Name: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (or untoasted); ½ cup Japanese soy sauce (like Kikkoman) (125ml); ½ cup mirin (125ml); ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g / 2 ½oz); 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 3 teaspoons cornflour (US cornstarch); 675 g slab of salmon (1 ½ lb); 2 spring onions (green onions / scallions); Vegetable oil, for rubbing the baking tray

Print Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you adore seafood that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, then you’re in for a real treat with this Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe. This dish brings together a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce brushed generously over perfectly baked salmon, creating a glossy, flavor-packed glaze that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that transforms everyday salmon into a restaurant-worthy delight, brightened by toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for that irresistible crunch and color.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large piece of bright orange salmon fillet with visible stripes of white fat rests on a round dark gray plate placed on a white marbled surface. Below it, seven small clear glass bowls and one small light brown bowl are arranged in three rows: the top row has golden yellow liquid and dark soy sauce; the middle row holds light brown soft brown sugar and white powder; the bottom row shows light clear liquid, minced pale yellow garlic, and toasted beige sesame seeds in the small brown bowl. The scene is bright and clean, highlighting the fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce, the silky texture of the salmon, and the aromatic hints of ginger and sesame. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and beautiful visual contrast on top of the dish.
Japanese soy sauce (like Kikkoman): Provides the rich umami foundation for the teriyaki glaze.
Mirin: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle acidity that balances the sauce perfectly.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the sauce for that signature glossy finish.
Fresh minced ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that brightens the flavor.
Rice wine vinegar: Introduces a mild tang to round out the sauce complexity.
Cornflour (cornstarch in the US): Thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze that clings to the salmon beautifully.
Salmon (about 675 g / 1 ½ lb slab): The star of the dish, offering rich, flaky flesh that cooks to tender perfection.
Spring onions (green onions/scallions): Fresh and crisp garnish to finish with a pop of green and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by making the teriyaki sauce ahead of time—this step can be done up to 3-4 days in advance, which is a total game-changer when you want a quick dinner. In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and minced ginger. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it gently simmer for five minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the flavors. Mixing rice wine vinegar and cornflour into a slurry before stirring it into the sauce thickens it perfectly into a glossy glaze with just one more minute of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Before cooking, remove the salmon from the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes ahead to bring it closer to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200C (180C fan forced) or 395F. Line a rimmed baking tray with baking paper or foil, and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Pat the salmon dry carefully with paper towels to ensure the glaze adheres well.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

Place the salmon skin side down on the tray and reserve two-thirds of the teriyaki sauce for serving later. Brush the remaining sauce generously all over the salmon, then bake it for 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness. Baste the salmon two more times with the remaining sauce during cooking to build layers of flavor and that dazzling glaze. The salmon will come out flaky, tender, and beautifully caramelized.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

After removing it from the oven, give the salmon a 5-minute rest to allow the juices to redistribute for ultimate moistness. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onions to add crunch and vibrant color.

How to Serve Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

A shiny, orange-brown cooked salmon fillet sits on a tray lined with crinkled silver foil. The fillet has a smooth, glossy texture from the sauce brushed on top, showing some darker caramelized spots. A woman's hand is brushing the surface with a green brush, adding more sauce. To the left side, there is a white bowl filled with dark brown sauce. All of this is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, light toasted sesame seeds scatter over the salmon ring true as flavor enhancers and eye candy. Bright green spring onions add freshness and a lovely snap, elevating every bite.

Side Dishes

This Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Add some steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for color, texture, and wholesome balance. The simplicity of rice and greens lets the bold salmon glaze take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, try serving the salmon on bowls of warm jasmine rice topped with avocado slices and pickled ginger. Another idea is to flake the salmon and toss it into Asian-inspired salad greens drizzled with a little of the reserved teriyaki sauce. Either way, the presentation is fun, inviting, and totally crave-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, simply transfer your salmon to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to two days, and the flavors often deepen as it rests.

Freezing

While freezing leftover glazed salmon is possible, it’s best to freeze the salmon and the sauce separately before combining for the best texture. Store the cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the salmon in the oven at low heat or on the stove in a covered skillet. Avoid harsh microwaving to keep the texture flaky and moist. Add a splash of reserved or fresh teriyaki sauce during reheating to keep things vibrant and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is perfect because of its rich, fatty flavor, you can substitute with other firm fishes like cod, halibut, or even swordfish. Adjust cooking times depending on thickness to prevent drying out.

Is the teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so if you need this recipe to be gluten-free, look for a gluten-free tamari soy sauce alternative, which works equally well in the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch without mirin?

Yes, if mirin isn’t available, you can replace it with a mix of sake and a little sugar, or a splash of white wine with added sweetness. This helps maintain the delicate balance of sweetness and acidity in the sauce.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. If you like it rarer in the middle, reduce baking time; for firmer, cook a little longer. Internal temperature around 125°F (52°C) is perfect medium.

Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?

Definitely. The Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe scales up nicely. Just adjust the sauce ingredients proportionally and bake larger or multiple slabs of salmon. Keep an eye on cooking time as thicker portions may need extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe enough if you’re craving something simple, flavorful, and downright comforting. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together with ease, making it perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such straightforward ingredients create a mouthwatering meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need