Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: World Flavor Essentials

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home! The sweet and savory sauce combined with perfectly cooked salmon creates an unforgettable meal that transports me straight to Japan with every bite. The simplicity of this recipe means I can whip it up on busy weeknights, and my family always appreciates the burst of flavor. Pairing it with steamed rice and some fresh vegetables not only makes it a balanced dish but also vibrant on the plate. You won't believe how easily it comes together in just a few minutes!

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-27T01:06:37.009Z

During one of my culinary adventures, I decided to try my hand at making a classic Japanese dish: teriyaki salmon. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily I could prepare this irresistible meal. The key is in the marinade, which balances soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create a luscious glaze that perfectly clings to the salmon. Marinating for even just 10 minutes offers incredible flavor.

Experimenting with cooking methods, I found that broiling the salmon gave me the best texture and flavor. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the teriyaki sauce beautifully, resulting in a delightful crispness on the edges while keeping the inside moist and tender. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor
Crispy edges with moist and tender salmon
Quick to make for busy weeknights

Marinade Magic

The teriyaki marinade plays a crucial role in this recipe, infusing the salmon with deep, complex flavors. Soy sauce provides the foundation with its umami richness, while mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth. Honey not only enhances the sweetness but also helps to create a glossy glaze when the salmon is cooked. For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the amount of ginger or add a splash of sesame oil for an additional layer of flavor.

When marinating, ensure the salmon fillets are evenly coated. If you're short on time, even 10 minutes will do, but for more robust flavor, consider marinating for 30 minutes to an hour. Just remember not to exceed an hour, as the fish can start to cure and become overly salty. A resealable bag is great for this as it allows the marinade to cover each fillet completely.

Perfecting the Broil

Broiling salmon might seem intimidating, but it’s a quick and effective method to achieve a beautifully cooked fillet. Preheating the broiler is essential; you want it hot enough to sear the fish quickly while preserving its moisture. Position the oven rack so that the salmon is about 6 inches from the heating element. This allows for proper cooking without drying out the fish, resulting in crispy edges and a tender center.

Keep a close eye on the salmon while it broils, typically around 8 to 10 minutes. The telltale sign of doneness is when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Removing it right as it reaches this temperature can enhance the texture and prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a vibrant meal, pair your teriyaki salmon with steamed white or brown rice and a medley of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. The combination not only looks appealing but adds a crunch that contrasts well with the tender salmon. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only enhances flavor but also elevates presentation, making your dish restaurant-worthy right at home.

If you're looking for variations, try adding other ingredients to your marinade, such as a dash of chili flakes for heat, or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. To cater to gluten-free diets, use tamari in place of soy sauce. This recipe can easily be scaled up for entertaining – just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or broil in batches to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious teriyaki salmon:

For the Teriyaki Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Gather these ingredients to elevate your dinner experience!

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering dish:

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, and garlic until well combined.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the salmon and marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Preheat the broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the marinated salmon skin-side down. Broil for about 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the broiler and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of sake to the marinade or serving with a side of pickled vegetables for a traditional touch.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the teriyaki marinade in advance to save time on busy nights. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk it up again before use as the ingredients may settle. If you have leftover salmon, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, making this dish great for meal prep.

Reheating should be done gently to preserve texture; consider using the microwave on a low setting or briefly warming in a pan on the stovetop. To avoid overcooking, cover the salmon to help keep it moist during reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the salmon seems too salty, it may be due to an excess of marination time or a particularly salty soy sauce brand. To balance this, consider serving it with a side of rice that can absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, you can mix in a small amount of water with the marinade to dilute its strength.

If your salmon isn't browning as expected, ensure that the broiler is fully preheated. You may also want to adjust the oven rack closer to the heating element. Lastly, using an aluminum foil-lined pan helps with cleanup but be mindful that it can sometimes insulate heat, slowing browning; consider a parchment paper lining for better browning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like trout or chicken, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

→ How long can I marinate the salmon?

You can marinate the salmon for up to 30 minutes. Beyond that, the fish may start to become too salty.

→ Is it possible to make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

→ What should I serve with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice and vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas make great accompaniments to this dish!