Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe for Flavorful Simplicity

Crispy salmon with a zesty teriyaki glaze has become my go-to weeknight dinner solution.

Weekends call for something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Home cooking can feel intimidating, but this recipe breaks down every step simply.

Pacific Northwest salmon brings incredible flavor to your plate with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating restaurant-quality meals at home.

Simple marinades transform basic fish into something extraordinary and memorable.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof method that guarantees a delicious result every single time.

Tips for Teriyaki Glaze That Doesn’t Burn

• Marinate Smartly: Let salmon rest in teriyaki glaze at room temperature to help flavors penetrate deeply, creating a more delicious and tender result.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon closely during baking, as it can quickly dry out; check doneness by gently flaking with a fork and looking for opaque, moist flesh.
• Broil Carefully: When caramelizing the top, keep oven rack a few inches from broiler and monitor constantly to avoid burning the delicate teriyaki glaze.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option, use low-sodium teriyaki sauce for reduced salt intake, or choose gluten-free teriyaki sauce for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to teriyaki glaze for extra tanginess and complexity in the marinade.

How to Store and Warm Salmon Without Overcooking

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the fish completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Transfer frozen salmon to the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Perfect Sides to Match Teriyaki Salmon

• Prepare jasmine or short-grain rice with a subtle hint of rice vinegar and butter, creating a delicate base that absorbs the salmon's rich teriyaki glaze perfectly.
• Select a chilled Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the salmon's richness and enhances the dish's sweet-savory teriyaki notes.
• Roast baby bok choy, edamame, and asparagus with a light sesame oil drizzle, providing a fresh, green counterpoint to the glazed salmon's intense flavors.
• Prepare a light Japanese cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, creating a cool, tangy side that refreshes the palate between bites of the rich teriyaki salmon.

Flavor Variations for This Salmon Dish

• Low-Sodium Teriyaki Salmon: Replace traditional teriyaki sauce with a homemade low-sodium version using reduced-sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a touch of honey for balanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular teriyaki sauce with gluten-free tamari sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Remove honey, use a sugar-free teriyaki sauce, and increase healthy fats by adding a butter or olive oil drizzle before baking to match ketogenic macronutrient requirements.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are dairy-free, and serve with coconut rice or cauliflower rice for a completely dairy-free meal that maintains the original recipe's vibrant flavors.

All the FAQs on Baked Salmon

• What makes teriyaki sauce special in this recipe?

Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor profile that perfectly caramelizes on the salmon, creating a delicious glaze that enhances the fish’s natural richness.

• Can I use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe?

Both fresh and thawed frozen salmon work great. Just ensure the salmon is completely thawed and patted dry before marinating to help the teriyaki sauce adhere better.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145F for food safety, and the fish should look moist and tender.

• Is it necessary to marinate the salmon before baking?

Marinating for 10-15 minutes helps the salmon absorb the teriyaki flavors and creates a more delicious, caramelized exterior. If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating, but the flavor will be less intense.

Why Teriyaki Salmon Is a Foolproof Favorite

• Whips up in just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Requires simple pantry staples like teriyaki sauce and basic seasonings, making it super accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Delivers professional-looking results with zero complicated techniques, creating a stunning meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to execute.
• Offers a nutritious seafood option packed with omega-3 fatty acids, delivering a delicious protein source that supports overall wellness in one delectable dish.

What You’ll Need for Baked Teriyaki Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, fatty fish perfect for teriyaki glaze, best when skin-on and center-cut for even cooking.

• Teriyaki Sauce: Core flavor base providing sweet and savory Asian-style seasoning.
• Honey: Natural sweetener adding depth and caramelization to the glaze.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian aromatics bringing sharp, warm flavor complexity.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty accent providing authentic Asian culinary undertone.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings adding visual appeal and subtle crunch, green onions offering bright, mild onion notes.

How to Bake Salmon That Stays Moist

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for hassle-free cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Teriyaki sauce
• Honey
• Fresh garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil

Whisk these ingredients until they create a glossy, aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Salmon for Magic

Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet with skin facing down. Lavishly brush the teriyaki concoction over each fillet, ensuring complete coverage. Let the salmon soak up those incredible flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Transform in the Oven

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking that the salmon becomes perfectly flaky and opaque.

Bonus Tip: For a caramelized exterior, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Finely chopped green onions

Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets Japanese-inspired teriyaki glaze in this mouthwatering main dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort. Home cooks can quickly prepare this delectable seafood meal for a satisfying dinner that will impress family and guests alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Transform your kitchen into a culinary sanctuary by positioning the oven rack in the center and elevating the temperature to 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking surface with parchment paper or aluminum foil for pristine cleanup.
2. Craft an aromatic teriyaki elixir by whisking together the zesty sauce, golden honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and fragrant sesame oil in a compact mixing vessel, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Arrange salmon fillets with the skin facing downward on the prepared baking sheet, lavishly painting each piece with the teriyaki nectar, allowing the marinade to deeply penetrate and enhance the fish’s natural richness for 10-15 minutes at ambient temperature.
4. Slide the salmon into the heated oven, allowing it to roast for approximately 12-15 minutes, monitoring the fillets’ translucency and flakiness as indicators of perfect doneness.
5. For an enticing caramelized exterior, activate the broiler during the final moments, watching meticulously to prevent charring and achieve a glossy, appetizing finish.
6. Complete the culinary masterpiece by scattering toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions across the salmon, creating a visually stunning presentation best enjoyed alongside steamed rice or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Select thick, fresh salmon fillets with vibrant color for best flavor and texture.
• Pat salmon completely dry before marinating to help sauce adhere and promote perfect caramelization.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets need less time to prevent overcooking and drying out.
• For low-carb option, replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Customize teriyaki glaze by adding red pepper flakes for mild heat or orange zest for citrusy brightness.
• Use high-quality teriyaki sauce or make homemade version for more authentic and controlled flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg