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: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 salmon fillets; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home, as it allows me to bring a taste of Japan right to my kitchen. The sweet and savory sauce tantalizes my taste buds, and the tender salmon fillet cooked to perfection just melts in my mouth. I often serve it over fluffy rice or with seasonal vegetables, and the vibrant flavors leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s incredible how simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and ginger come together to create something so delicious and satisfying in just a short amount of time.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T21:33:34.244Z

When I first tried my hand at making teriyaki sauce, I was surprised by how well it came together with just a few key ingredients. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and savory depth from the soy sauce makes for an irresistible combination that elevates the salmon beautifully. I remember the first time I served it; the vibrant color and aroma had everyone at the table eagerly anticipating their first bite.

What I find particularly rewarding is the versatility of this dish. I’ve experimented with various sides, and pairing the salmon with steamed broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad adds delightful contrast. It’s a dish we often enjoy for special occasions, making every bite feel like a celebration.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich teriyaki flavor perfectly complements the tender salmon
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The teriyaki sauce is the soul of this dish, combining soy sauce's umami depth with the sweet notes from mirin and brown sugar. Using fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic enhances the flavor profile significantly. I prefer grating fresh ginger for a more potent punch, as dried ginger lacks the same aromatic quality. This combination creates a luscious glaze that complements the salmon wonderfully, making each bite a rewarding experience.

When selecting salmon, look for fillets that are bright pink and moist. Fatty salmon like sockeye or king salmon lends itself beautifully to this dish due to its rich flavor and texture. If you're concerned about health, consider using skinless fillets; they still deliver outstanding results. Remember, the fish should be at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution, ensuring it cooks perfectly without being dry.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Cooking the salmon skin-side down is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Start with a hot skillet—heat it to medium-high before adding sesame oil. The oil will shimmer once it’s ready, and this is the perfect cue to place the salmon in. Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until the skin becomes golden and crispy, then flip carefully to avoid tearing. Aim for a perfect flakiness in the center, which indicates that the salmon is thoroughly cooked yet still moist.

Glazing the salmon with the teriyaki sauce is a transformative step that allows the layers of flavor to meld beautifully. Allow the sauce to bubble for at least two minutes, which helps intensify its sweetness and stickiness. If the glaze isn’t thickening as expected, make sure to use cornstarch mixed with water beforehand, whisking it into the sauce as it simmers, until it coats the back of a spoon. This technique maximizes the flavor and gives you that shiny, appealing finish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you get started for a smooth cooking experience:

Ingredients for Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious teriyaki salmon:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the mix, cooking until it thickens.

Cook the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky.

Glaze with Sauce

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked salmon in the skillet. Let it bubble and glaze the salmon for about 2 minutes, turning the fillets gently to coat evenly.

Serve the Dish

Plate the salmon, drizzle any remaining sauce over it, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve alongside rice or vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade teriyaki salmon and savor each bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, let the salmon marinate in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

When serving your teriyaki salmon, it pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. Alternatively, roasted seasonal veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add a crisp, colorful contrast to the dish. I often enjoy it with a simple cucumber salad on the side to balance the richness of the salmon.

For a delightful variation, consider serving this dish with Asian-style noodles tossed in sesame oil. The noodles absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully and support the salmon while adding a delightful texture. If you're entertaining, turning this into a rice bowl with assorted toppings can create an inviting and interactive dining experience, allowing guests to customize their plate.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, the teriyaki sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using to ensure it’s warm and ready for glazing the salmon. However, I recommend cooking the salmon fresh for the best texture and flavor; reheating can lead to a dry result.

For leftovers, store any unused salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet on low heat to maintain tenderness. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold in salads or wraps, ensuring that the delicious flavors remain vibrant. If freezing is necessary, wrap the cooked salmon tightly, and consider adding a bit of extra teriyaki sauce to keep it moist during defrosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Mahi-mahi or tuna are great substitutes that work well with teriyaki sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a low-sugar substitute to adjust the sweetness.

→ Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What sides go well with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the dish perfectly.