This Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon marinates in a 5-ingredient homemade sauce, bakes at 400°F, and gets brushed with the leftover marinade boiled down into a sticky glaze.
The edges caramelize in the oven and the inside stays tender and flaky.
I'd rather make this than order takeout. The sauce takes 5 minutes to mix, and you probably have everything for it in your pantry already.
Tamari brings the salty, savory side, and brown sugar balances it. The cornstarch goes right into the marinade, so the sauce thickens quickly once it hits the stove.
Remember when I said I would bring more quick and easy dinners? Well, I kept my word. I know what you need because I need them too, especially on busy weeknights. The reality is, as much as we love special occasions, most of our meals happen on ordinary days when we are often pressed for time.
That's why I love easy dinners that are quick to whip up. One of the great benefits of making food at home is that it's almost always healthier than takeout. And it tastes better too.
So if you haven't seen these family favorites, check out this Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry, Miso Salmon, Greek Salmon, or Bang Bang Salmon Bites.
And now we can add this Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe to our collection of easy dinners. Light and flaky salmon covered in a sweet, salty sauce - this seafood meal will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.
The teriyaki sauce uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up any night. Gently simmer it on the stovetop to create a luxuriously sweet sauce that pairs well with oven-baked salmon.
Baked teriyaki salmon is easy to prepare, deliciously tender, and a gluten-free meal that the whole family will love.
Easy Teriyaki Salmon Ingredients
This delicious teriyaki salmon recipe comes together with six simple ingredients. The easy teriyaki marinade contains ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. All you need is some wild salmon fillets, and you can get dinner on the table in under 45 minutes - just enough time to cook a pot of white or brown rice and a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Salmon - salmon fillets with the skin are best. Use wild-caught if your budget allows for the best flavor. Use evenly sized salmon fillets for even cooking.
- Tamari - this is another term for gluten free soy sauce, and it's essential that you use tamari if you want this dish to be gluten free
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar - you can also use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey
- Garlic - three minced garlic cloves add fantastic flavor; use fresh garlic for best results, but garlic powder will work in a pinch
- Cornstarch - this is used to thicken the sauce as you boil it on the stove; you can make a cornstarch slurry or add it directly to the marinade in the saucepan
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon
This easy salmon dish comes together quickly with a small saucepan and a baking dish. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.
Step 1.
In a small bowl, whisk tamari, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cornstarch.
Step 2.
Add salmon fillets to a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat the fish well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 3.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Spray a baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray. My favorite cooking sprays are made with avocado, coconut, or olive oil.
Step 4.
Transfer the salmon to the prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork. Start checking at 15 minutes. Overcooked salmon turns dry and rubbery.
Step 5.
Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil before eating, since it was used on raw salmon.
Step 6.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened. The combination of heat, brown sugar, and cornstarch will help thicken the sauce.
Step 7.
Brush the reserved marinade over the salmon and serve hot.
Make it Gluten Free
This recipe is naturally gluten free as written. Tamari is what makes it work, since regular soy sauce is brewed with wheat. Still check the label on your tamari. Most brands are gluten free, but a few contain a small amount of wheat, so look for "gluten free" on the bottle.
Variations
Baked salmon is a very versatile dish. Flaky fish paired with homemade teriyaki sauce makes for wonderfully flavorful salmon. However, you can jazz up this easy dinner in several ways. Check out these ideas:
- Add heat: double the garlic and add red pepper flakes for some extra kick
- Fresh ginger: freshly grated ginger and tamari make a great pair and add amazing Asian flavors
- Add acid: to cut some of that umami-flavored tamari sauce, consider adding a splash of lime or lemon juice
- Finish well: don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a lovely finishing touch
Food Safety
Salmon is done when it turns from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The most reliable check is an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet. The USDA recommends 145°F. Salmon keeps cooking a little after it comes out of the oven, so pull it as soon as it's done.
Bring the marinade to a full boil before you brush it on. It touched raw fish, and boiling it makes it safe to eat.
