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; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Sesame seeds for garnish; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Feast Collection

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home. It’s one of those dishes that transports me to a world of umami flavors with every bite. The way the savory teriyaki glaze melds with the rich and tender salmon is simply divine. I usually whip this up on busy weeknights, as it’s quick yet feels special. Plus, the vibrant colors of the dish make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Trust me, this recipe will impress anyone at your dinner table!

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:57:35.240Z

While experimenting with different Asian flavors, I stumbled upon the perfect combination for Teriyaki Salmon. It was amazing to see how a few essential ingredients—soy sauce, mirin, and sugar—could create such a complex flavor profile. It's all about balancing the salty and sweet, which I learned the hard way the first time I made it. But once I got the ratios right, it became a family favorite!

Pairing the teriyaki salmon with steamed jasmine rice elevates the dish even further. I also discovered that let the salmon marinate for just 30 minutes maximizes flavor without overpowering the fish. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to add to your meal rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The sweet and salty teriyaki glaze complements the salmon perfectly.
It's quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
The combination of bright sesame seeds and scallions adds a delightful crunch.

Understanding Teriyaki Flavors

The teriyaki sauce plays a central role in this dish, contributing to its signature flavor profile. The combination of soy sauce and mirin gives a deep umami taste while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness. This duality not only enhances the richness of the salmon but also encourages a wonderful caramelization when cooked. When making the marinade, it’s crucial to whisk until the sugar fully dissolves, ensuring an even distribution of flavors across the fillets.

Using fresh ingredients is key in maximizing the dish’s overall taste. Opt for high-quality salmon, ideally with a bright coral color, as this indicates freshness and richness. If you're unsure about which cut to use, fillets with skin are best; the skin helps protect the fish during cooking and adds to the texture when crisped. Wrapping up the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only adds a pop of color but introduces a slight crunch that complements the tender salmon.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Salmon

Cooking salmon can be daunting, but following a few key techniques will yield perfectly cooked fillets every time. Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the vegetable oil; this ensures a good sear on the salmon. When placing the salmon in the skillet, do so skin-side down to allow the fat to render slowly, resulting in a crispy texture. Watch for the color change as it cooks; once the sides become opaque and golden around the edges, it’s time to flip the fillets.

Once flipped, pouring the reserved marinade directly into the skillet enhances the flavor while allowing the salmon to absorb more of the teriyaki essence. Let it bubble and reduce slightly; this intensifies the vaporous aroma throughout your kitchen. To achieve a glossy finish with the sauce, using the cornstarch slurry at the end is essential. Stir it in swiftly and watch as the sauce thickens into a beautifully sticky glaze that clings to the salmon.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful dish:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds for garnish
Chopped green onions for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve delicious Teriyaki Salmon:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.

Marinate the Salmon

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook, skin-side down, for 4-5 minutes.

Add the Marinade

Flip the salmon, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, and let it simmer for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional minute.

Serve

Plate the salmon, drizzle with thickened sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Enjoy your flavorful Teriyaki Salmon with rice or your favorite side!

Pro Tips

Make sure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its moisture and tenderness.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the fish from drying out during reheating, gently heat it in a skillet with a splash of water or extra marinade over low heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes. This method ensures even warmth throughout without sacrificing texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious to heat it in short bursts to prevent rubbery fish.

If you’re looking to meal prep, marinating the salmon ahead of time can save you effort during the week. You can marinate the fillets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking, allowing every inch to marinate evenly and absorb those delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki salmon pairs wonderfully with various sides; consider serving it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside sautéed veggies for a complete meal. The contrast of textures and flavors elevates the dish further. For an added depth of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lime or a drizzle of sesame oil can enhance the taste without overpowering the teriyaki notes, giving a refreshing finish.

Experimenting with ingredients can lead to exciting variations. Swap out salmon for other types of fish, such as trout or cod; just adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be marinated and cooked similarly, absorbing the rich flavors of teriyaki.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can use tuna or trout for this recipe, but cooking time may vary.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

→ How can I reduce the saltiness?

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while maintaining flavor.

→ What sides go well with Teriyaki Salmon?

It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables.