Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Sesame seeds for garnish; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural Cuisine

I absolutely love cooking Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home! The combination of rich soy sauce, sweet mirin, and a hint of ginger creates an irresistible glaze that coats the salmon beautifully. It's not just about the taste; it's the vibrant colors and the aroma that wafts through my kitchen while it's cooking. In just under 30 minutes, I can create a dish that not only pleases my palate but also looks stunning on the plate. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner solution that feels gourmet without the fuss!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:53:34.751Z

When I first tried making teriyaki sauce from scratch, I was surprised at how simple it was! Balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the saltiness of the soy sauce was key, and I learned to adjust it according to my taste. Each batch turned out just a little different, and it was a delightful experience. This method not only enhances the flavor but also gives a homemade touch to the dish.

As a great tip, I suggest marinating the salmon for at least 15 minutes before cooking, which allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. It's a game-changer! The result is incredibly tender salmon that bursts with flavor in every bite, and I've found that serving it with steamed rice elevates the meal even more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Healthy omega-3-rich salmon cooked to perfection

Understanding Teriyaki Flavors

The teriyaki glaze combines soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that enhance the salmon. Soy sauce provides the umami depth, while mirin adds sweetness and a slight acidity. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving the salmon a lovely golden color and a glossy finish. This interplay of sweet and savory is what makes teriyaki a popular choice in Japanese cuisine, elevating the natural taste of the salmon rather than overpowering it.

Ginger and garlic are essential to this marinade, bringing freshness and aromatic depth. If you're a fan of a spicier kick, you can experiment by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a zesty twist. The freshness of the ginger especially helps balance the richness of the salmon, making each bite a burst of intriguing flavors. Be sure to use freshly grated ginger, as it packs more powerful flavor and aroma compared to dried options.

Perfecting Your Salmon Cooking Technique

Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but following the right technique ensures a moist, flaky result. While cooking skin side down initially helps achieve a crispy texture, keeping the heat at medium-high is crucial. This allows for even cooking while avoiding a burnt exterior. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for well-done. You can easily check this with an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the fillet.

If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, consider increasing the cooking time slightly. Flipping too soon can cause the salmon to break apart, so give it a solid 6 minutes before turning. Another tip: spooning the marinade over the salmon while it cooks not only adds flavor but also keeps the fish moist, resulting in a lovely glaze and an appetizing sheen.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This teriyaki salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the extra glaze. Alternatively, roasted or sautéed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers complement the rich flavors of the dish while adding vibrant colors to your plate. The texture contrast between the flaky salmon and crunchy veggies makes for an appetizing bite.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish is fantastic for batch cooking. Leftover marinaded salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, and the flavors actually develop further. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, avoiding the stovetop to preserve moisture. If you’re expecting guests, doubling the recipe is easy; just ensure to use a larger skillet to cook the salmon in batches to maintain even heat.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your teriyaki salmon truly delightful:

Teriyaki Marinade

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

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything on hand before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve the perfect teriyaki salmon:

Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic until well combined. Set aside.

Marinate the Salmon

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

Cook the Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and cook—skin side down for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, spooning marinade over the top.

Serve

Remove salmon from skillet, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of sake to the marinade!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're short on mirin, consider using a combination of white wine and a touch of sugar as an alternative. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can create a similar tang. For soy sauce alternatives, tamari is a gluten-free option that maintains similar flavor profiles. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar to adjust to your taste while still achieving the necessary caramelization when cooking.

Garlic can be substituted with shallots for a milder flavor, or omitted altogether if you're sensitive. For a twist, consider using salmon alternatives such as trout or even chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly; chicken typically takes longer to cook through.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Preparing the teriyaki marinade ahead of time is an excellent strategy to save on weeknight cooking. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Marinating the salmon at least 30-60 minutes prior to cooking can intensify flavors further, making your meal even more enjoyable.

If you've cooked more salmon than you can eat, store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, place the salmon in a covered dish to retain moisture and reheat at a low temperature. An alternative is to create delightful salmon salads or bowls with cold, flaked pieces on a mixed greens salad, enhancing the freshness and providing a new way to enjoy this dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of salmon?

Yes, chicken thighs work well with the teriyaki sauce; just adjust the cooking time.

→ How long should I marinate the salmon?

At least 15 minutes is ideal, but you can marinate it for up to an hour for more flavor.

→ Can I make teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

→ What sides pair well with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice and sautéed vegetables are great options to complement the dish!