Helpful Tips
This easy teriyaki salmon recipe is pretty simple. But consider these helpful tips for best results:
- Start with dry fish. For the most flavorful fish, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. The marinade will adhere better, yielding tastier salmon overall.
- Don't overcook salmon. For thinner salmon fillets, start checking them at the 8-minute mark and look for an opaque salmon color.
- Easy clean-up. Add hot water to the saucepan while it's still warm to remove the crystallized sugar and cornstarch.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold over a bed of greens for an easy lunch salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Thirty minutes is the ideal time to marinate the salmon in the teriyaki salmon marinade. Don't leave the fish in the marinade longer than 45 minutes, as it will start to break down and get mushy from the salt and sugars in the marinade.
What is teriyaki sauce made of?
Teriyaki sauce is a wonderful Japanese sauce with bold flavors. It usually contains soy sauce, mirin, sweetener, and aromatics like garlic, ginger, and pepper. Cornstarch is often added to thicken it. Teriyaki sauce is a great way to elevate any protein like salmon, chicken, or pork.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon teriyaki is a great recipe when you are short on time but need a flavorful, quick, and healthy dinner on the table fast.
All you need is a side of rice and roasted vegetables. Bok choy or green beans pair perfectly with this juicy salmon. Or this Spring Green Salad with Asparagus would also pair well.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a lovely finish, and you have a well-balanced, complete meal in under 45 minutes.
Need More Healthy Dinner Recipes to Try?
Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of salmon
- ¼ cup tamari or soy if not gluten free
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Instructions
- Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Place salmon in a bowl and pour marinade over. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Place salmon on pan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. (It helps to have equal sized salmon pieces.)
- Put all the marinade in a small pot and bring to a full boil. You must bring it to a boil before eating it since it was used on raw salmon.
- Turn to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Brush on cooked salmon and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
Karen Kelly
Karen Kelly is a nationally syndicated food and travel writer, founder of Seasonal Cravings, and co-founder of The Roam Report. She develops approachable seasonal recipes and covers travel and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in numerous media outlets, including Yahoo, Taste of Home, Apple News, NBC, FOX, and other national and regional publications.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Sounds like y'all had a fun weekend Karen! Now we're off and running into another week! Before we know it, it will be Halloween! (One of my favorite holidays). I love this easy Teriyake salmon. So flavorful and perfect for the busy weeks ahead. Enjoy your week. XO
Karen Kelly says
You have a great week too and enjoy that sweet son of yours!
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is says
Love the social media Halloween costume idea, so cute - and sounds like you are getting into the Halloween spirit! I need to hop on that ASAP! Salmon is my absolute favorite -- so I am alllllll about this easy and delicious dinner idea. So perfect for a busy night (aka every night, right?).
Karen Kelly says
Yes, you'd better pick out your Halloween costume soon! Have a great week!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
OMG, Social media is probably the best costume idea I've heard yet!! Love it! Speaking of love, this salmon!! YUM! I love teriyaki and salmon, so this needs to happen in my house pronto! That glaze looks like perfection!! Cheers, friend!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks so much Cheyanne!
Sarah Scherer says
My whole family loved this (well 5 out of 6)! Thanks for the recipe. The cornstarch in the marinade is a cool trick and the texture of the glaze as it came out of the oven was perfect. I sautéed up some veggies leftover from a veggie party platter from the weekend and served with roasted potatoes. Yum! Thanks!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Sarah! I always love hearing your reviews!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Oh cute! Social media! What a neat idea! And a Halloween trail for your son? I wouldn't be going either! That would totally freak me out, right along with those haunted houses they do for Halloween. That's ok, I'll stay outside 😉 No, wait, I'll stay inside and eat this teriyaki salmon! Love salmon and especially quick and easy recipes like this which are perfect for weeknight dinners. Yum! Pinned 🙂 Have a lovely week!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Dawn. I'll be staying inside with ya!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
That sauce looks absolutely luscious! Love teriyaki salmon. Will be trying this one soon 🙂
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Jennifer!
