If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, tender salmon with the tantalizing flavors of Japan, you’re going to love this Baked Salmon with Teriyaki or Wasabi Mayo and Furikake Seasoning Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and umami-packed goodness wrapped up in a simple, fuss-free bake. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation for its effortless elegance and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role, ensuring your salmon turns out moist, flavorful, and visually irresistible. From the creamy mayo base to the crunchy, salty furikake, every component layers texture and taste beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your teriyaki or wasabi mayo that adds richness and helps the toppings stick perfectly to the salmon.
- Teriyaki sauce: Bursting with a sweet and savory punch that caramelizes beautifully while baking.
- Wasabi paste: If you prefer a little heat and a distinctive kick, this pairs wonderfully with mayo for a spicy alternative.
- Skinless salmon fillets: Tender, flaky, and healthy center of this dish—choose fresh, good quality fillets for best results.
- Sea or kosher salt: Enhances the salmon’s natural flavor and balances the richness.
- Neutral oil (groundnut or vegetable): Helps achieve a light sear and prevents sticking.
- Furikake seasoning: This Japanese rice seasoning brings crunchy, salty, umami-packed bursts of flavor with every bite.
- Extra teriyaki sauce (optional): Adds a moisture boost and flavor at the end, keeping the fish juicy.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Teriyaki or Wasabi Mayo and Furikake Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180C (or 300F). Getting your oven perfectly ready will ensure your salmon cooks evenly and maintains that tender, flaky texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Mayo Mixture
Mix either mayonnaise with teriyaki sauce or mayonnaise with wasabi paste to create your topping. This combination is the flavor-packed glue that holds the crunchy furikake in place and gives your salmon that lovely creamy layer bursting with umami or heat.
Step 3: Oil and Salt the Salmon
Brush both sides of your salmon fillets lightly with neutral oil, then sprinkle sea or kosher salt over the top. This step is crucial—it adds flavor and ensures the salmon’s surface isn’t dry while baking.
Step 4: Apply the Mayo Layer
Spread a generous layer of your prepared teriyaki or wasabi mayo over the top of each fillet. This creamy layer not only flavors but also provides that beautiful base for the furikake to cling to.
Step 5: Top with Furikake Seasoning
Sprinkle the furikake seasoning evenly on top, making sure it completely covers the mayo layer. Don’t be shy—this seasoning is the star that brings salty crunch and umami depth to every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Place your coated salmon fillets into a baking dish and slide it into the oven’s middle rack. Bake for 15 minutes so the fish begins to cook through and the mayo-furikake layer sets beautifully.
Step 7: Add Extra Moisture
Remove the salmon briefly and pour teriyaki sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Avoid pouring it directly on top; instead, let the sauce keep the bottom of the fish flavorful and moist during the final bake.
Step 8: Final Bake and Serve
Bake for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and serve immediately while it’s hot, flaky, and bursting with layers of flavor.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Teriyaki or Wasabi Mayo and Furikake Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro brightens the plate and adds a fresh note that pairs perfectly with the rich salmon. A few sesame seeds scattered on top offer an extra toasty crunch that complements the furikake seasoning wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the savory juices, or add some lightly sautéed bok choy or asparagus for a fresh and vibrant side. Pickled ginger also brings a delightful zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each salmon fillet on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light soy-sesame dressing—this adds an extra textural contrast. Or, make simple salmon rice bowls topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of extra wasabi mayo for a playful, colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld nicely, but keep in mind the furikake topping may lose some of its crispness overnight.
Freezing
Freezing baked salmon covered with mayo and furikake isn’t recommended since the texture of the mayo and the crunchy topping won’t hold up well. It’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerate for short-term use.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low oven setting or a toaster oven to preserve the texture of the salmon without drying it out. Avoid microwaving as it can result in uneven heating and soggy furikake.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on fillets will work fine; just ensure the skin side is well oiled to avoid sticking. It adds a nice crispy texture once baked.
How spicy is the wasabi mayo option?
The wasabi mayo provides a gentle heat that enhances the salmon without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount of wasabi paste to suit your spice preference.
Is furikake seasoning gluten-free?
Many furikake blends are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the label or make your own to be sure, especially if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute regular mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative such as one made from avocado oil to keep it creamy without dairy.
Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?
Definitely. Firm white fish like cod or halibut would work wonderfully with this method and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon with Teriyaki or Wasabi Mayo and Furikake Seasoning Recipe is a total winner in my book—simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. The layers of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and umami flavors make it stand out from your everyday salmon dish. I’m so excited for you to try it and see just how deliciously easy Japanese-inspired cooking can be!
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Baked Salmon with Teriyaki or Wasabi Mayo and Furikake Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This baked salmon recipe features a flavorful twist with your choice of teriyaki or wasabi mayonnaise topped with crunchy furikake seasoning. The salmon fillets are lightly brushed with oil, seasoned with salt, and baked to perfection in the oven. A final splash of teriyaki sauce in the baking dish adds extra moisture and flavor, making this a simple yet delicious dish ideal for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise Mixtures
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 tsp teriyaki sauce (for teriyaki mayo option)
- ½ tsp wasabi paste (for wasabi mayo option)
Salmon
- 2 skinless salmon fillets
- Sea or kosher salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (groundnut or vegetable oil)
- 2 tbsp furikake seasoning
- 4 tbsp teriyaki sauce (optional, for the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F or 300°F as the article states, adjusted to common baking temp of 180°C/350°F for accuracy). This ensures the oven is ready when you prepare the salmon.
- Prepare the mayonnaise topping: In a bowl, mix 4 tbsp mayonnaise with either 4 tsp teriyaki sauce for the teriyaki mayo or ½ tsp wasabi paste for the wasabi mayo. This creates a flavorful sauce to coat the salmon.
- Season the salmon: Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with 1 tbsp of neutral oil. Sprinkle sea or kosher salt over the top of each fillet to enhance flavor.
- Apply the mayonnaise layer: Spread a generous layer of your prepared teriyaki or wasabi mayonnaise evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring full coverage.
- Add furikake seasoning: Sprinkle 2 tbsp furikake seasoning on top of the mayonnaise layer so that the mayo is completely covered and the seasoning layer is visible and even.
- Initial baking: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the salmon to cook through and the toppings to meld.
- Add teriyaki sauce to the dish: Remove the salmon from the oven and pour 4 tbsp teriyaki sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, avoiding pouring over the salmon. This helps keep the bottom moist and infuses extra flavor.
- Final baking: Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking and let flavors develop.
- Serve: Remove salmon from the oven and serve immediately, enjoying the tender fish combined with savory, tangy toppings.
Notes
- Choose skinless salmon fillets for a tender texture and easy eating.
- Furikake seasoning adds a unique crunchy, umami flavor complementing the mayonnaise topping.
- Wasabi paste adds heat; adjust amount to your taste preference.
- Oven temperatures may vary; check salmon doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Optional teriyaki sauce in the baking dish helps keep the salmon moist but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
