Teriyaki Salmon Recipe (With Homemade Teriyaki Glaze)

Name: Teriyaki Salmon Recipe (With Homemade Teriyaki Glaze)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup homemade teriyaki sauce; Sesame seeds and fresh parsley to garnish

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Teriyaki salmon is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the rich, tender taste of salmon with the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce.

This dish is an incredible weeknight dinner option that brings the rich, savory flavors of the East right to your dinner table.

The sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, creating a delicious coating that enhances the natural taste of the salmon. Often served with steamed rice and vegetables, teriyaki salmon offers a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying. It’s a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions due to its simplicity and bold flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is the homemade teriyaki glaze. Unlike store-bought versions, this glaze is simmered gently to thicken into a rich, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon as it cooks. This glaze doesn’t just coat the salmon; it enhances its naturally rich, buttery texture, infusing each bite with a deep, savory-sweet flavor that elevates the dish from simple to unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Easy to make: This recipe is a breeze to prep, with only a handful of ingredients needed. Just season the salmon fillets, brush them with homemade teriyaki glaze, and pop them in the oven. It is as simple as that!
Family-favorite: With its perfect balance of flavors from the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey in the teriyaki glaze, this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The addition of sesame seeds and a side of rice makes it even more appealing to all taste buds.
Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be easily paired with a variety of sides. Whether you prefer brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice, this teriyaki salmon fillet will complement your choice perfectly.
Crowd pleaser: This recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The glistening teriyaki glaze on the perfectly baked salmon fillet, garnished with sesame seeds, is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Delicious: The combination of flavors from the homemade teriyaki glaze and the perfectly seasoned salmon fillet is simply irresistible. Every bite is packed with a burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more.

This recipe that combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Japanese marinade with the tender, flaky goodness of salmon fillets.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this teriyaki salmon recipe at home. Let’s look at them in more detail:

Salmon Fillets: The hero of our teriyaki salmon recipe. Opt for high-quality Atlantic salmon for the best taste and texture. Salmon is not only delicious but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Salt and Pepper: These two simple ingredients are essential for enhancing the flavors of the salmon and the teriyaki glaze. Always season to taste, but remember, you can always add more later.
Homemade Teriyaki Glaze: This is a sweet and tangy sauce made from low sodium soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. It is what gives our dish its distinct flavor. Making it at home allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking and make sure that there are no unwanted additives.

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon

Making this incredible salmon dinner recipe is easier than you think. Here’s how to make them at home step by step:

Preparation of the Salmon

The first step in our teriyaki salmon recipe is to prepare the salmon filets. You’ll need to season each fillet with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the salmon. Remember, the amount of seasoning will depend on your personal taste.

Applying the Teriyaki Glaze

Next, you’ll brush each seasoned salmon fillet with your own teriyaki sauce. This adds a sweet and savory flavor to the salmon and gives it a beautiful, glossy finish. Make sure to coat each fillet evenly to maximize the flavors.

Baking the Salmon

Once your salmon fillets are well coated with the teriyaki glaze, it is time to bake them. Preheat your oven to a temperature of around 400 ℉. Place the glazed salmon fillets in a baking dish and pop them into the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 20 minutes. This should cook the salmon perfectly, leaving it tender and juicy.

The taste is simply divine, with the sweetness of the honey, the tang of the soy sauce, and the kick of the ginger and garlic all coming together beautifully in the perfectly baked salmon.

Final Touches

After the baking time, carefully remove the salmon fillets from the oven. Brush another layer of the homemade teriyaki glaze over each fillet to give it an extra boost of flavor and a lovely sheen.

To finish, sprinkle each fillet with toasted sesame seeds. This not only adds a nice crunch but also gives a beautiful aesthetic touch to your dish.

With a homemade teriyaki glaze that's both sweet and tangy, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Serving the Teriyaki Salmon

For the best experience, serve your teriyaki salmon with homemade cooked rice. The rice pairs perfectly with the salmon, absorbing any extra teriyaki glaze and balancing out the flavors.

