Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon mirin; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Traditions

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home! The sweet and savory glaze combined with the rich flavor of the salmon creates a dish that's not only satisfying but also a delight to the senses. Every bite transports me to bustling streets of Japan, and I can't help but smile when serving it to friends or family. The method I use ensures that the salmon remains tender and flaky, while the teriyaki sauce caramelizes beautifully. It's a quick, delicious, and impressive meal perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:43:34.829Z

When I first tried to replicate the Teriyaki Salmon I had at a small restaurant, I discovered that the secret lies in letting the sauce simmer to bring out its depth. I experimented with different soy sauces and even added a hint of ginger to create my unique blend. This breakthrough made all the difference in flavor, elevating my dish to something I could be proud of.

Serving the salmon over a bed of fluffy rice not only serves as a base but also adds an additional texture that complements the dish beautifully. Every time I prepare this meal, I’m reminded of the vibrant flavors of Japan, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that enhances the natural flavors of salmon.
Easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Perfectly cooked salmon that flakes beautifully with every bite.

Perfecting the Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, and getting it right is essential. The balance between the soy sauce's saltiness and the brown sugar's sweetness creates that signature flavor profile. When simmering the sauce, keep an eye on it as it thickens; it should coat the back of a spoon but not become too gloopy. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of water to loosen it.

Incorporating fresh ginger and garlic is vital, as they add a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of rice vinegar and a touch more sugar for sweetness. This adaptation still captures the essence of the dish while accommodating pantry limitations.

Cooking Salmon to Perfection

When cooking salmon, skin-side down in a hot skillet is key for achieving crispy skin. Make sure your skillet is adequately heated—medium-high is usually ideal. If your salmon fillets are sticking to the pan, they likely need more time before flipping. Patience pays off for skin that releases cleanly without tearing.

One helpful tip when cooking fillets is to use a lid for the skillet in the final minutes to retain moisture, allowing the salmon to steam gently. This method helps ensure the fillets cook evenly throughout while maintaining that desirable flakiness. You'll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a vibrant pink color in the center.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Ensure everything is fresh and prepared for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a restaurant-quality dish.

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, and garlic. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and then stir it into the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet and place on serving plates. Drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Teriyaki Salmon!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, let the teriyaki sauce simmer a bit longer to enhance the depth of the taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

While this teriyaki salmon shines on its own, pairing it with steamed rice is a traditional and satisfying choice. The rice absorbs the excess sauce, enhancing the meal experience. For added flavor, consider using jasmine or basmati rice, which have fragrant notes that complement the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Adding a side of sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas can also elevate your meal. The green vegetables not only add a pop of color but also provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender salmon.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a little water or leftover teriyaki sauce to prevent it from drying out. Cover with a lid for a few minutes until heated through, being careful not to overcook it.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon. Place portions in freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above for the best texture and flavor retention.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with trout or even chicken for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce a few days ahead and store it in the fridge.

→ What can I serve with Teriyaki Salmon?

It's great served with plain white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.