Contents
Teriyaki Salmon
A quick and easy Teriyaki Salmon recipe with a perfectly seared, crispy skin and a rich, glossy homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is packed with authentic Japanese flavors!
Equipment
- Non-stick frying pan
- Digital thermometer
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1 tbsp sake (or substitute Chinese rice wine, dry sherry, or water)
- 1 tbsp mirin (or substitute 1 Tbsp sake or water + 1 tsp sugar)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Salmon:
- 2 skin-on salmon fillets (¾ lb, 340 g; ¾ inch / 2 cm thick)
- ¼ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/potato starch for gluten-free)
- ½ tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp sake (for steaming; substitute Chinese rice wine, dry sherry, or water)
Instructions
To Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine all teriyaki sauce ingredients.
- Mix well to dissolve the sugar, microwaving for 30 seconds if needed.
To Prepare the Salmon:
- Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Lightly coat the fillets with flour on both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
To Cook the Salmon:
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add oil and butter without burning.
- Sear the salmon skin first by pressing it onto the pan for 15 seconds.
- Lay the fillets skin-side down and cook for 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip.
- Add sake to the pan, cover, and steam for 3–5 minutes (depending on thickness).
- When salmon reaches 125–130°F (52–54ºC) internally, remove from the pan.
- Increase heat, add teriyaki sauce, and return the salmon to coat it in the thickened glaze.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
Teriyaki Salmon Recipe – Easy & Authentic Japanese Dish 🌟🍣
What is Teriyaki?
Teriyaki (照り焼き) is a traditional Japanese cooking method that dates back to the 1600s. The term combines Teri (照り), meaning "luster," and Yaki (焼き), meaning "grilled," "broiled," or "pan-fried." This technique involves brushing food with a glossy tare (タレ) sauce, which gives it a beautifully caramelized finish. While many associate "teriyaki" with the sauce, in Japan, the cooking style itself defines the dish. Salmon, chicken, yellowtail (hamachi), pork, and tofu are among the most common ingredients cooked teriyaki-style, typically pan-fried at home rather than oven-baked.Why You'll Love This Teriyaki Salmon Recipe ✨
- Quick & Easy! 🌟 Just 15 minutes to prepare, using one pan for easy cleanup.
- No Marination Needed! The simple four-ingredient sauce is cooked directly in the pan, giving the salmon a rich umami glaze.
- Perfectly Juicy & Flavorful! 🥰 Searing the salmon skin first locks in moisture and enhances the crispiness.
- Authentic Japanese Flavor! Uses a traditional teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Recipe Tips for the Best Teriyaki Salmon ✨
🌟 Use Thin, Japanese-Style Salmon Fillets – Opt for ½ to ¾ inch (1.3-2 cm) thick skin-on fillets for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption. 🌟 Coat with Flour for Maximum Juiciness – Lightly dusting the salmon with flour locks in moisture and helps the sauce thicken beautifully. 🌟 Sear Skin First for Crispiness – Hold the salmon fillet and press the skin against the pan for 15 seconds to crisp it up before cooking. 🌟 Use a Digital Thermometer – Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54ºC) for tender, juicy results.How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon
Pair your sweet-savory Teriyaki Salmon with a classic Japanese meal set:- 🌿 Green Bean Gomaae (Sesame Dressing) or pan-seared asparagus
- 🍳 Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
- 🍲 Homemade Miso Soup
- 🍚 Steamed Rice
- Spinach with Sesame Miso Sauce
- Japanese Potato Salad
- Blanched Broccoli with Sesame Oil
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Roasted Cauliflower & Kale Salad
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a pan for best results.
Variations & Customizations 👀
- Adjust the Sauce: Reduce soy sauce for a lighter version or adjust sugar to taste.
- Try Different Fish: Substitute salmon with yellowtail, cod, or even seabass.
- Make It Vegan: Use tofu instead of salmon for a crispy, flavorful Teriyaki Tofu.
- Teriyaki Chicken Option: Swap salmon for boneless, skin-on chicken thighs!
