This Easy Teriyaki Salmon recipe is flavorful, tender, and absolutely delicious. The 5-ingredient homemade teriyaki sauce makes this easy meal a family favorite and the whole dish comes together with pan searing in under 45 minutes. Pair it with your favorite side for a healthy and hearty meal the whole family will love.
Remember when I said I would bring more quick and easy dinners? Well, I am true to my word. I know what you need because I need them too, especially on busy weeknights. The reality is as much as we love all the special occasions, most of our meals come during 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 almost always they are inherently healthier than takeout. And taste better too.
So if you haven’t seen these family favorites, check out Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry, Sheet Pan Sausage and Acorn Squash, and Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup.
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 is made with pantry staples, so you can whip this up any night of the week. 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; for maximum health benefits and if budget allows, use wild-caught salmon; it’s best to have 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 as healthier sweeteners
- Garlic - three minced garlic cloves add fantastic flavor; use fresh garlic for best results but garlic powder will work in a pinch
- Corn starch - 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 corn starch.
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 oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Step 4.
Transfer the salmon without the marinade onto the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. Don’t overcook the salmon as it will become dry and rubbery.
Step 5.
Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. It’s important to 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 the sauce thicken.
Step 7.
Brush the reserved marinade on top of the salmon and serve hot.
Variations
Baked salmon is a very versatile dish. Flaky fish paired with your own homemade teriyaki sauce makes for a wonderfully flavorful salmon. However, there are various ways you can jazz up this easy dinner. 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
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Food Safety
Cooking salmon typically takes approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The color will change from translucent to opaque when the salmon has cooked through and should easily flake with a fork.
The best way to check for the doneness of salmon is to use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the fish. The internal temperature of salmon should be 125 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll notice this is lower than FDA recommended because salmon will continue to cook with residual heat. So the temperature will rise even when the salmon has been removed from heat. Cook salmon to a temperature that feels comfortable for you.
Additionally, ensure that you bring the marinade to a boil after removing the raw salmon to avoid food-borne illnesses.
Helpful Tips
This easy teriyaki salmon recipe is pretty simple on its own. But consider these helpful tips for best results:
- Start with dry fish. For the most flavorful fish, always start with patting it dry with paper towel to remove excess liquid. The marinade will adhere better, yielding a better-tasting 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
Leftover teriyaki salmon can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
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 let salmon marinate?
Thirty minutes is the ideal length of time for the salmon to marinate in the teriyaki salmon marinade. You don’t want the fish to sit in the marinade longer than 45 minutes as it will start to break down and get mushy due to the salt and sugars in the marinade.
Do you have to rinse salmon before cooking?
The USDA recommends that you do not rinse seafood before cooking as the bacteria in these raw juices can spread to other foods and surfaces. Furthermore, cooking foods thoroughly will kill any harmful bacteria.
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 as a thickener. 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 make a perfect combination 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.
Easy Teriyaki Salmon Nutrition
It’s no surprise that having a varied diet of different sources of protein is necessary and healthy. Therefore, adding teriyaki salmon to your meal rotation is an easy way to diversify nutrients.
Salmon is an excellent source of healthy fats and protein. It is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals. According to Healthline, wild salmon is higher in protein and lower in calories than farmed salmon. But if farmed is all that’s accessible to you, it’s still considered a nutritious food.
Need More Healthy Dinner Recipes to Try?
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.
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!