Sweet. Sticky. Deeply savory.
Perfectly glazed salmon that melts
in your mouth with every single bite.
This Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
is the 20-minute weeknight dinner
that tastes like you spent hours
in the kitchen — when all you did
was mix 4 sauce ingredients
and cook salmon for 12 minutes!
Why Teriyaki Salmon is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Salmon is already one of the fastest
proteins to cook. Combined with a
homemade teriyaki glaze that takes
2 minutes to make — this dish
is weeknight dinner perfection!
Ready in 20 minutes total
Incredibly healthy and nutritious
High protein — 40g per serving
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Cheaper than restaurant teriyaki
Loved by adults and kids equally
Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons mirin
(or 2 tablespoons rice vinegar + 1 teaspoon sugar)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with
1 tablespoon water
For the Salmon:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Serving:
– Steamed jasmine rice
– Steamed broccoli or bok choy
– Sesame seeds
– Sliced green onions
– Lemon wedges
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
– Calories: 420
– Protein: 40g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Fat: 18g
– Omega-3: Very High
Why Homemade Teriyaki Beats Bottled
Bottled teriyaki sauce contains
high fructose corn syrup,
artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Homemade teriyaki uses 4 real ingredients —
soy sauce, honey, mirin, and garlic —
and takes 2 minutes to make.
The flavor difference is dramatic.
Once you taste homemade teriyaki,
you will never reach for a bottle again!
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Combine soy sauce, honey, mirin,
brown sugar, garlic, and ginger
in a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cornstarch mixture and stir
until sauce thickens to a glossy,
syrupy consistency that coats a spoon.
Remove from heat. The sauce will
thicken more as it cools!
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets completely dry
with paper towels — this is essential
for a good sear!
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe
pan over medium-high heat
until shimmering hot.
Place salmon skin-side DOWN.
Cook for 4 minutes without moving —
let the skin get crispy and golden!
Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Glaze with Teriyaki
Spoon half the teriyaki sauce
over the salmon fillets generously.
Transfer pan to oven preheated
to 400°F (200°C). Bake for
4-5 minutes until salmon is
cooked through and glaze
is caramelized and sticky.
Alternatively — continue cooking
on the stove over low heat,
spooning sauce over the salmon
continuously for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer salmon to plates over
steamed rice and vegetables.
Drizzle remaining teriyaki sauce
generously over everything.
Garnish with sesame seeds,
green onions, and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately while the
glaze is still warm and sticky!
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
The salmon is perfectly cooked when:
It flakes easily when pressed
with a fork in the thickest part.
The flesh has changed from
translucent dark pink to opaque
lighter pink throughout.
The internal temperature reads
125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium —
slightly pink and very juicy in the center.
145°F (63°C) for well done —
fully cooked throughout.
Medium is the ideal doneness
for the juiciest, most flavorful salmon!
Teriyaki Salmon 4 Ways
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl — serve
flaked salmon over rice with
edamame, avocado, cucumber,
and extra teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Salmon Burger — flake
cooked salmon onto a brioche bun
with coleslaw and teriyaki mayo.
Teriyaki Salmon Salad — serve
cold sliced salmon over mixed
greens with sesame ginger dressing.
Teriyaki Salmon Tacos — flake
salmon into corn tortillas with
purple cabbage slaw and
sriracha mayo for a fusion twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mirin and where do I find it?
Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine
used for cooking. Find it in Asian
grocery stores or the international
aisle of supermarkets.
Substitute with rice vinegar plus sugar!
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Yes! Grill on medium-high heat for
4 minutes per side. Brush with
teriyaki sauce in the last 2 minutes.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat very
dry before cooking. Wet salmon
will not sear properly!
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for
up to 2 weeks. It makes an
incredible marinade, dipping sauce,
and stir-fry sauce too!
The Bottom Line
This Easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
is the weeknight dinner that checks
every single box.
Fast. Healthy. Incredibly delicious.
Restaurant quality at home.
The sticky sweet teriyaki glaze
on perfectly cooked salmon is one
of the greatest flavor combinations
in the entire world.
Make it tonight and tell us in
the comments — did it become
your new favorite weeknight dinner?
We already know the answer!