Teriyaki Salmon

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully glazed piece of salmon, and this Teriyaki Salmon recipe is the perfect example of simplicity and flavour coming together effortlessly. With only five ingredients and a total cook time of just 15 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. 

The teriyaki sauce, adapted from a traditional Japanese recipe, is light and thin – nothing like the thick, gloopy versions you might find on store shelves. This recipe gives you a far more authentic taste that is sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish will have you creating restaurant-quality salmon at home in no time.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Soy sauce (dark, regular or low salt): A key component of the teriyaki sauce, it brings a savoury umami flavour to the dish.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking, it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• Sugar: Sweetens the sauce, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and the richness of the salmon.
• Salmon fillets: The star of the dish. Rich, tender, and packed with omega-3s, salmon makes the perfect base for the teriyaki glaze.
• Vegetable oil: Used to cook the salmon, allowing it to crisp up beautifully while keeping it tender inside.

How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Salmon

Making Teriyaki Salmon is incredibly simple, and with just five ingredients, the process is quick and fuss-free. Start by whisking together the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl. This mixture forms the base of the teriyaki sauce and, once combined, should be smooth and well-balanced in flavour. The soy sauce brings saltiness, the mirin adds a delicate sweetness, and the sugar ensures the sauce becomes sticky and glossy as it cooks.

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to focus on the salmon. Heat a small splash of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Adding the salmon to the pan skin-side down helps to crisp up the skin and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until the fish is lightly browned and nearly cooked through. At this point, you can pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, allowing it to simmer for another 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become a lovely glaze, coating the fish and infusing it with rich flavours.

What makes this Teriyaki Salmon recipe stand out is the texture of the sauce. Unlike many store-bought versions, which can be syrupy and overly thick, this homemade sauce is thin yet flavourful. It clings to the fish, offering a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the natural flavours of the salmon. After a quick simmer, the sauce will have reduced slightly, leaving a thin yet delicious coating on the fish.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon Every Time

While this Teriyaki Salmon recipe is simple, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon: The key to a great dish is using the best ingredients, and fresh, high-quality salmon will make all the difference. Look for wild-caught salmon when possible, as it tends to have a richer flavour.
• Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooking salmon can make it dry and tough. The key to tender salmon is to cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork. A few minutes on each side should be sufficient.
• Keep the sauce light: One of the hallmarks of this Teriyaki Salmon recipe is the thin, light sauce. Avoid using too much sugar or reducing the sauce too long, as this could make it too thick and syrupy.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavour, serve the salmon immediately after cooking. The teriyaki sauce is best when it’s still fresh and glossy.

Customising Your Teriyaki Salmon

One of the great things about Teriyaki Salmon is how easy it is to personalise. While the recipe as written is simple and delicious, you can add your own twist by experimenting with different ingredients.

For a bit of extra heat, consider adding a teaspoon of grated ginger or a small splash of chilli sauce to the teriyaki sauce. If you like a sweeter teriyaki flavour, you can adjust the sugar to suit your preferences. Adding a dash of sesame oil to the sauce will give it a nuttier, more robust flavour, while sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving adds both crunch and a touch of elegance.

You can also experiment with different types of fish. While salmon is the obvious choice for its rich flavour and firm texture, other fish like tuna or mackerel would work well with this light, sweet glaze. If you’re not a fan of fish, try marinating and cooking chicken breasts or thighs using the same method. The versatility of this recipe means you can tailor it to suit your dietary preferences while still achieving that mouthwatering teriyaki flavour.

What to Pair with Teriyaki Salmon

While Teriyaki Salmon is delicious on its own, it shines even more when served alongside complementary dishes. For a complete, balanced meal, pair your salmon with steamed rice. The soft, fluffy rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try serving the salmon with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado. The creaminess of the avocado contrasts beautifully with the richness of the salmon, while the freshness of the salad helps balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.

For those craving extra vegetables, sautéed greens like spinach, bok choy, or tenderstem broccoli are perfect additions to your plate. Their slight bitterness and crunch provide a great contrast to the sweet salmon and rice.

More Teriyaki Recipes

If you’re looking for more recipes that pack the same punch as this Teriyaki Salmon, then here you go:

• Teriyaki Wings: Crispy chicken wings baked to golden brown perfection and coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Teriyaki Ribs: Sweet, sticky and delicious! These melt-in-your mouth baby back ribs are incredibly easy to make. They’re slow-cooked until super tender then coated in a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce. 
• Teriyaki Chicken Noodles: Bursting with delicious flavours, succulent chicken and crisp veg, this easy, quick fix meal comes together in just 20 minutes.
• Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger: This bold creation combines crispy sesame-crusted tofu, a rich and spicy teriyaki glaze, charred pineapple, and a tangy sriracha slaw, all packed into a toasted bun.

See how I make these recipes and more over on my Instagram!