Flavorful Glazed Teriyaki Salmon is a tasty dish that brings together the rich goodness of salmon with a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze. The salmon is perfectly cooked with a beautiful caramelized coating that makes every bite pop with flavor. It’s simple yet impressive, making it a great go-to for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without too much fuss.
I love making this salmon because the glaze comes together quickly and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma. I usually marinate the salmon just long enough to soak up those delicious teriyaki vibes, then pan-sear it until it’s crispy on the edges and tender inside. It’s a straightforward recipe that always feels special, and leftovers taste fantastic for lunch the next day.
One of my favorite ways to serve this glazed salmon is over a bed of steamed rice with some sautéed veggies or a fresh salad on the side. The glaze pairs so well with simple sides, bringing a nice balance to the meal that everyone enjoys. This dish always feels like a little celebration on my plate, and I find myself coming back to it whenever I want something both comforting and flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets with or without skin work well. Skin adds texture and helps keep the fish moist. Wild-caught offers stronger flavor, but farmed is fine too.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the glaze balanced without too much salt. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds depth. If unavailable, dry sherry or sweet marsala wine makes a great substitute.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both create the sweet, sticky glaze. Honey gives a more floral note, while brown sugar adds richness. Feel free to use maple syrup for a different twist.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic are key for bright, zesty flavor in the glaze. Avoid powders here for best results.
Sesame Oil and Seeds: Toasted sesame oil adds nuttiness, but use sparingly since it’s potent. Sesame seeds provide crunch and a nice look on top.
How Do You Get that Perfect Sticky, Glossy Teriyaki Glaze on Your Salmon?
Achieving a shiny, sticky glaze is easier if you follow these steps:
- Marinate Briefly: Let the salmon soak in half the glaze for 15-30 minutes. Too long can start to cook the fish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each fillet space to sear properly and develop a crisp edge.
- Cook Skin-Side Up First: Start with skin side up if it has skin, so it crisps beautifully.
- Use Medium-High Heat: It helps create a nice crust without overcooking.
- Add Marinade at End: Pour reserved glaze into the pan after flipping. Reduce gently to thicken into a sticky sauce.
- Baste Continuously: Spoon the cooking glaze over the salmon as it thickens to build layers of flavor and shine.
This method gives salmon that glossy, caramelized look and sticky texture that makes the dish special. Plus, it locks in moisture for tender, juicy fish every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet – great for searing salmon without sticking and easy cleanup.
- Whisk – handy for mixing the teriyaki glaze smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce ingredients just right.
- Sharp spatula or fish turner – helps flip the salmon gently without breaking it.
- Mixing bowl or ziplock bag – perfect for marinating the salmon evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for trout or cod – both soak up the glaze nicely and offer a lighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze – for a subtle spicy kick.
- Top with chopped fresh cilantro or basil instead of green onions – adds fresh herbal notes.
- Include steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side – they complement the sweet glaze well and keep meal balanced.
Flavorful Glazed Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or substitute with dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and marinate briefly, plus about 10 minutes to cook the salmon and glaze it. Overall, you can have this delicious glazed teriyaki salmon ready in about 20-25 minutes, making it a quick and tasty meal option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Teriyaki Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and toasted sesame oil until well combined. This will be your flavorful teriyaki glaze.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag, then pour in half of the teriyaki glaze. Let the salmon marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps the fish soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade, saving the leftover glaze for later. Put the salmon in the skillet skin-side up (if your fillets have skin) and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving, until it’s golden and crispy.
4. Flip and Glaze the Salmon:
Turn the salmon over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until almost cooked through. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet around the salmon. Turn the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon regularly to coat it with a sticky, shiny finish.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the glaze is thick and sticky, take the skillet off the heat. Plate the salmon fillets over steamed white rice, spooning any extra glaze from the pan on top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful glazed teriyaki salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Make the Teriyaki Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before using it to marinate and cook the salmon.
How Should I Store Leftover Teriyaki Salmon?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to keep it moist.
What Sides Pair Well with Teriyaki Salmon?
This salmon goes great with steamed white rice and sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A simple green salad also makes a fresh and light accompaniment.
