Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

Name: Global Flavors Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons sake; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Cultural Kitchen

I absolutely love cooking Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home, and it's become one of my favorite dishes to whip up on special occasions or even as a weeknight treat. The blend of sweet and savory in the teriyaki sauce complements the rich, flaky salmon perfectly. I find that marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes really allows the flavors to penetrate and enhances the overall taste. It's such a simple recipe that elevates a regular dinner to something really special with minimal effort.

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-26T22:07:34.884Z

When I first made Japanese Teriyaki Salmon, I was amazed at how easy it was to create restaurant-quality flavors in my own kitchen. I experimented with various marinades and discovered that a combination of soy sauce, sake, and mirin works wonders for not only tenderness but also flavor. The key tip is to brush the salmon with the marinade while it cooks to caramelize those beautiful flavors onto the fish.

Since then, it has become my go-to recipe for gatherings, and not a single person has left the table without raving about it. Pairing it with steamed rice and fresh vegetables elevates the whole meal, making it feel both comforting and sophisticated. I just can't get enough of this dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich umami flavor from the teriyaki sauce
Easy to prepare, yet feels gourmet
Perfectly flaky salmon that melts in your mouth

Marinade Mastery

The teriyaki marinade is a crucial component of this dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon with its balanced sweetness and umami. Mirin, a sweet rice wine, adds depth to the marinade, while the sake provides a subtle complexity. If you can't find mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of white wine and sugar to mimic its sweetness. When mixing the marinade, be sure to whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved, as undissolved sugar can create graininess in the sauce.

Keeping the marinade simple allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. I recommend using a good-quality soy sauce, as this will deeply influence the flavor profile of your dish. For a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent alternative. Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of ginger and garlic to suit your tastes; these aromatics add a punch of flavor that penetrates the salmon beautifully.

Cooking Technique Tips

When cooking the salmon, it's important to monitor the heat closely. A medium heat setting works well; it allows the salmon to cook evenly without burning the outside. Look for a golden crust to develop on the salmon fillets, which indicates a flavorful sear. If the skillet is smoking or the salmon is cooking too quickly, lower the heat to avoid dryness. I often gently press the fillets with a spatula to encourage even cooking and to ensure that they don’t stick to the pan.

Don't forget about the importance of glazing the salmon at the end of the cooking process. Pouring the reserved marinade over the fish creates a glossy finish and infuses even more flavor into the salmon. Make sure you simmer it until it thickens slightly; a good visual cue is when it coats the back of a spoon. This step not only adds flavor but also creates an appealing presentation when serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to bring a taste of Japan to your table:

For the Teriyaki Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Salmon

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

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious teriyaki meal:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic until the sugar is dissolved.

Marinate the Salmon

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

Cook the Salmon

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil. Once hot, remove the salmon from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and flaky.

Glaze the Salmon

While the salmon cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush the glaze over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.

Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet and drizzle with the glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Now sit back and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an added touch of flavor, try adding a few drops of lime juice to the marinade. This will bring a fresh brightness to the dish!

Serving and Presentation

For a stunning presentation, consider serving the teriyaki salmon on a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. The rice absorbs any extra glaze, making for a delicious pairing. Garnishing the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a pop of color and crunch, enhancing both the visual appeal and texture of the dish. Additionally, a few slices of lime can add an unexpected brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon.

If you’re looking to impress guests, try to arrange the salmon fillets in a staggered formation on the serving platter, brushing each piece with the thickened glaze. This not only looks appealing but also showcases the beautiful caramelization achieved during cooking. Don't forget to serve extra glaze on the side for those who prefer a bit more!

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best aspects of this teriyaki salmon is its versatility for meal prep. You can marinate the salmon fillets up to 4 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply. However, if marinating for longer than this, I recommend moving the fillets to the freezer to prevent them from becoming too salty or mushy. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal doneness.

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook it, which can dry out the fish. Leftover teriyaki salmon can also be flaked into salads, grain bowls, or used in sushi-style rolls for a quick and delicious meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with white fish such as cod or tilapia.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with firm tofu or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian teriyaki dish.

→ How long can I marinate the salmon?

You can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.

→ What side dishes go well with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad would complement the dish beautifully.