Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Highlighted under: International Flavor Lab

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home! It's one of those dishes that transports me right back to Japan with every bite. The balance of savory and sweet in the teriyaki sauce is truly irresistible. Plus, the rich, flaky salmon pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or fresh vegetables. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for guests. I promise once you try making this dish, you'll be craving it regularly!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:35:34.532Z

When I first attempted to recreate the teriyaki salmon I had at a local Japanese restaurant, I was amazed at how simple it was. The key is to let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. The results are incredible! You get that perfect glaze when you sear it in a hot pan.

I recommend using fresh, high-quality salmon to really elevate the dish. And don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that extra pop! It’s a dish that never fails to impress, and it’s become a regular at our family dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce
Quick preparation time perfect for busy weeknights
Healthy omega-3 rich salmon that everyone can enjoy

Unlocking the Teriyaki Flavor Profile

The star of Teriyaki Salmon is undoubtedly the marinade, which brings an impressive balance of flavors. Soy sauce adds depth with umami, while mirin contributes a subtle sweetness and depth. The brown sugar heightens the sweet aspect, counteracting the saltiness of the soy sauce. A great tip is to taste the marinade before using it; you can adjust sweetness or saltiness to match your preferences, ensuring it perfectly complements your salmon.

Incorporating freshly grated ginger not only boosts flavor but also increases the dish's aromatic quality. If you need a substitute, ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh offers a vibrant kick that really elevates the dish. You can even experiment by adding garlic or a splash of rice vinegar for an extra layer of flavor if you're feeling adventurous.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

When it comes to searing the salmon, achieving the right temperature is crucial for that perfect exterior. Preheating the skillet until it's hot enough that a drop of water dances across the surface ensures that you'll get that desirable caramelization. If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, consider lowering the heat slightly after the initial sear to ensure the center cooks through without burning the outside.

If you find your salmon sticking to the skillet, it may not have been hot enough initially or you might need to add a tad more sesame oil. A good indicator of doneness is when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a pale, opaque color. Remember, salmon will continue to cook slightly once removed from heat, so pulling it just before it's fully cooked will keep it tender.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Pair your Teriyaki Salmon with steamed rice, which beautifully absorbs the teriyaki sauce and balances out the flavors. For added health benefits and texture, serve with a side of lightly sautéed vegetables, such as bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. They not only enhance the colors on your plate but also provide a nice crunch against the flaky salmon.

For those nights when you're feeling innovative, try transforming the leftover salmon into a delicious poke bowl. Flake the cooked salmon over a bed of sushi rice, drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce, and top with avocado, cucumber, and seaweed. This offers a fresh twist on the original dish, ensuring your flavors and ingredients don’t go to waste.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your teriyaki salmon shine:

Ingredients for Teriyaki Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious teriyaki salmon:

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the marinade, cover, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Cook the Salmon

Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from the marinade and sear in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until opaque and caramelized.

Garnish and Serve

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

Enjoy your beautifully cooked teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, add a dash of garlic to the marinade or serve with steamed broccoli.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're meal prepping, the teriyaki marinade can be made a few days in advance. Just whisk together all the marinade ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Marinating the salmon for more than 30 minutes will deepen the flavors, so I've found it beneficial to marinate overnight for a robust taste when cooking.

Once cooked, any leftover salmon can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave for a short interval or rewarm gently in a skillet on low heat, being careful not to overcook it as this can dry it out.

Ingredient Swaps and Adjustments

For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, substitute soy sauce with tamari, which offers the same savory essence without the gluten. If you don’t have mirin on hand, a mixture of rice vinegar and a little sugar can mimic the sweet tanginess of mirin without compromising on flavor.

Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider mixing in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into your marinade. This will add an interesting layer of heat that complements the sweetness beautifully, giving your Teriyaki Salmon a unique twist.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your salmon fillets are turning out too dry, this could be due to overcooking or using high heat too early. I recommend checking the salmon after just 2-3 minutes on each side. The salmon should be tender and just flake when tested with a fork. Remember, it continues to cook once it's off the heat, so aim for a slightly undercooked center for matter of taste.

Another common issue might be a teriyaki sauce that isn't glossy or thick enough. If this occurs, you can add a cornstarch slurry to your marinade while cooking for thickening. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce until it achieves that shiny consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating.

→ What can I serve with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed veggies work beautifully.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Absolutely! Add more or less brown sugar according to your preference.

→ Is there a substitute for mirin?

You can use a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar as a substitute.