Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Green onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Highlighted under: International Meal Ideas

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon in my kitchen! The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a go-to dish in our household. I enjoy how quick and easy it is to prepare, yet it impresses everyone at the dinner table. Each time I serve this dish, I get whisked away to Japan as the aroma fills the air. With just a few simple ingredients, I create a delightful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:55:34.735Z

When I first tried Teriyaki Salmon at a Japanese restaurant, I was hooked. The glaze was perfectly shiny, and the salmon was grilled to flaky perfection, with just the right amount of char. I knew I had to recreate that dish at home. After some experimenting with different marinades, I discovered that using a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar yields an incredible depth of flavor that truly captures the essence of this classic recipe.

One of my favorite cooking tips is to let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making every bite wonderfully delicious. When cooking, I recommend using a hot skillet to get nice caramelization on the glaze, enhancing its sweetness and creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze brings the dish to life
Salmon fillets that are flaky and tender in every bite
Quick preparation makes it perfect for any weeknight meal

Understanding Teriyaki

Teriyaki sauce is traditionally made with a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, which creates a beautiful sweet and savory glaze. The balance between umami from the soy sauce and sweetness from both mirin and brown sugar is key to achieving that signature teriyaki flavor. I recommend tasting your marinade before using it to ensure it meets your preference; you can always adjust the sweetness with additional sugar or a splash more soy sauce.

Another aspect to consider is the cooking method. While grilling is common for teriyaki, pan-searing on the stovetop, as outlined in this recipe, allows for better control over heat, ensuring the salmon cooks through without burning the glaze. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the marinade begins to bubble and thickens nicely around the salmon.

Perfecting Your Salmon

When choosing salmon fillets, opt for fresh, thick pieces for the best result. The thickness allows for a tender, flaky texture even after cooking. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely, as unevenly frozen fillets can lead to overcooking on thinner edges. Always pat the fillets dry before marinating as this helps the marinade adhere better and enhances the overall flavor absorption.

Cooking salmon requires careful attention. I recommend starting with skin-side down to create a beautiful, crispy texture. If you notice the salmon edges begin to flake slightly, that’s a sign it’s nearly fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as dry salmon can result in a lack of smoothness in texture, which is essential for enjoying the teriyaki glaze.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make the delicious teriyaki salmon.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

You'll love how simple and quick it is to gather everything!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your teriyaki salmon.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.

Add the Marinade

Flip the salmon and pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze thickens.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Enjoy the rich flavors of your homemade teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the salmon instead of pan-searing. It's a great way to enhance the taste and aroma.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover teriyaki salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or additional marinade to prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet to allow gentle steaming, heating for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternately, you can use the microwave at lower power, checking in 30-second intervals.

For longer storage, consider freezing the marinated salmon before cooking. This not only preserves freshness but also helps the flavors develop even further. After thawing, cook as directed; however, be mindful that once cooked, frozen salmon may dry out quicker, so monitor carefully to avoid overcooking during reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your teriyaki salmon with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful glaze. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, complement the dish beautifully, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender fish. For a refreshing touch, consider serving with a simple cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar; it balances the richer flavors of the salmon.

If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed bok choy or sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and thinly sliced radishes for a pop of color. This not only enhances the visual aspect but also provides a variety of textures and flavors to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the salmon before marinating for the best flavor.

→ What can I serve with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice and vegetables work wonderfully, or try it with a fresh salad.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge.