Introduction

The Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together the flavors of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and rich salmon. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a tangy and slightly smoky flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a special dinner, this recipe is a great choice. The salmon is baked to perfection, tender and flaky on the inside with a beautifully glazed exterior that makes every bite a delightful experience.

Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and overall health. When combined with a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish becomes a flavorful powerhouse that is both nutritious and satisfying. What’s even better is that it’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a short time in the oven.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this Baked Teriyaki Salmon, from preparing the marinade to baking the salmon and serving it with complementary side dishes. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will make you feel like a pro.

Why You’ll Love Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Flavorful and Savory: The combination of the sweet and salty teriyaki marinade and tender salmon creates a taste that is irresistible and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, as it requires minimal prep time and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and the homemade teriyaki sauce is free from artificial additives or excess sugar.
Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Impressive Presentation: The caramelized glaze and vibrant salmon make this dish perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 2-4 servings (adjustable)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and optional add-ins.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 300-400 kcal
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Protein: 25-30g

Ingredients

Salmon: 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt: ¼ teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Honey: 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a different twist)
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a mild tang)
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
Water: 1 tablespoon (for the cornstarch slurry, if used)
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green Onions: 1 tablespoon sliced green onions (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

Chili Flakes: A pinch for added heat
Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice for a citrusy kick
Edamame: Add edamame for a pop of color and extra protein

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the honey to dissolve into the soy sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by dissolving 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this into the sauce and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. This will be your teriyaki marinade and glaze.

2. Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Brush the fillets with the cooled teriyaki marinade, making sure to coat the top of each fillet evenly. You can also reserve a small portion of the marinade to brush onto the salmon during the baking process for extra flavor.

3. Bake the Salmon

Place the baking sheet with the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so it’s best to check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
For a slightly caramelized top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on the salmon to ensure it doesn’t burn.

4. Glaze the Salmon

Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce. This adds extra shine and flavor to the salmon.
Optionally, you can garnish the salmon with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch.

5. Serve the Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Serve the Baked Teriyaki Salmon with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the rice or vegetables to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality salmon. If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking it can lead to a dry texture. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s ready.
Customize the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the teriyaki marinade to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of rice vinegar.
Make the Sauce in Advance: You can prepare the teriyaki marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is a great time-saver for busy nights when you want to make the dish even quicker.
Broil for Extra Crispness: If you like a crispy, caramelized finish, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning the sauce.
Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the salmon with light and fresh sides such as a cucumber salad, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli to complement the rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce.

Variations of Baked Teriyaki Salmon

While the classic teriyaki salmon is delicious as it is, there are several ways you can modify the recipe to suit your preferences:

Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki marinade. You can also drizzle some chili oil on the salmon before serving for an extra kick.
Miso Teriyaki Salmon: Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the marinade for a deeper umami flavor. Miso enhances the richness of the teriyaki sauce and pairs beautifully with the salmon.
Lime and Cilantro Teriyaki Salmon: For a citrusy twist, add fresh lime juice to the marinade and top the finished salmon with chopped cilantro. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon: Add some pineapple chunks to the marinade or place them on the salmon during baking. The pineapple’s sweetness pairs well with the savory teriyaki glaze, and it adds a tropical flair to the dish.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Baked Teriyaki Salmon

The richness and sweetness of Baked Teriyaki Salmon pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement the meal:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The soft, fluffy texture of jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the extra teriyaki sauce, making it an ideal side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes add a hearty yet healthy contrast to the flavorful salmon.
Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great balance to the savory teriyaki salmon.
Sautéed Spinach: Spinach cooked with garlic and olive oil adds a burst of color and freshness to your plate.
Edamame: Steamed edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt makes for a simple, protein-packed side that complements the Asian flavors of the salmon.

Conclusion

Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a wonderfully flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of tender salmon and a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze makes this dish both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, special occasion, or weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home in just under 30 minutes. Don’t forget to customize the marinade and try out different variations to suit your taste. With its rich flavor, easy preparation, and heart-healthy benefits, Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Preparation and Cooking Time