Teriyaki Salmon – The salmon fillets are coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of ginger. After being pan-seared to crispy perfection, the fish absorbs the sauce, creating a mouthwatering glaze that’s both tender and flavorful. It can be served with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh wild-caught salmon will give your dish the best flavor. However, farmed salmon also works well and is often more affordable.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is delicate, so be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to dry fish. Aim for a tender, moist texture that flakes easily.
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Although 30 minutes is the minimum recommended, marinating the salmon for a couple of hours allows the teriyaki sauce to infuse the fish, making it more flavorful.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, simply add more honey or maple syrup. You can also balance the sweetness with a touch more soy sauce if you like it saltier.
Variations of Teriyaki Salmon
- Spicy Teriyaki Salmon:
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade. The spicy kick pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Grilled Teriyaki Salmon:
- For a smoky flavor, you can grill the salmon instead of pan-searing it. Just be sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking, and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Citrus Teriyaki Salmon:
- For a fresh twist, add a squeeze of orange or lemon juice to the marinade. The citrusy notes brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the salmon.
- Teriyaki Salmon with Pineapple:
- Grill or roast some pineapple slices and serve them alongside the salmon. The sweet, caramelized pineapple enhances the tropical flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon
- Over Rice: The classic pairing for teriyaki salmon is steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice absorbs the flavorful teriyaki sauce, making it a satisfying side.
- With Vegetables: Serve teriyaki salmon with sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The freshness of the veggies complements the sweet, savory salmon.
- On a Salad: For a lighter meal, flake the teriyaki salmon on top of a mixed greens salad with avocado, cucumber, and a sesame dressing.
How to Store Teriyaki Salmon
If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep the salmon moist, you can store it with a bit of the leftover teriyaki sauce. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and cooking. Frozen salmon tends to have a slightly different texture, but it will still taste great when prepared properly.
2. Is teriyaki salmon healthy?
Yes! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is a great source of protein. The teriyaki marinade is simple and can be customized to suit your dietary needs, such as using low-sodium soy sauce or honey for a healthier option.
3. Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes it easier to whip up the dish on busy weeknights.
4. What other fish can I use for teriyaki?
While salmon is the most popular choice, you can also try this recipe with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish you use.
5. Can I cook the salmon in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. This method works great if you prefer a hands-off cooking approach.
Teriyaki Salmon
Teriyaki Salmon - The salmon fillets are coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of ginger.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 1/2 lbs salmon fillet, cut into 2-inch wide slices
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
To Serve:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a large rimmed baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easier cleanup).
- In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Place the salmon slices in a mixing bowl, pour the sauce over the fish, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for later.
- Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet (reserve the marinade) and bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Bake times will vary based on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the salmon is baking, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the salmon is cooked, brush it with the thickened teriyaki syrup. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 380Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 89mgSodium 775mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 33g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Teriyaki salmon is an incredibly versatile dish that delivers big on flavor while remaining simple to prepare. With its combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, it’s no wonder why this dish is a favorite in many homes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or preparing it for a dinner party, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Experiment with different variations, serving suggestions, and marinades to make it your own.
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