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.