamame, or snap peas add freshness and color. For a low-carb or gluten-free twist, serve with cauliflower rice or a vibrant Asian slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
If you feel like switching things up, try flaking the salmon atop a fresh rice bowl with avocado, thinly sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of extra sauce. Or tuck pieces into lettuce cups with pickled veggies for a lighter presentation. This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is wonderfully versatile and makes a striking main course for anything from busy weeknights to special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Salmon Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers particularly tasty when repurposed for lunch the next day. Store any extra teriyaki sauce in a small jar to use for future meals as a glaze or dipping sauce.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, bake the salmon as directed and allow it to cool completely, then wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a resealable bag. Frozen teriyaki salmon keeps its flavor for up to two months and is a great backup for last-minute meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To keep your salmon moist when reheating, place the fillets in a covered baking dish and warm in a low oven (about 275°F) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave gently in 30-second increments. Add a spoonful of reserved sauce to keep everything juicy and vibrant. Avoid overheating to maintain the luscious, flaky texture of your Teriyaki Salmon Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating so it absorbs the sauce evenly and bakes up perfectly tender.
Is it possible to grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, grilling imparts a lovely smoky note! Place marinated salmon on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with reserved sauce for that signature shine.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Be sure all your sauce components are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
What is the best way to prevent the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat creates a nonstick surface that ensures easy removal and picture-perfect presentation every time.
Can I use this teriyaki sauce for other proteins?
Definitely! This homemade teriyaki glaze is fantastic on chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even roasted veggies. Once you’ve tried this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, don’t be surprised if you start adding the sauce to everything in sight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit extraordinary, and this Teriyaki Salmon Recipe hits that sweet spot every single time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation and impressing every lucky diner who joins you at the table!
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Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The salmon fillets are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then baked to perfection. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish:
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer, then add cornstarch slurry and thicken.
- Marinate the Salmon: Pour half of the sauce over salmon fillets in a dish or bag. Marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Bake the Salmon: Place marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with reserved sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice and vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- You can also cook this salmon in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg