This teriyaki salmon is a tasty treat! It features tender salmon filets glazed with a sweet and slightly salty teriyaki sauce, making it famous for its delicious flavor.
I usually serve it over rice with some veggies on the side. It’s a quick meal, and I love how the sauce makes everything taste amazing. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets bring the best taste, but if you’re looking for a different option, try using trout or even chicken thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as other proteins may take longer.
Mirin: If mirin is hard to find, you can substitute with honey mixed with water or a splash of rice vinegar. This will mimic that sweet flavor without compromising the dish.
Sake: Don’t have sake? You can use dry white wine or even balsamic vinegar diluted with a bit of water. This keeps the flavor profile similar without losing the essence of the sauce.
Brown Sugar: You can swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. Both add a lovely sweetness that works well in the sauce, but keep an eye on the amounts as they can be sweeter than sugar.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Getting salmon just right can be tricky. Here’s how you can make sure it’s perfectly cooked and tender:
- Pat the fillets dry to help them develop a nice crust when searing.
- Start cooking skin-side down if you have skin. This helps protect the flesh and makes it juicier.
- Don’t move the salmon around in the pan too much. Let it sear for about 4 minutes before flipping.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the flesh should easily flake with a fork and have a slightly opaque center.
Following these tips will help you achieve salmon that’s cooked perfectly every time!
Savory Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 2 cups broccolini or broccoli florets
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with dry white wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- Toasted white sesame seeds
- Fresh herbs like chopped chives or dill (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious teriyaki salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring to make sure the sugar completely dissolves. If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for an additional minute until bubbling and thickened. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccolini:
In a skillet, drizzle a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the broccolini (or broccoli) and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then set it aside to keep warm.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Use a paper towel to pat the salmon fillets dry, which helps them sear better. Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Cook the Salmon:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan and let them cook without moving for about 4 minutes, which helps develop a lovely sear. After that, flip the fillets carefully, and pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce is glossy and reduced to your liking.
5. Plate the Dish:
To serve, spoon the cooked white rice onto individual plates, placing a salmon fillet on top of each serving. Drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the salmon, and arrange the sautéed broccolini alongside.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and any fresh herbs you like over the salmon for a burst of flavor and color. Serve right away and enjoy this scrumptious teriyaki salmon dish!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for faster thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
How Can I Adjust the Sauce for Different Flavor Profiles?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar or some honey. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Mix it well and taste as you go!
What Should I Serve with Teriyaki Salmon Besides Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, try serving the salmon with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a refreshing salad. Steamed or stir-fried veggies also complement the dish perfectly!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out the salmon. If the sauce has thickened, adding a small splash of water or broth can help bring it back to the right consistency.