Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 salmon fillets; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Sesame seeds for garnish; Green onions, sliced for garnish

Highlighted under: Culinary World Tour

I absolutely love cooking Japanese teriyaki salmon, and this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. The rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce combined with the tender salmon fillet create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying. I've spent years perfecting this recipe to balance sweet and savory, and now I can't imagine preparing salmon any other way. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this teriyaki salmon never fails to impress. Trust me, once you give it a try, it'll quickly become one of your favorites too!

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:23:34.525Z

When I first tasted teriyaki salmon at a local Japanese restaurant, I was hooked. The sweet glaze paired perfectly with the tender fish, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. I experimented with various ingredients until I discovered the perfect combination: soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of ginger. These flavors meld beautifully to create a sauce that's not too overpowering but enhances the natural taste of the salmon.

One of the keys to this recipe is marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses the fish with flavor but also ensures it retains moisture while cooking. I typically serve it with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables, which complement the dish perfectly. Enjoying this meal brings me back to my first culinary exploration, reminding me why I love cooking!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Incredibly flavorful teriyaki glaze
Tender salmon with a delightful char
Quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknights

Mastering the Teriyaki Marinade

The teriyaki marinade is the heart of this dish, bringing together umami from the soy sauce and sweetness from the mirin and brown sugar. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: mirin not only adds sweetness but also depth, while grated ginger and minced garlic contribute aromatic complexity. When mixing your marinade, ensure that the brown sugar dissolves completely to prevent gritty texture. A whisk is ideal for this task, making it easier to achieve a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon.

If you're looking to customize the flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for tang or a teaspoon of honey for more sweetness. For a spicier kick, a few drops of sriracha can work wonders. Just remember to balance your adjustments to maintain that essential sweet-savory dynamic that defines traditional teriyaki. Experimenting with these variations can elevate your dish while keeping the core flavors intact.

Perfecting Salmon Cook Time

When cooking the salmon, it's essential to monitor the heat carefully. A medium heat setting allows for even cooking and helps achieve that desirable char while preventing overcooking. If your salmon fillets are thick (around 1 inch or more), you might need to increase the cooking time slightly. Aim for about 5-7 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them; you're looking for a golden-orange color and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

If your salmon fillets come with the skin on, always start cooking with the skin side down. This helps protect the delicate flesh from direct contact with the hot skillet and results in crispy skin. If you’re not a fan of fish skin, you can always remove it before cooking, but do leave some on during cooking for added moisture and flavor; just be sure to sear that side well to maintain a juicy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your teriyaki salmon!

For the Teriyaki Marinade

¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
Green onions, sliced for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked teriyaki salmon.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and season with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon skin-side down for about 5 minutes.

Add the Marinade

Flip the salmon and pour the reserved marinade over the top. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious teriyaki salmon!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill the salmon instead of pan-searing it. This adds a smoky touch that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

To create a well-rounded meal, serve the teriyaki salmon over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. This not only soaked up the teriyaki sauce beautifully but also complements the dish's rich flavors. Consider adding stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, bell peppers, or snow peas to enhance the meal with a splash of color and crunch. You can also sprinkle a bit of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added texture and visual appeal.

For a refreshing twist, you might consider adding a simple cucumber salad on the side. Just slice cucumbers thinly, sprinkle with salt, vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil for an easy, vibrant addition that balances the richness of the salmon.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, marinating the salmon in advance can enhance the flavors. Marinade can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the salmon just a few hours before cooking to prevent it from becoming too salty or mushy from the marinade. Alternatively, cooked salmon stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just reheat gently to retain moisture.

For longer storage, cooked salmon can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently in a skillet, drizzled with a bit of fresh teriyaki sauce to freshen the flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, halibut or trout works well and will absorb the marinade nicely.

→ How long can I marinate the salmon?

You can marinate for up to 2 hours for an even richer flavor, but avoid exceeding this time to prevent the fish from becoming overly salty.

→ Is there a substitute for mirin?

If you don't have mirin, you can use a mixture of rice vinegar and a bit of sugar as a substitute.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.