Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple yet packed with vibrant flavors. The homemade teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a deliciously sticky coating. It pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced, healthy meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Salmon fillets
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Soy sauce
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Brown sugar or honey
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Garlic (minced)
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Fresh ginger (grated)
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Rice vinegar
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Sesame oil
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Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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Green onions (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add to the sauce to thicken. Cook until sauce reaches desired consistency. Remove from heat.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Brush salmon generously with teriyaki sauce.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
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During baking, baste salmon once or twice with more sauce for extra glaze.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
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Grill salmon instead of baking for smoky notes.
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Add pineapple juice or orange zest to the sauce for a fruity twist.
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Serve with steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, taking care not to overcook.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, it’s a convenient shortcut.
How do I prevent salmon from drying out?
Don’t overcook; check for doneness at 12 minutes.
Can I make this recipe on the stove?
Yes, cook salmon in a skillet, basting with sauce until cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftover salmon?
Yes, but texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Can I use other fish?
Yes, cod, halibut, or trout work well with teriyaki glaze.
How thick should the sauce be?
Syrupy enough to coat the salmon without being too runny.
Can I add spice?
Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey works well as a natural sweetener.
What sides pair well?
Steamed rice, vegetables, or Asian slaw.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Salmon is a delicious and easy dish that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion, this recipe delivers tender salmon glazed with rich teriyaki sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Teriyaki Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Salmon features tender salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar or honey. This easy recipe delivers a sticky, caramelized finish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, pairing wonderfully with rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets
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½ cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
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¼ cup brown sugar or honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
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Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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If using, add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens to desired consistency. Remove from heat.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush generously with teriyaki sauce.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Baste salmon once or twice with additional sauce during baking for extra glaze.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Marinate salmon in sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking for deeper flavor.Grill salmon for a smoky variation.Add pineapple juice or orange zest to the sauce for a fruity twist.Serve with steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently.