This teriyaki salmon is a simple and tasty dish that’s packed with flavor! The sweet and salty teriyaki sauce adds a delightful touch to the fish, making it a family favorite.
I love how quick it is to make! Just marinate the salmon and pop it in the oven. It pairs great with rice and veggies for a yummy dinner. You’ll feel like a chef in no time! 🍣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this dish. If you can’t find salmon, try using other fatty fish like trout or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is a great choice to control the saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor.
Mirin: This adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of white wine and a little sugar, or just use a bit more brown sugar in the soy sauce.
Sake: This is optional, and you can simply replace it with water or additional mirin. If you want an alcohol-free option, rice vinegar works too—but use a little less to avoid too much acidity.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds rich sweetness. For a healthier option, you could use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities since they are sweeter than brown sugar.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Salmon Skin?
Getting crispy skin is key to a delicious salmon dish! Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure the salmon skin is dry before cooking—this helps it crisp up better.
- Use medium-high heat when cooking. Cooking too low will make it steam instead.
- Don’t move the salmon around while it’s cooking! Let it sit to develop a nice crust.
- After flipping it, avoid overcooking. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy salmon skin every time!
Savory Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (optional, can substitute with water)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- Steamed broccoli florets (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Savory Teriyaki Salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) to the saucepan. Stir it in and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they cook nicely. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This will help the skin get crispy! Once you see that the salmon is cooked about halfway up, gently flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are just cooked through.
5. Glaze the Salmon:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets in the pan and spoon some sauce over the top. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the cooked rice into serving bowls. Place a salmon fillet on top of the rice and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce from the pan.
7. Add Garnishes and Veggies:
Sprinkle the salmon with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that finishing touch. Serve alongside steamed broccoli or your favorite veggies to create a balanced meal.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your savory teriyaki salmon warm, surrounded by rice and veggies. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the tummy!
This recipe captures all the sweet, salty, and rich flavors you love, enhanced by the glossy teriyaki glaze, toasted sesame seeds, fresh green onions, fluffy rice, and vibrant steamed broccoli. Enjoy! 🍣
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mix of white wine and a little sugar, or simply add more brown sugar to the soy sauce. However, this may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before reheating and using it to glaze your salmon!
