Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: International Plates

When I first tried making teriyaki salmon at home, I was amazed at how easy it was to replicate those rich, savory flavors we love from sushi bars. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sweetness transforms the salmon into an irresistible dish. I love serving it over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. It's become a family favorite and a go-to weeknight meal that never fails to impress!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:13:34.710Z

During my culinary adventures, I discovered that the secret to perfect teriyaki salmon lies in balancing sweetness with saltiness while allowing the fish to shine. I always recommend using fresh salmon for its buttery texture, which contrasts wonderfully with the sticky glaze. Experimenting with this recipe has turned weeknight dinners into delightful culinary experiences filled with flavor.

The first time I nailed it, I was amazed at how five simple ingredients could create something so delicious. A tip I learned is to marinate the salmon for at least 10 minutes for deeper flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for that extra touch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory and sweet teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the salmon
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Can be easily paired with rice or steamed vegetables

Understanding the Marinade

The marinade for teriyaki salmon plays a pivotal role in both flavor and texture. The soy sauce provides the umami depth, while mirin introduces a subtle sweetness and slight acidity, balancing the richness of the fish. The addition of brown sugar enhances this sweetness further and helps create that signature glossy finish when cooked. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar to maintain the flavors without the excess salt.

Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics in this marinade that elevate the overall taste profile. Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor, while grated ginger lends a warm, spicy note that complements the salmon beautifully. For those who prefer a more mild flavor, using garlic powder and ground ginger can work in a pinch, although fresh ingredients are recommended for the best results.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Salmon

When cooking the salmon, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Start with a medium heat on your skillet—too hot can cause the outside to burn while the inside remains undercooked. Look for the salmon to turn opaque from the edges toward the center, which takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Basting the fillets with the marinade during cooking not only infuses flavor but also promotes caramelization, giving you those beautifully golden edges that contrast with the tender flesh.

If you find that your salmon is sticking to the pan, ensure it's adequately non-stick and consider using a bit more sesame oil. If you're using skin-on fillets, cook with the skin side down first, as it acts as a barrier between the pan's heat and the delicate flesh. If you prefer to grill your salmon, ensure your grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking, and cook over medium heat until the salmon easily releases from the grill grates.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious teriyaki salmon:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your teriyaki salmon:

Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar has dissolved.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with additional marinade.

Serve

Once cooked through, remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice.

Enjoy your homemade teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of sake to the marinade. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the marinade in the pan after removing the salmon for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serving teriyaki salmon over a bed of steamed rice is a classic choice that allows the delicious sauce to soak in. For a nutrition boost, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or edamame, which can balance the meal with color and crunch. You can also drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the vegetables to complete the dish beautifully.

To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing with additional green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. Not only does this add visual appeal, but it also enhances the dish's flavor through the added crunch and freshness of the garnishes.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best aspects of teriyaki salmon is that it marinates exceptionally well. For added convenience, marinate the salmon fillets the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will intensify the flavors even more, prepping a quick dinner option for busier nights. Just remember to bring the fish back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking throughout.

If you plan to make extra, teriyaki salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just ensure it's kept in an airtight container to lock in freshness. Reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat to avoid drying out the fish, and consider adding a splash of water or extra marinade to keep it moist while reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

→ What can I substitute for mirin?

You can use a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar as a substitute for mirin.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the marinade up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.