Craving a delicious dinner that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? This Baked Teriyaki Salmon is the perfect recipe! Juicy, tender salmon fillets are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, then baked to perfection — all in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re a home chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this healthy, mouthwatering dish.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
🥣 How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Marinade
The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor is in the marinade. Here’s how to make it:
- In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar (or honey), and sesame oil.
- Taste and tweak the flavor — balance the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Pro tip: Don’t over-marinate — it can make the salmon too salty!
🔥 How to Bake Teriyaki Salmon — Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, let the salmon come to room temperature.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Remove salmon from marinade and place skin-side down on the baking sheet. Let any excess marinade drip off.
- Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to thicken it into a glaze.
- Bake salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- In the final 2–3 minutes, brush the glaze over the salmon for extra flavor and shine.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Make your baked teriyaki salmon a complete meal with these ideas:
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- For low-carb options, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a chilled glass of sake.
💪 Why This Recipe Is Good for You
Not only is it delicious, this dish is packed with nutrients:
- Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help support heart and brain health.
- High in protein, with around 22g per serving.
- Rich in B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
- Baked, not fried, making it a lighter and healthier choice.
🔄 Customizations & Variations
Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Add a kick of spice with crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Swap salmon with cod or mahi-mahi for a different take.
- Try grilling the salmon on a cedar plank for smoky flavor.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Baked Teriyaki Salmon is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and good for you. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, and the result is tender, flaky salmon that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try tonight and taste the magic for yourself! And don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation — we’d love to see it.
🧾 Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~365 per serving
Cuisine: Japanese-American
Course: Main Dish