This Flavorful Glazed Teriyaki Salmon is a delicious and easy dish that highlights tender, flaky salmon coated with a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze. The glaze has just the right mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey, making the salmon rich in flavor without being too heavy. The salmon cooks quickly and ends up with a lovely caramelized finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.
I love making this teriyaki salmon when I want a healthy meal that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple the glaze is to whisk together, and it really brings out the best in the fish. I usually marinate the salmon for a little while to let the flavors sink in, but even if you’re in a hurry, you can go straight to cooking and still get great results.
To serve, I like pairing the glazed salmon with steamed rice and some crunchy steamed broccoli or snap peas for a nice balance of textures. It makes for a comforting dinner that feels like a treat but is still wholesome. Plus, leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, skinless fillets work best here. If skin-on salmon is all you have, no worries, just cook skin side down first for crispiness. Wild salmon adds richer taste, but farmed is great and more budget-friendly.
Soy Sauce: Choose low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If avoiding soy, coconut aminos make a nice substitute but change the flavor slightly.
Honey and Brown Sugar: These add sweetness and help caramelize the glaze. Maple syrup or agave can replace honey if needed.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a mild tang to balance the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar can work but use less to avoid overpowering.
Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for bright flavor. Ground garlic or ginger powders are okay in a pinch but adjust quantity for intensity.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma; do not substitute with regular oil as it lacks this flavor. Use sparingly, as it’s strong.
How Do I Get a Perfect Sticky Teriyaki Glaze?
The glaze is key to this recipe’s delicious taste and shiny look. Follow these tips for best results:
- Combine all glaze ingredients and bring to a simmer—don’t boil vigorously or it may burn.
- Let the sauce cook gently for at least 5 minutes to let flavors blend and sugars thicken.
- If you want a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with cold water first, then add it slowly to the simmering sauce while stirring.
- Watch closely—once the sauce thickens, remove from heat to avoid it becoming too thick or sticky.
- When glazing salmon, pour the sauce over gently and spoon it back onto the fish as it cooks to build up that beautiful sticky coating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for searing salmon evenly without sticking.
- Small saucepan – you’ll simmer and thicken the teriyaki glaze here.
- Whisk – makes mixing the glaze ingredients smooth and easy.
- Spatula or fish turner – helps flip salmon gently without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for simple, accurate ingredient portions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for firm white fish like cod or halibut if you want a milder taste and lighter dish.
- Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the glaze for a fruity twist that brightens the flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to spice up the glaze if you like some heat.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra fresh and crunchy touch.
How to Make Flavorful Glazed Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon and Glaze:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooking oil for searing (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh thyme or chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the glaze and cook the salmon, plus a few minutes for prepping ingredients. Cooking the salmon takes around 7-8 minutes. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sliced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
2. Simmer and Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to reduce slightly. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water, and cook for another minute until the sauce turns syrupy. Remove the glaze from heat and set it aside.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little cooking oil to the pan. When hot, place the salmon fillets carefully in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until it’s nicely browned.
4. Glaze the Salmon:
Flip the salmon fillets and pour the teriyaki glaze over them. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it cooks, until the fish is cooked through and evenly coated with a sticky, flavorful glaze.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan on top. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh thyme or chopped green onions for a fresh, finishing touch.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your teriyaki salmon with steamed white rice and your favorite green vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas for a well-rounded and tasty meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect searing and glaze adherence.
How Can I Make the Teriyaki Glaze Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for an extra minute until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Can I Substitute Honey in the Glaze?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as natural alternatives, offering a similar sweetness and helping the glaze caramelize nicely.
How Should I Reheat Leftover Glazed Salmon?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the fish. You can add a splash of water or extra glaze to keep it moist during reheating.
