Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Tastes of the Globe

I love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon because it’s bursting with flavor and so easy to prepare. The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce combined with the rich, buttery texture of the salmon makes for a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce Asian flavors to my family while still keeping it simple. I usually serve it with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying dinner that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:13:34.593Z

One night, I decided to experiment with teriyaki sauce, which is one of my favorite condiments, and paired it with salmon. I marinated the fish for just 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in without overwhelming the natural taste of the salmon. The result was incredible – a beautiful caramelized glaze on top of the fish that made every bite a delight!

I’ve found that the key to perfect teriyaki salmon is cooking it skin-side down at a high heat for just the right amount of time, so it stays moist. This method not only enhances the flavors but also gives the salmon a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with rice and greens.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce
Perfectly cooked salmon that's flaky and tender
Quick to prepare, making it great for busy evenings

Understanding Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors, crucial for this recipe. The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a rich flavor profile that complements the salmon perfectly. When you simmer the sauce, the heat intensifies the sweetness while allowing the garlic and ginger to infuse their aromatic qualities. This balance is what makes your teriyaki sauce a standout until it reaches that glossy finish, signaling it's ready to coat the salmon.

One key component of this sauce is the cornstarch, which you mix with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the simmering sauce. This ensures a smooth texture without clumps, turning your sauce into a beautifully thick glaze. If you prefer a gluten-free option, tamari can be substituted for soy sauce, maintaining the essential umami flavor while catering to dietary needs.

Perfecting Salmon Cooking Technique

When cooking salmon, the skillet method ensures a crispy skin while keeping the flesh moist. Preheating the skillet is essential; it should be hot enough that the salmon sizzles upon contact—aim for medium-high heat. Start cooking with the skin-side down, as this protects the delicate flesh. Flip the fillets carefully using a spatula after about 4-5 minutes, and look for the salmon to turn opaque around the edges—this is a good indicator that it's time to turn.

It’s important to avoid overcooking the salmon, as it can become dry and tough. Cooking times will vary depending on thickness, so aim for a total of about 8-10 minutes per fillet. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. As it rests, it will continue to cook slightly, so consider removing it just before it reaches that temperature for a buttery, tender result.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Marinate the Salmon

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Allow to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet and drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra punch of flavor, try adding sesame seeds on top just before serving. They add a nice crunch that beautifully complements the tender salmon.

Serving Suggestions

Serving teriyaki salmon is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the meal with complementary sides. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which not only soaks up the excess sauce but also adds a lovely texture contrast. Vegetables like broccoli or snap peas equally complement this dish, introducing vibrant colors and nutrients. You can stir-fry them in sesame oil with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added flavor boost.

For a delightful twist, consider a side salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and a light sesame vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts with the rich teriyaki sauce, creating a vibrant plate that pleases the palate. Alternatively, serving it with a side of pickled vegetables offers a nice crunch and a kick of acidity that balances the meal beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating should be done gently to maintain its texture; consider using a microwave with a cover to steam the salmon slightly, or place it in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid high heat, which will dry out the fish.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to two months. Wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat using the method mentioned above. Freezing the salmon may change its texture slightly, but the teriyaki flavor will still shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like trout or chicken if you prefer.

→ Is the sauce gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

→ What should I serve with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice and a side of sautéed vegetables pair perfectly with teriyaki salmon.