If you’re craving a dinner that feels both luxurious and comforting, this Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With its perfectly glazed, tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, each bite bursts with flavor that feels restaurant-worthy but made right in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that’s truly simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, offering a rich combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients—just a handful of kitchen staples that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role, from adding depth and sweetness to giving your salmon a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
- Salmon filet (2.5 lbs, skin-on preferred): The star of the dish, skin-on for moisture and crispiness.
- Fresh ginger (2 tsp, minced or grated): Adds a zesty warmth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Brings that signature nutty aroma and richness.
- Teriyaki sauce (3 tbsp): Creates that classic, glossy flavor coating your salmon like a dream.
- Hoisin sauce (3 tbsp): Adds an extra layer of sweet complexity and depth.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Balances with caramel notes that elevate the glaze.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp): The salty backbone of the sauce; Kikkoman or your favorite brand works great.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Brings savory punch and aromatic delight to every bite.
- White vinegar (1 tbsp): A subtle tang to brighten the rich flavors.
- Green onion (sliced, optional): For a fresh, crisp contrast in texture and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds (white or black, optional): Give it an irresistible finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, light brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and white vinegar in a medium bowl. This blend of sweet, salty, and tangy ingredients will become the flavorful marinade that transforms your salmon. Mixing these upfront helps all those vibrant tastes marry beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon fillet, skin side down, into a shallow dish or a zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over the fish. Make sure every inch is coated generously. Cover or seal and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. This step is essential to allow the flavors to seep deeply into the fish, enhancing its natural richness.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange a wire rack on top if you like your salmon crispier on the bottom, or place the salmon directly on the lined sheet if you prefer it tender and moist all around.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting the excess drip off gently. Place it on the baking surface skin side down. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout but still tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as the marinade sugars can caramelize quickly.
Step 5: Glaze and Broil (Optional)
For that irresistible glossy finish, spoon some reserved marinade over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of baking, then switch your oven to broil. Watch closely as the sauce caramelizes and bubbles, giving a beautiful, sticky-teriyaki coat. This step adds that extra wow factor that makes this salmon truly special.
How to Serve Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can turn your Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe from lovely to unforgettable. Sprinkle sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and visual appeal. A few thin slices of fresh red chili or a squeeze of lime can provide a little zing for those who love a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that soak up the delicious sauce. Think steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a simple base, alongside sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or roasted vegetables to keep things vibrant and nutritious. A crisp Asian-style cucumber salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast that complements the rich fish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by plating the salmon atop a bed of fluffy rice and drizzling extra teriyaki sauce over the dish. You could also serve it in bentos with pickled ginger and seaweed salad for an authentic feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, flake the salmon and fold it into sushi bowls or wraps for a fun twist on dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the salmon separate from any salad greens or delicate sides to maintain the best texture and flavor the next day.
Freezing
This homemade teriyaki salmon freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in small portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain moisture and prevent drying out. You can also reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep it juicy. Avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for the Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Fresh is great, but frozen works well if handled properly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe as written is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating some chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers into the marinade or as a garnish.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?
Definitely! You can blend soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger on the stove to create a fresh teriyaki sauce. That said, using store-bought teriyaki sauce keeps this recipe quick and simple.
What is the best way to tell when the salmon is cooked?
Look for the flesh to become opaque and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should be about 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for fully cooked.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option for this recipe. Just marinate as instructed, then grill skin-side down over medium heat until cooked through and nicely charred.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll feel thrilled to make and proud to serve. Its harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a truly memorable meal that’s surprisingly effortless. Once you try it, I bet this salmon will become a favorite go-to for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to savor every bite of pure deliciousness!
Print
Homemade Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Homemade Teriyaki Salmon recipe delivers a flavorful and tender salmon fillet glazed with a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. Marinated in a blend of fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar, the salmon is baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy, flaky fish with a shiny teriyaki glaze. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2.5 lbs salmon filet (skin-on preferred for better moisture retention)
Teriyaki Marinade
- 2 tsp fresh ginger (minced or grated for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (adds rich, nutty flavor)
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (I use Kikkoman)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced, about 1 tsp)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Garnish (Optional)
- Green onion (sliced, optional for fresh brightness)
- Sesame seeds (white or black, optional but recommended for presentation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced fresh ginger, sesame oil, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, light brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and white vinegar. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon filet, skin-side down, in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the fish.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Bake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Brush some of the reserved marinade over the top of the salmon. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the filet.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, transfer the salmon to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Skin-on salmon helps to retain moisture and flavor but can be removed after cooking if preferred.
- Marinating the salmon for longer (up to 1 hour) intensifies the flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the marinade on the stove over medium heat until thickened before brushing onto the salmon.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
