Juicy Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe: Simple Ocean Magic

Salmon shines in this mouthwatering teriyaki recipe that marries Japanese flavors with succulent fish.

The homemade teriyaki glaze coats each tender salmon fillet with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Rich, flaky salmon absorbs the deep umami marinade, creating an irresistible dish that requires minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of soy, mirin, and brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this baked teriyaki salmon promises to become a weeknight dinner favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• How do I know if the salmon is cooked properly?

Use a fork to gently test the salmon. When it flakes easily and the internal temperature reaches 145°F, it’s perfectly cooked. The flesh should look opaque and easily separate.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before marinating to ensure better flavor absorption and even cooking.

• What if I don't have sesame oil?

Substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil. While sesame oil adds a unique flavor, the recipe will still taste great with alternative oils. Just reduce the amount slightly to prevent overpowering the other ingredients.

• Is it okay to marinate salmon longer than 2 hours?

No, avoid marinating longer than 2 hours. The acid in the marinade can start to break down the fish’s delicate proteins, making the texture mushy and potentially changing the flavor.

Why Baked Teriyaki Salmon Is Worth Making

• Effortlessly create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and simple preparation steps that anyone can master.
• Flexible recipe allows adjusting marinade sweetness or saltiness to match personal taste preferences, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Salmon delivers incredible nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and delicious taste that satisfies health-conscious food lovers.
• Works brilliantly for weeknight family meals, impressive date nights, or casual gatherings, transforming a basic protein into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Must-Have Ingredients For Baked Teriyaki Salmon

• Soy Sauce: A classic Asian condiment that provides a rich, salty base for the teriyaki flavor.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the marinade.
• Ginger: A zesty spice that brings a warm, slightly spicy note to the salmon's flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: A sweet ingredient that balances the saltiness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
• Sesame Oil: A nutty oil that introduces a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.

• Salmon Fillets: A rich, omega-3 packed fish that serves as the star protein of this delicious recipe.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh toppings that add a crunchy texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Steps For A Perfect Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil.

Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding a touch more sweetness or soy sauce to create a balanced flavor profile.

Step 2: Bathe Salmon in Marinade

• Salmon fillets
• Prepared marinade

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and generously coat each piece with the marinade.

Ensure complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the fish to absorb the delicious teriyaki essence.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Environment

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Remove salmon from the refrigerator to bring it closer to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Succulent Perfection

Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Check doneness by gently testing with a fork – the fish should flake easily.

During the final few minutes of cooking, brush the fillets with any remaining marinade for an extra layer of glossy flavor.

Step 5: Elevate with Finishing Touches

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the cooked salmon.

Allow the fish to rest for a couple of minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle and the juices redistribute.

Pro Tips For Baked Salmon With Teriyaki Glaze

• Adjust the marinade's sweetness and saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce until you achieve a harmonious flavor profile that complements the salmon.
• Limit marinating time to 2 hours max to maintain the salmon's delicate taste and prevent the marinade from overwhelming the fish's natural flavors.
• Let salmon sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking to promote uniform heat distribution and prevent undercooked or dry sections.
• Simmer the remaining marinade into a thick glaze and brush it over the salmon during the last few minutes of baking for an extra punch of teriyaki goodness.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add a vibrant color, crunchy texture, and burst of fresh flavor to your baked salmon.

Best Ways To Keep Teriyaki Salmon Fresh

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odors.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Side Dishes That Pair With Teriyaki Salmon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salmon's rich teriyaki glaze, cutting through its sweetness with bright, zesty notes.
• Embrace Steamed Rice Companion: Serve fluffy jasmine or short-grain white rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Add Crunchy Asian Slaw: Prepare a refreshing coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the tender salmon.
• Enhance with Roasted Sesame Vegetables: Roast broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus with sesame oil and seeds to echo the dish's Asian-inspired profile and add nutritious green elements.

New Takes On Teriyaki Salmon Recipes

• Gluten-Free Salmon: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. These alternatives provide similar umami flavors while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap brown sugar or honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content. This modification keeps the teriyaki flavor profile while supporting ketogenic dietary needs.
• Herb-Infused Salmon: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme into the marinade for a Mediterranean-inspired variation. Adding herbs enhances the salmon's natural richness and introduces complex flavor layers.
• Spicy Asian Adaptation: Mix sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the marinade for an extra kick. This variation adds heat and depth, transforming the classic teriyaki recipe into a more adventurous seafood dish.

Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Teriyaki Salmon marries Japanese flavors with perfectly glazed fish, creating a mouthwatering dish that sings with umami. Crisp edges and a silky center make this recipe a quick weeknight dinner champion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious teriyaki marinade by blending soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
2. Submerge salmon fillets in the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes, avoiding prolonged marination that could compromise the fish’s delicate texture.
3. Warm the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface. Remove salmon from refrigerator to allow slight temperature equalization.
4. Position salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes effortlessly with a fork. During the final moments of cooking, brush fillets with reduced marinade for enhanced glaze and caramelization.
5. Elevate the dish by scattering chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds across the surface. Allow salmon to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors settle and intensify.

Notes

• Customize the marinade by swapping soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option that maintains rich umami flavor.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly version of the dish.
• Prevent fish from drying out by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
• Enhance omega-3 benefits by selecting wild-caught salmon, which typically contains higher nutritional value compared to farm-raised varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg