Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

This Japanese Teriyaki Salmon is a simple yet flavourful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fresh vegetables. The rich, sweet, and savoury teriyaki sauce coats the tender salmon, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (approximately 150g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons sake (or water, for a non-alcoholic version)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)

Garnishes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake (or water), brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and set aside to add later.

Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Cook the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In the same skillet, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce. If using cornstarch, add the mixture at this stage. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes).

Combine

Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the teriyaki sauce over the top to coat them evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the salmon absorb the flavours.

Serve

Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Drizzle with any remaining teriyaki sauce from the skillet. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon

• Use fresh salmon: Opt for high-quality fillets for the best flavour and texture.
• Don’t overcook: Salmon should be flaky and moist; cooking it for too long can dry it out.
• Customise sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the amounts of sugar and soy sauce.
• Meal prep-friendly: The teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This Japanese Teriyaki Salmon is a deliciously simple recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even a special occasion. It’s sure to impress with its balance of sweet and savoury flavours!