Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Sesame seeds for garnish; Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I’ve always been fascinated by the vibrant flavors of Japanese cuisine, and this Teriyaki Salmon recipe captures that spirit beautifully. With its sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, this dish is a favorite in my home, particularly for weeknight dinners. The marinade not only infuses the salmon with incredible flavor but also keeps it moist during cooking. You can even make the teriyaki sauce from scratch with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, yet delightful recipe!

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T21:33:34.220Z

Preparing this Japanese Teriyaki Salmon has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. The moment the salmon hits the pan, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply divine! One tip I discovered is to let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring a moist and flavorful outcome.

When I first tried making teriyaki sauce at home, I was surprised at how simple it was—I could control the sweetness and savoriness to my liking. I like to serve this salmon over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that extra touch. It's a dish that never fails to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich teriyaki flavor that tantalizes the taste buds
Perfectly cooked salmon that's moist and flaky
Quick and easy for a weeknight meal

      

Understanding Teriyaki Flavor

Teriyaki is a beloved Japanese cooking style that melds sweet and savory elements to create an irresistible glaze. The combination of soy sauce and mirin lends depth, while the sugar caramelizes, enhancing that rich flavor. When making your teriyaki sauce, opt for high-quality soy sauce; its umami notes will significantly elevate the dish. By letting the marinade mingle with the salmon, you unlock deeper flavors that transform a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.

Another important element of the teriyaki marinade is the garlic and ginger. Both provide a fragrant warmth that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors harmoniously. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are preferred for their vibrant taste, but if you’re in a pinch, substitute them with garlic and ginger paste. Keep in mind that a small adjustment in the marinade's balance can yield quite a difference in taste, so it’s worthwhile to experiment until you find your perfect combination.

Perfectly Cooked Salmon

Achieving moist and flaky salmon is key to this dish. It's essential to cook the salmon just right—overcooking can lead to dry, tough fillets. When searing the salmon, a medium-high heat is ideal; this allows for a beautiful golden crust to form without sacrificing juiciness. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side, and look for the fillet to change color from a bright pink to a lovely opaque hue, indicating it’s done to perfection.

I recommend using a heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution. If you find that your salmon is sticking, give it a little more time before flipping. A common mistake is to flip too soon; the salmon will naturally release from the pan once it’s properly seared. If you love crispy skin, consider using the skin-on option, as it adds texture and flavor while helping to keep the fillet moist during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade, shaking off any excess, and sear in the pan for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Glaze the Salmon

In the last minute of cooking, pour some of the reserved marinade over the salmon to caramelize and glaze it.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve over steamed rice.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets and adjust the marinade according to your taste preferences. If you have extra marinade left, you can simmer it to use as a sauce.

Marinating and Timing Tips

For the best flavor infusion, marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes, but you can extend this to 30 minutes if you have the time. However, avoid marinating for more than an hour, as the soy sauce can begin to cure the fish, altering its texture. If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, the marinade can be whipped up a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making the actual cooking process a breeze during busy weeknights.

Another tip: if you plan on serving this dish to guests, consider marinating the salmon in individual portions. This way, you can easily adjust cooking times based on the thickness of each fillet, ensuring uniform doneness without the need for risky multi-tasking when it's time to serve.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This teriyaki salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a more colorful presentation, consider serving it alongside sautéed vegetables like bok choy or sugar snap peas. You can also sprinkle some pickled ginger or wasabi on the side for an extra kick that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze.

If you're looking to switch things up, try adding a splash of citrus, like orange or lime juice, to the marinade for a fresh twist. Alternatively, substituting honey for sugar can add a different layer of flavor, and using grilled salmon instead of pan-seared can introduce a smoky element that pairs well with the teriyaki.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before marinating.

→ What if I can't find mirin?

You can substitute mirin with a mixture of rice vinegar and a bit of sugar.

→ Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the salmon.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).