This Baked Teriyaki Salmon is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The salmon is glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then baked to tender perfection. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with the bold taste of teriyaki.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory – The teriyaki glaze gives the salmon a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Tender & Juicy – Baking the salmon ensures it stays moist and flaky.
- Quick & Simple – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to simmer, cook for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and seasonings into the salmon to coat evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Brush the top of the salmon fillets generously with the teriyaki sauce. Reserve some sauce for later to serve with the salmon.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. If you like a slightly caramelized top, you can broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Baked Teriyaki Salmon with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or snap peas.
- Add a side of pickled ginger or a small bowl of miso soup for an authentic Japanese meal.
Tips & Variations
- Grilled Teriyaki Salmon – If you prefer grilling, simply cook the salmon on a preheated grill over medium heat, basting with teriyaki sauce as it cooks.
- Make It Spicy – Add sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Flavor Additions – Stir in a little orange juice or lime juice for a citrus twist in the sauce.
- Meal Prep – This dish is great for meal prep! Store the cooked salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that brings the flavors of a restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll enjoy perfectly baked salmon with a flavorful teriyaki glaze. It’s sure to become a family favorite!