Teriyaki Baked Salmon
A Flavor-Packed, Easy Salmon Recipe
If you love the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki, this Teriyaki Baked Salmon will become a go-to in your kitchen. This dish is effortless to prepare, featuring a homemade teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, creating a tender, juicy salmon with rich umami depth.
Fun Fact
Teriyaki is a traditional Japanese cooking technique where foods are glazed with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar before being grilled or broiled, giving them a glossy and flavorful finish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Teriyaki Baked Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Once the mixture is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
Brush a generous amount of the teriyaki glaze over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Save some extra sauce for serving.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon
Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Halfway through cooking, brush on more glaze to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Broil for a Glazed Finish
For a slightly crispy and caramelized top, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a minute. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
Best Way to Eat
Serve this salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to retain moisture.