The magic of this Baked Teriyaki Salmon lies in its luscious homemade glaze, sweet from honey, tangy from rice vinegar, and deeply savory with soy and sesame. The fillets emerge from the oven tender, moist, and beautifully caramelized, making this dish a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful but wholesome, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform fresh salmon into a crave-worthy main course that pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
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1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon water
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the saucepan. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the baking dish, skin-side down.
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Brush half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Remove from oven and brush with remaining teriyaki glaze.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Baked Teriyaki Salmon Is a Must-Try Recipe for Every Home Cook
Few dishes strike the perfect balance between simplicity, flavor, and nutrition quite like Baked Teriyaki Salmon. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish brings together the rich, buttery texture of oven-roasted salmon with the sweet and savory magic of teriyaki glaze. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this is one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort.
What makes this teriyaki salmon especially appealing is how well it captures the flavors of classic Japanese cuisine while still being accessible and quick to prepare. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar creates a complex, umami-rich sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It infuses every bite of the salmon with irresistible flavor without overpowering its natural freshness.
The Nutritional Power of Salmon
Before diving into the details of the dish, it’s worth highlighting why salmon is such a popular protein in healthy cooking. Salmon is widely recognized for its rich omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish like salmon per week, and this recipe makes it incredibly easy to meet that goal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re eating for better cardiovascular health or simply love the flavor of seafood, salmon is always a smart choice.
Ingredients that Matter
What sets this Baked Teriyaki Salmon apart from others is its focus on fresh, natural ingredients. Let’s explore what goes into the glaze and why each component plays an important role:
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Soy Sauce: The base of the teriyaki glaze, it adds salty, savory depth. A low-sodium version is recommended to control salt content without sacrificing flavor.
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Honey: This natural sweetener balances the saltiness of the soy and helps the glaze thicken and caramelize.
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Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that keeps the glaze from becoming overly sweet or heavy.
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Sesame Oil: Just a small amount provides that warm, nutty undertone typical of Asian dishes.
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Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics are essential. Garlic adds depth, while fresh ginger contributes a little heat and complexity.
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Cornstarch Slurry: This simple thickening technique gives the glaze its glossy texture and helps it cling to the salmon without dripping off.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon Every Time
While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips that can elevate your salmon from good to great:
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Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can steam the fish rather than allow it to bake properly.
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Use parchment paper or foil. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the glaze from sticking or burning onto your baking dish.
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Don’t overcook the salmon. It should be just opaque and flaky when done. Overcooking can lead to dry, chalky fish. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure – aim for 125°F to 130°F for medium.
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Glaze in layers. Brushing on the sauce both before and after baking ensures deep flavor and a sticky, lacquered finish.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Salmon
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that help round out your meal:
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Steamed jasmine or brown rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
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Garlic sesame broccoli: Roasted or steamed, this green veggie balances the richness of the salmon.
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Asian-style slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots dressed in a rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing provide texture and brightness.
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Quinoa or cauliflower rice: For a low-carb or gluten-free option.
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Sautéed bok choy or snow peas: Quick to prepare and full of nutrients.
You can also serve the salmon on top of a rice or noodle bowl with sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and cucumber ribbons for a sushi-inspired dinner.
Make-Ahead & Storage Notes
If you’re looking for a great meal prep option, Baked Teriyaki Salmon fits the bill. You can easily make a larger batch and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great reheated for lunch or flaked into a salad, wrap, or rice bowl.
You can also marinate the salmon in the teriyaki glaze up to 12 hours in advance for an even deeper flavor. Just remember not to over-marinate as the acidity in the vinegar can start to “cook” the fish.
When reheating, it’s best to use gentle heat, either in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
There are countless ways to tweak this recipe based on dietary needs or ingredients you have on hand:
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
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Low-Sugar: Swap honey for a sugar-free maple syrup or a small amount of monk fruit syrup.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
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Vegan Option: Try the glaze on tofu, tempeh, or roasted eggplant slices instead of salmon.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, entertaining friends, or planning a cozy dinner at home, this Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a go-to recipe that checks all the boxes. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, but fast and foolproof enough to become part of your weekly rotation.
It’s also a fantastic option for holidays like New Year’s Eve or a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner just add a glass of white wine and some candles, and you’re set.
Conclusion
Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a recipe that rewards you with big, bold flavors while staying refreshingly easy and healthy. The savory-sweet glaze enhances the salmon’s natural richness, creating a beautifully balanced dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing. With just a few staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes in the kitchen, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite Asian-fusion restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this dish never fails to satisfy. Once you try it, it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy salmon.