If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any weeknight or special occasion, look no further than this delightful Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels both luxurious and comforting, with tender salmon fillets bathed in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. Each bite offers a wonderful harmony of ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey that makes your taste buds sing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the rich umami of soy sauce to the natural sweetness of honey, creating a sauce that perfectly complements the flaky, tender salmon.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, thick fillets provide a luscious texture and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Soy sauce: A classic umami base that gives the marinade its depth and saltiness.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness balancing the savory notes and helps with glazing.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle tang that lifts the flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty aroma and richness that’s signature to teriyaki.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a punchy, aromatic boost.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for its zesty warmth and slight spice.
- Brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and rounds out the marinade’s sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth consistency.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced, they bring a gentle sharpness and pop of color.
How to Make Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the salmon to cook evenly while melting the sugars in the glaze just right. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil is a game-changer for easy cleanup and prevents sticking, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon Fillets
Place your salmon on the baking sheet skin-side down. This positioning helps the fish retain moisture and flavors during baking, ensuring everything stays juicy and tender.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk them well until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This blend is the heart of your Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, setting up that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Step 4: Add Water and Ensure Smooth Sauce
Pour in the water and whisk again to fully dissolve the cornstarch. Without lumps, this slurry will thicken beautifully once heated and create a silky glaze to coat the salmon.
Step 5: Marinate Your Salmon
Pour the teriyaki mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let the fish soak up this marinade for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest is crucial as it intensifies the flavor punch when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish easily flakes under gentle pressure but remains moist; this is the magic of perfectly baked salmon with a luscious teriyaki coat.
Step 7: Thicken the Remaining Sauce
While the salmon bakes, transfer the leftover marinade to a small saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This step thickens the sauce, turning it into a glossy, sticky glaze that you’ll drizzle over the cooked salmon for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly and scatter fresh green onions for that classic teriyaki look and a touch of freshness.
How to Serve Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only add texture and vibrant color but also enhance every bite with subtle nuttiness and brightness. You might also consider a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime for a zingy twist.
Side Dishes
This Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe shines alongside steamed jasmine or sushi rice, which perfectly soaks up the extra sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli make a crisp, fresh contrast that balances the richness of the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa or mixed greens tossed in a light sesame dressing. Alternatively, place it atop ramen noodles with broth and fresh herbs for an elevated, comforting bowl meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked teriyaki salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon, but to preserve its texture, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Consume within one month for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently by warming the salmon in a low oven or microwave at reduced power to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce helps restore moisture and keeps the salmon tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely beforehand for even cooking and best absorption of the teriyaki marinade.
Is it necessary to marinate the salmon before baking?
While you can bake it without marinating, letting the salmon sit in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes significantly enhances the flavor and helps the glaze penetrate the fish.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk it again before using, and add cornstarch slurry fresh when baking for best thickening results.
How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Keep an eye on the baking time and temperature; 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes is ideal. Also, baking with skin-side down locks in moisture, keeping the fish tender.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if needed?
If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos make great alternatives that maintain the savory depth in this Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe that keeps it on repeat in my kitchen. It’s approachable, flavorful, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings bright, bold flavors to your table effortlessly.
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Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe offers a deliciously flavorful and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Salmon fillets are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, then baked to a tender, flaky perfection. The sauce is also simmered separately to thicken, then drizzled over the cooked salmon and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, creating a savory-sweet glaze that complements the rich fish beautifully.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier after cooking.
- Place Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Dissolve Cornstarch: Add the water to the mixture and whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth sauce.
- Coat Salmon: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets, coating them evenly to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Marinate: Let the salmon marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the sauce time to infuse the fish.
- Bake Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare Sauce: While the salmon bakes, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan for further cooking.
- Simmer Sauce: Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Set Aside Sauce: Remove the thickened sauce from heat and keep it aside until the salmon is ready.
- Glaze Salmon: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over each fillet for added flavor and moisture.
- Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Evenly sprinkle sesame seeds over the salmon to add a nutty crunch.
- Garnish: Finish with sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki salmon hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon enhances the flavor but avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes to prevent the acid from altering the texture.
- Using parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet makes cleanup faster and prevents sticking.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce by altering the honey or soy sauce quantities to your preference.
- Ensure the salmon is baked until it easily flakes with a fork to avoid undercooking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
