If you’re craving a hearty dinner that delivers big flavors and takes barely any time or fuss, then Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki is about to become your weeknight hero. This classic Japanese-inspired dish features succulent salmon fillets glazed with a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce that comes together in minutes. Every tender bite is balanced with hits of umami, ginger, and honey, making it utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for something healthy, impressive, or just unbelievably speedy, this Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki is sure to land high on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how it lets a handful of everyday ingredients shine. Each element works together to create a dish that’s unexpectedly complex in flavor, yet delightfully simple to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for tender flakes and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory depth without overpowering the natural flavor of the salmon—a little goes a long way!
- Honey: Adds a luscious sweetness and helps the teriyaki glaze caramelize perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle tang that wakes up the sauce and balances out the honey and soy.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle of this nutty oil is key for richness and unmistakable aroma.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings gentle heat and savory notes that make the sauce pop.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Grating fresh ginger infuses brightness and a hint of spice directly into the sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry (optional): Whisk cornstarch with water for a quick way to thicken your glaze, if you want that extra glossy finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle these on at the end for visual flair and a delicate crunch.
- Sliced green onions (optional): These give a burst of green freshness right before serving.
How to Make Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki
Step 1: Mix Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This is your flavor powerhouse! Mixing the sauce first ensures the ingredients are fully incorporated and ready to work their magic on the salmon.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the pieces, making sure each fillet is nicely coated. Let them marinate for just 15 minutes—the perfect amount of time for the salmon to soak up flavor without getting mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
While the salmon marinates, pour the rest of the teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. For that restaurant-style sticky glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s thick and glossy. This step really sets the Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki apart!
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Take the salmon out of the marinade and place it in the pan, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The outside will develop a deep golden color, while the inside stays tender.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it to plates and spoon that gorgeous teriyaki glaze over each fillet. Finish with a scatter of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few ribbons of fresh green onion instantly transforms your salmon into a restaurant-worthy plate. These garnishes bring both texture and a pop of color—simple, but so effective.
Side Dishes
This salmon is heavenly alongside a mound of steamed jasmine or sushi rice, which soaks up every drop of the savory-sweet glaze. For veggies, think quickly stir-fried bok choy, broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad for contrast. The beauty is that Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki pairs well with just about any light, fresh sides you love.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into an event by serving each fillet over a bed of sesame-scallion rice, or layer thinly sliced avocado alongside the salmon for extra lushness. If you’re feeling playful, try serving the salmon in a bento-style box with sections for rice, pickled veggies, and salad—it’s just as fun as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—this dish actually develops deeper flavors overnight, making the next-day lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled salmon fillets in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil then place inside a zip-top bag. Frozen salmon teriyaki keeps well for up to 2 months. For best texture, it’s wise to freeze the glaze separately if you have extra.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze to help keep it moist. Reheating on low preserves the tender texture and prevents dryness—just heat until warmed through and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully before marinating. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture so the marinade sticks. The results will be just as flavorful and juicy as using fresh fillets.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, your Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki will be completely gluten-free. None of the other ingredients contain gluten.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can. The teriyaki sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just whisk well or gently reheat before using, and save yourself a step on busy nights.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you want a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave will work nicely in place of honey. The flavor will change slightly, but your Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki will still have plenty of that signature sweet-and-salty balance.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Look for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork when pressed at the thickest part. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is the food safety standard, but the fillets will still be moist and tender at that point.
Final Thoughts
If you love a colorful, craveable dinner that’s on the table in a flash, you have to give Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki a try. It’s the perfect mix of classic flavor and effortless prep, all in under 30 minutes. Let this dish brighten up your evening and bring a cheerful burst of umami to your dinner table—the only regret you’ll have is not trying it sooner!
Print
Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick and Easy Salmon Teriyaki recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender salmon fillets are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then pan-seared to perfection. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
Salmon Teriyaki:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry for thickening if desired.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle teriyaki glaze over the cooked salmon, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