If you desire, you can drizzle additional teriyaki glaze over the salmon fillet and rice for an extra punch of flavor. And there you have it – a delicious, homemade teriyaki salmon dish to enjoy!

The combination of flavors from the homemade teriyaki glaze and the perfectly seasoned salmon fillet is simply irresistible.

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Recipe Tips

Choose the right salmon: Opt for Atlantic salmon fillets for this teriyaki salmon recipe. This type of salmon has a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki glaze.
Season well: Don’t shy away from seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and perfectly compliments the teriyaki glaze.
Brush with care: When brushing each fillet with homemade teriyaki glaze, make sure to cover the whole surface. This helps the fillet to soak up more flavors and results in a tastier dish.
Double glaze: After baking the salmon in the oven, brush another layer of homemade glaze over each fillet. This double glazing method helps make sure that the salmon is packed with the sweet and tangy flavors of the teriyaki glaze.
Don’t forget the garnish: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds texture but also enhances the overall taste of the dish. Also, serving the salmon with homemade cooked rice and an extra drizzle of teriyaki glaze makes for a satisfying meal.
Proper oven temperature: Preheating the oven to the right temperature (400F) is essential. It guarantees that the salmon cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful caramelization from the teriyaki glaze.

Substitutions and Variations

This delicious teriyaki salmon recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you’re looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Go Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, this variation is for you. Replace soy sauce with tamari sauce in your homemade teriyaki glaze to keep it gluten-free. You won’t notice the difference, but your body will thank you.
Boost it with Quinoa: For a healthier twist, swap out your regular rice for quinoa. This superfood is packed with fiber and protein, making your even more nutritious.
Turn Up the Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to your teriyaki glaze. This will give your salmon fillets a spicy kick that compliments the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors.
Go Green: Love your greens? Try adding some steamed asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts on the side. Not only does it add color to your plate, but it also increases the fiber content of your meal. My roasted vegetables go great with it, too!

Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Salmon

For a heart-healthy dinner, pair your teriyaki salmon fillet with a side of steamed asparagus and quinoa. The nutty flavors of quinoa perfectly compliment the rich, savory taste of the teriyaki glaze.
For a light and refreshing lunch, toss your teriyaki salmon into a salad with a drizzle of lemon juice. The tangy citrus cuts through the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze for a balanced taste.
Teriyaki salmon makes a great addition to your noodle bowls. Just add some boiled green beans and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an easy, tasty meal.
If you’re meal prepping, this recipe is a great option. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for several days. Pair it with your favorite sides for a quick and easy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of salmon is best for this teriyaki salmon recipe?

Atlantic salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe due to their rich flavor and firm texture. However, you can use any type of salmon fillets you prefer or have available.

How can I make homemade teriyaki glaze?

The homemade teriyaki glaze can be made by combining simple ingredients soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and apple cider vinegar. For the full recipe instructions and measurements, check out my homemade teriyaki glaze recipe. It’s versatile enough that you can even use it on chicken.

What can I serve with the teriyaki salmon?

The teriyaki salmon goes well with a bowl of homemade cooked rice. You can also pair it with a salad or green beans for a balanced meal.

How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Salmon

After a delightful meal of our easy teriyaki salmon recipe, you may find yourself with some leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat this delicious dish!
Refrigerating: First, let the salmon cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the salmon fillets into an airtight container. Pour any remaining teriyaki glaze over the salmon, as this will help to keep it moist. You can then store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to three days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your teriyaki salmon again, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to medium-high heat, place the salmon in a baking dish, and heat it for about ten minutes or until it is warmed through. You can also reheat it in a pan over medium heat; make sure that you stir it gently to heat evenly without breaking the salmon fillets apart.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing your cooked teriyaki salmon since the texture might not be as fresh. Since it’s incredibly easy to make, I recommend making it fresh or storing it in the fridge.