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says
loving that sauce and those photos! this is going into the rotation stat. my boys love their salmon and i know they will love this. weeknight perfection!
Karen Kelly says
Hope your boys gobble it up! Thanks Cathy!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
This salmon looks crazy good Karen!! Love it! And that is so cute that your daughter is going as snapchat. that is such a fun group costume idea!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Karen!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Wow! That glaze makes the salmon almost too pretty to eat...almost! My family will love this recipe!! Beautiful photos - I feel like I could plant my fork right into a piece!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Annie!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Oh yum! I love that you made the teriyaki sauce from scratch in this. Looks amazing!
Karen Kelly says
Thanks Phi! xo
Melanie says
I thought the FODMAP DIET did not include garlic?
Karen Kelly says
Hi Melanie, I am not that familiar with the fodmap diet and it's not labeled FODMAP friendly.
HERBERT GODINEZ says
Amazing recipe! thanks for sharing Karen.
Althea Lingo says
Hi Karen, Thank you for the recipe; I'm trying it tomorrow. I wanted to make it with chicken for my daughter, but wasn't sure how long to bake it.
Karen Kelly says
Hi Althea, I haven't tried this with chicken. If you are using boneless chicken breasts, I would think around 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees. Or you could saute the chicken breasts in a skillet then top it with the teriyaki sauce. Hope that helps.
Laurie A Harroll says
This recipe really works! The addition of the cornstarch in the marinade is a great idea. The resulting sauce is nice and glossy .
I added a little freshly grated ginger in the marinade. I served it on basmati rice and topped with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Karen Kelly says
So glad you enjoyed it!
jennifer says
I love that the sauce is made with pantry staples - it's my new go to for fish night! THanks
Liz says
This salmon was so good! My husband asked me to add it to the regular rotation! Thanks for the recipe
Traci says
This is one of my favorites! So delicious and wonderful flavor! I used gluten free soy sauce and it worked perfect!
Addison says
This teriyaki salmon was filled with so much flavor! Loved how healthy and easy it was too.
Sharina says
Our dinner last night was fun because of this flavorful and delicious baked teriyaki salmon. I just added a little bit of red pepper for some kick and it was a hit! Another addition for our dinner rotation.
Jamie says
Oh my, another salmon dish that everybody will gonna love! It looks amazingly delicious and very yummy! An instant favorite for me as I'm a Salmon lover! I'll definitely make this at home!
Amy Liu Dong says
I love salmon so much and your recipe looks really good and tasty!
I can't really wait to make this at home for everyone!
MaggieR says
Karen, you've done a marvelous job with the Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe! It's rare to find such a delicious yet healthy option. The nutritional breakdown was particularly helpful for planning my meals. Thank you!
FitFoodie101 says
totally agree with you! i'm always on the lookout for recipes like this, makes staying healthy not feel like a chore.
CookingNovice22 says
I tried this recipe last night, and it turned out great. Do you have any suggestions for side dishes that would complement this salmon?
AJ says
made the teriyaki salmon last night and added a twist with some pineapple slices on top. blew everyone away! thanks for the base recipe, really inspired me to play around more in the kitchen.
Karen Kelly says
Pineapple is a great idea!
grillmaster92 says
I'm curious if anyone has tried this recipe on the grill instead of baking. Looking for tips to get that perfect char without drying out the salmon.
TaraT says
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It's quick, nutritious, and my kids absolutely love it! I appreciate the food safety tips
Karen Kelly says
Awesome!
Jenn says
Absolutely loved the variation section! I added a bit of ginger to the teriyaki sauce, and it was great.
Karen Kelly says
Glad you like it!
Curious_K says
has anyone tried making this with a different type of fish? salmon's great but looking for cheaper options. any recommendations would be appreciated!
Karen Kelly says
Sorry I have not tried it with any other fish.l
FlavorSeeker35 says
Love how easy and adaptable this teriyaki sauce recipe is! I experimented by adding a little smoked paprika and it added such a nice depth of flavor. Great recipe for anyone looking to mix things up.
Karen Kelly says
Thanks those sound like great additions!