Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
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Salmon Teriyaki is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home! Featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe delivers authentic Japanese flavors in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a quick weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love Salmon Teriyaki
- Authentic Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce tastes just like what you’d get at a fine Japanese restaurant, with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a fast yet impressive meal.
- Healthy and Delicious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients, making this dish as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Customizable: You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience or experiment with the homemade version for that personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Salmon Teriyaki is a very tasty salmon recipe. Salmon fillet is marinated in teriyaki sauce, and then cooked in the frying pan. Even if you are not a huge fan of salmon, try the salmon teriyaki – it’s the tastiest way of making salmon, in my opinion, and you might become a salmon fan after trying this recipe.
Ingredients For Salmon Teriyaki
- Salmon Fillets – The star of the dish; rich and tender, perfect for absorbing the teriyaki flavors.
- Soy Sauce – Provides the salty, umami base for the teriyaki sauce.
- Mirin – A sweet Japanese rice wine that balances the flavors and gives the sauce its authentic taste.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- White Vinegar – Brings a hint of tanginess to the teriyaki sauce.
- Oil – Helps cook the salmon evenly without sticking.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
I like to make my own teriyaki sauce for the salmon teryaki recipe. Making teriyaki sauce is very easy – you just mix 4 ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar and vinegar. If you want to make this recipe with bottled teriyaki sauce, you can certainly do it. Just pour the teriyaki sauce from the bottle instead of making your own teriyaki sauce.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Salmon Teriyaki
- Non-Stick Frying Pan – Ensures even cooking and prevents the salmon from sticking.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Perfect for preparing the teriyaki sauce.
- Shallow Dish or Baking Dish – Ideal for marinating the salmon fillets.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients.
To make salmon teriyaki, first you make the teriyaki sauce, then you marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce and then you cook the salmon on the frying pan. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
This salmon teriyaki tastes very authentic – it’s just as good as the salmon teriyaki that you can get in a fine Japanese restaurant!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Salmon Teriyaki over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or okra for a balanced meal.
- For a Japanese-inspired presentation, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Complement the dish with hibachi noodles or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete Japanese dining experience.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or alongside a light pear and gorgonzola salad.
Tips For Success
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Skin-on fillets work well as the skin helps hold the fillet together during cooking.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Making your own teriyaki sauce ensures a fresh, balanced flavor. If you’re short on time, bottled teriyaki sauce works too, but homemade adds a personal touch.
- Marination Time: While 10 minutes is sufficient for this recipe, you can marinate the salmon for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating longer, as the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the fish.
- Cooking the Salmon: Start with the skin-side down in the pan to create a crispy, flavorful base. Flip gently to avoid breaking the fillet.
- Control the Heat: Cook the salmon over medium-high heat for even cooking without burning the sauce. If your pan starts to smoke, reduce the heat slightly.
- Thickened Sauce: Adding the remaining teriyaki sauce to the pan during the final cooking stage lets it thicken and caramelize, creating a glossy finish.
- Pairing Options: This dish pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables, but you can also experiment with noodles or other grains like quinoa.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like honey or a low-calorie sweetener in place of brown sugar to reduce the sugar content.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute salmon with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to adapt the recipe for different preferences. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Vegan Version: Use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of salmon, and substitute soy sauce with a plant-based alternative if desired.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy twist.
- Citrus Infusion: Incorporate a splash of orange or pineapple juice into the sauce for a zesty, fruity flavor profile.
- Herbal Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a unique twist on the traditional presentation.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Salmon Teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the salmon is completely cooled before storing to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the salmon in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated salmon in a non-stick pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain its tenderness.
- Microwave Option: You can reheat the salmon in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals. Cover with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out.
- Thawing Frozen Salmon: Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it completely before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate the fillets evenly.
What can I use instead of mirin?
If you can’t find mirin, substitute it with an equal amount of dry sherry, white wine, or a mix of water and a teaspoon of sugar for a similar flavor profile.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Use a good quality non-stick frying pan and heat the oil properly before adding the salmon. This will help form a protective layer and prevent sticking.
Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling the salmon adds a smoky flavor. Use medium heat on the grill and baste with the teriyaki sauce during cooking to maintain moisture.
What side dishes pair well with Salmon Teriyaki?
Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad are classic pairings. For a creative twist, try serving it with soba noodles or a light quinoa salad.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Ten minutes is sufficient, but you can marinate for up to 30 minutes for more flavor. Avoid longer marination to prevent the acid from altering the texture of the salmon.
Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin Japanese rice wine, found in the grocery isle next to soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow dish or baking dish
Instructions
- First, make the teriyaki sauce - mix together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar and vinegar.
- Next, marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce. You need to put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish (I use the large pyrex baking dish for this), put them skin side up. Pour 1/2 of the teriyaki sauce of the salmon. Spread the teriyaki sauce with your hands around the fish fillets, so all the fish is coated in teriyaki sauce. Leave to marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Next, cook the salmon. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat (I use 2 frying pans over 2 burners, so I can cook all the fish at once).
- Put the fish in the frying pan skin side down.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then flip to the other side.
- Add the remaining teriyaki sauce to the frying pan. Cook for 3 more minutes.
- Remove the fish from the frying pan onto plates (put the fish skin side down), and pour the sauce from the pan on top of the fish.
Here’s another photo of this salmon teriyaki recipe:
Enjoy your salmon teriyaki! It is great served with simple white rice, couscous or quinoa as a side dish.
Other Easy Salmon Recipes
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Crackers – Quick Party Appetizer: A savory and elegant bite-sized snack that’s perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings.
Air Fryer Salmon Belly – Crispy and Delicious Recipe: Enjoy rich, crispy salmon belly with minimal effort using the air fryer for a quick and flavorful dish.
Simple Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe: This easy stovetop recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon with a golden crust in just minutes.
Oven-Baked Sockeye Salmon – Healthy Dinner Idea: A wholesome, tender, and flavorful baked salmon dish that’s ideal for a nutritious family dinner.
Easy Foil-Wrapped Salmon in Air Fryer: A foolproof way to cook moist and flaky salmon with no cleanup required.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Patty Recipe: A quick and healthy option for cooking frozen salmon patties to perfection in the air fryer.
Hearty Soup with Canned Salmon Recipe: A comforting and easy-to-make soup packed with the rich flavor of canned salmon.
More Fried Recipes
- Stir-fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
- Crispy Fried Chicken with Honey Butter Glaze
- Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
The recipe is easy to follow, with clear instructions and a brief prep time, making it accessible for home cooks. The option to use store-bought teriyaki sauce adds convenience for those who prefer not to make their own.
enjoy a tasty, homemade meal ☺️