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 honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sake (optional); 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 sesame seed, for garnish; 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Highlighted under: International Plates

I absolutely love making Teriyaki Salmon at home. The way the sweet and savory glaze caramelizes during cooking creates an irresistible flavor that takes my taste buds on an international journey. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow but also allows me to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Whenever I make it, I enjoy serving it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. It’s a go-to dish for gatherings and impressing my friends with something a little different yet simple to prepare.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-27T01:03:34.578Z

When I first tried making Teriyaki Salmon at home, I was surprised by how easy it is. I loved the combination of soy sauce, sake, and sugar creating the perfect glaze that coats the salmon beautifully. After a few attempts, I found that marinating the salmon for a short time before cooking really enhances the flavors. It’s such a simple technique, but it makes a world of difference in depth and richness.

Now, I can’t imagine my weeknight dinners without this dish. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when I want something quick yet impressive. Serving it over fluffy rice and garnishing with sesame seeds makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, the vibrant colors of the dish make it a feast for the eyes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich umami flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness
Quick cooking time for a delicious weekday meal
A vibrant presentation that enhances any dinner table

Mastering the Teriyaki Sauce

Creating your own teriyaki sauce is one of the highlights of this recipe. The blend of soy sauce and honey not only adds sweetness but also creates that rich umami flavor that teriyaki is known for. Using a good quality soy sauce is crucial—it significantly impacts the overall taste. The addition of sake is optional, but it enhances the sauce's depth and complexity. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to skip it or replace it with more rice vinegar for acidity.

When cooking the sauce, watch for a slight thickening as it simmers. You want it to coat the back of a spoon without being overly thick. This allows the sauce to cling beautifully to the salmon, creating a luscious glaze. If it thickens too much during cooking, simply add a teaspoon of water and stir to achieve your desired consistency.

Cooking the Salmon to Perfection

Timing and temperature are key when cooking salmon. By starting with the skin-side down in a hot skillet, you ensure it gets crispy while protecting the tender flesh on top. Aim for around 6-8 minutes total cooking time—3-4 minutes on the skin side, then another 3-4 minutes after flipping. Keep an eye on the salmon; it should appear opaque and flake easily with a fork when done, ensuring you don’t overcook it for a dry texture.

The caramelization of the teriyaki sauce is what makes this dish truly special. When you pour the sauce over the salmon after flipping, it will start to bubble and become glossy. Watch for those golden edges and a slightly sticky finish to confirm that it’s reached the perfect stage. If the sauce seems too runny after cooking, don’t hesitate to briefly return it to heat after plating to allow additional evaporation.

Serving and Storing Your Dish

To elevate the presentation, serve your teriyaki salmon on a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the leftover sauce beautifully. Add some vibrant stir-fried vegetables on the side to create a well-rounded meal that’s visually pleasing and nutritious. For a fun touch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions, as they add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is important for maintaining flavor and texture. Keep the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using a pan over low heat to gently warm the salmon, which keeps it from drying out. You might add a splash of water or leftover teriyaki sauce to help restore moisture while reheating.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sake (optional)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 sesame seed, for garnish
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Use fresh salmon for the best flavor!

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sake, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the honey dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce begins to caramelize.

Serve

Plate the salmon and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Teriyaki Salmon with rice or your favorite vegetables!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe relies on traditional ingredients for authenticity, you can easily adapt it. If soy sauce is a concern, you can use tamari for a gluten-free version, or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Agave syrup can work as a substitute for honey if you're looking for a vegan option.

For those who want to try a different protein, chicken thighs can be a wonderful substitute for salmon. Just remember that cooking times will differ; chicken typically requires about 6-8 minutes on each side at medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink in the center.

Variations to Try

This teriyaki recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add different flavors to the base sauce, like a splash of orange juice, or even some crushed pineapple. This variation adds a fruity note that pairs nicely with the savory elements of the dish. It’s a delightful twist that can surprise your guests.

Another popular variation is to marinate the salmon fillets in the teriyaki sauce beforehand. I recommend doing this for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor penetration. Just be cautious not to exceed this time frame, as too much salt from the soy sauce can dry out the fish.

Troubleshooting Your Teriyaki Salmon

One common issue when cooking salmon is drying it out. To prevent this, avoid cooking on too high a heat overall. Medium-high works best for a balance of crispy skin and tender flesh. If you notice that the skin is browning before the flesh is cooking through, lower the heat slightly to ensure even cooking.

If your teriyaki sauce turns out too salty, this might happen due to the sodium content of your soy sauce. Adding a bit more honey can help balance it out, or a splash of water can dilute it slightly without losing the desired flavor. Always taste as you go to adjust to your preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! While salmon is traditional, you can also use tuna or even chicken with similar cooking methods.

→ Is there a gluten-free version?

Absolutely! Swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

→ What should I serve with Teriyaki Salmon?

Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.