Oven Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Short Description

Oven Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The salmon fillets are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then baked to perfection, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a beautifully caramelized glaze. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this dish effortless to prepare.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this a heart-healthy choice.
• Deliciously Sweet and Savory – The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a balance of umami and sweetness, enhancing the salmon’s natural flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for easy lunches or dinners.
• Family-Friendly – A great way to introduce seafood to kids with its slightly sweet and tangy glaze.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
2. Thicken the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Marinate the Salmon – Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the fillets and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
5. Bake the Salmon – Arrange the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Broil for a Caramelized Finish – For a richer glaze, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes until the edges caramelize slightly.
7. Garnish and Serve – Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the baked salmon and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and vegetables.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Teriyaki Salmon – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Citrus Twist – Incorporate fresh orange or lime juice for a zesty flavor.
• Grilled Teriyaki Salmon – Instead of baking, grill the marinated salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowl – Serve over a bed of jasmine rice with avocado slices, shredded carrots, and edamame.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute homemade sauce with store-bought, but making it from scratch allows for better control over the flavor and ingredients.

2. What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Fresh wild-caught salmon is ideal, but farm-raised salmon works well too. Look for fillets with vibrant color and firm texture.

3. Do I need to remove the skin before baking?

No, leaving the skin on helps retain moisture. It can be easily removed after baking if preferred.

4. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating.

5. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to ensure the fish remains moist.

6. What side dishes go well with teriyaki salmon?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad complement this dish perfectly.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the salmon a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cooked salmon can be stored in meal prep containers with rice and veggies for easy grab-and-go meals.

9. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can pan-sear the salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.

10. What’s the best way to thicken the teriyaki sauce?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) works best for thickening the sauce to a glaze-like consistency.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, flavorful salmon dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides!

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