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: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Studio

I absolutely love making Japanese Teriyaki Salmon at home! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress both my family and friends. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce beautifully complements the rich, buttery flavor of the salmon. I enjoy the simplicity of this recipe, which allows the fish to shine while still being packed with flavor. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when I want to impress without a lot of fuss.

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:59:34.926Z

When I first tried making teriyaki sauce from scratch, I was amazed at how simple and delicious it could be. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar creates a rich glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering it. I often play around with the proportions, adding a bit of ginger for warmth or garlic for depth. It took me a few tries to perfect my approach, but now it feels second nature.

One tip I can share is to marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step makes a world of difference, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Also, broiling the salmon for the last couple of minutes gives it a nice caramelization, taking the dish to the next level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to weeknight meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory glaze with a homemade touch
Perfectly flaky salmon that melts in your mouth
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknights
Versatile dish that pairs well with rice or vegetables

Mastering the Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, and mastering it can elevate your salmon to new heights. When combining the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic, ensure that the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the salmon. Simmering for 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld; keep an eye on it to avoid any burning or excessive reduction. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Mirin plays a crucial role in this sauce by adding sweetness and depth. If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine or sake combined with an equal part of sugar. Just remember that this substitution may change the depth of flavor slightly. I recommend tasting the sauce before marinating the salmon, as adjusting the sweetness or saltiness at this stage is easier than later on.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Salmon

When broiling the salmon, preheating your oven broiler to high is key. This method cooks the fish quickly while providing that delicious caramelization on the top. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source for optimal results. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes of cooking; as soon as the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a lightly charred, golden appearance on the surface, it’s perfect. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture, so err on the side of caution.

It's also essential to discard the used marinade before broiling. If you're concerned about salmon sticking to the foil, lightly oil the foil or use parchment paper as an alternative. If more glaze is desired after cooking, feel free to brush the salmon with additional teriyaki sauce right as it comes out of the oven for that extra flavor boost.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving teriyaki salmon is an opportunity to be creative. While it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, consider adding a side of pickled cucumbers or a fresh salad with a ginger dressing to balance out the richness of the fish. Serving the salmon with extra teriyaki sauce on the side allows guests to customize their flavor experience, making it even more special at the table.

If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a low oven temperature (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes to warm without overcooking. For meal prep, you can marinate the salmon a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to broil. Just make sure it doesn't exceed 24 hours in marinade to prevent an overly salty flavor.

Ingredients

Teriyaki Sauce

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

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Preheat your oven broiler to high. Remove the salmon from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the top with a little extra teriyaki sauce if desired. Broil for about 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the salmon before serving. Drizzle with more teriyaki sauce if desired, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of sake to the marinade. Also, serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.

Variations to Try

This teriyaki salmon recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can easily adapt it to include different flavors by adding ingredients like sesame oil or finely chopped scallions to the teriyaki sauce. For a spicy kick, mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes. Additionally, feel free to use other fish like trout or mackerel if salmon isn’t available. The cooking time might need slight adjustments based on the thickness of the fillets.

For a deeper flavor profile, consider marinating the salmon overnight, which allows the teriyaki sauce to penetrate the fish more. Similarly, adding a splash of citrus juice, like orange or lemon, to the marinade can brighten the dish and compliment the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that your salmon doesn’t reach the desired flakiness after broiling, it may need a little longer in the oven. Remember that factors like the thickness of the filet and how fully preheated your broiler is can affect cooking times. If your salmon is drying out, try lowering the heat or covering it loosely with foil during cooking, which helps create steam.

Overly salty teriyaki sauce can be a disappointment. If you accidentally over-salted the sauce, balance it out with a bit more sugar or a dash of water to dilute the flavors. For future batches, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to give you more control over the saltiness while maintaining the essential umami flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like trout or tuna.

→ How long can I store the teriyaki sauce?

Homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

While it's best fresh, you can marinate the salmon ahead of time and cook it just before serving.