Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Easy, healthy, gluten free and chock full of flavor, this Baked Teriyaki Salmon is the perfect dinner recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a weekend date night in! With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The homemade teriyaki sauce infuses the salmon with a sweet and savory taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies all appetites.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and good fats, this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an intimate date night, this dish fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make Baked Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Silicone brush
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Silicone brush: This tool helps spread the teriyaki sauce evenly over the salmon for enhanced flavor.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing your teriyaki sauce without any mess.
- Oven: A reliable oven guarantees perfectly baked salmon every time.

Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 batch teriyaki sauce
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked broccoli
- 1/3 cup diced scallion
How to Make Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- If using previously frozen salmon, let it defrost in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prep the teriyaki sauce according to your preferred recipe.
Step 2: Get Ready to Bake
- Lightly oil the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut your salmon into one-inch cubes. Cover with about half of the teriyaki sauce.
- If you prefer whole fillets, place them skin side down in the baking dish and coat with half of the teriyaki sauce.
Step 3: Marinate (Optional)
- If time allows, let the salmon marinate for about 20 minutes to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
- Bake for 12-18 minutes uncovered, depending on your preference and thickness of fillets. Cubed salmon will cook faster (about 10-14 minutes).
- Check at 10 minutes; they should easily flake with a fork.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Broil for a couple of minutes if you desire crispy tops.
- Toss or drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce; reserve some for rice or steamed veggies as desired.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and chopped scallions before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Teriyaki Salmon!
How to Serve Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Baked teriyaki salmon is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed rice for a classic pairing, allowing the flavors of the teriyaki sauce to soak into the grains.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Accompany your salmon with fresh vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for a crunchy contrast that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
In a Salmon Bowl
- Create a salmon bowl by layering rice, cooked broccoli, and cubed salmon topped with extra teriyaki sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds for an Instagram-worthy dish.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a lighter option, serve pieces of baked teriyaki salmon wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves as a refreshing hand-held meal.
Topped with Avocado
- Add sliced avocado on top of your salmon for creaminess that complements the savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
With Quinoa Salad
- Pair the salmon with a quinoa salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing for added texture and flavor variety.
How to Perfect Baked Teriyaki Salmon
To ensure your baked teriyaki salmon turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh fillets will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. If frozen, thaw properly overnight in the fridge.
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Marinate Longer: Allowing your salmon to marinate longer than 20 minutes can enhance the flavor. Try marinating it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
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Check Doneness Carefully: Use a fork to check if the salmon flakes easily. This ensures it is cooked through without being overdone.
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Experiment with Cooking Time: Different thicknesses of fillets will require different cooking times. Keep an eye on them starting from 10 minutes.
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Broil for Crispiness: For a crispy top layer, broil your baked teriyaki salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
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Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like scallions or sesame seeds; they add both flavor and visual appeal to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Baked teriyaki salmon pairs beautifully with many side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent choices:
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli retains nutrients and adds crunch; steam until vibrant but still crisp.
- Coconut Rice: Infused with coconut milk, this rice offers a subtly sweet flavor that balances the savory salmon beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory notes of teriyaki; roast until tender and caramelized.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide both crunch and elegance.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well; sauté lightly with garlic for added taste.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be comforting alongside your meal while adding umami depth.
- Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings a crunchy element that complements the fish nicely.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini slices add smoky flavor while being healthy; season simply with salt and pepper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Baked Teriyaki Salmon, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the Marinade: Failing to let the salmon marinate in teriyaki sauce means missing out on deeper flavors. If short on time, even a quick 20-minute soak can enhance the taste.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Check for doneness around 10 minutes and remove once it flakes easily with a fork.
- Not Using Enough Sauce: A lack of teriyaki sauce can result in bland salmon. Ensure you cover your salmon well and reserve some for serving with rice or veggies.
- Ignoring Cooking Time for Cubes vs. Fillets: Cooking cubed salmon takes less time than whole fillets. Adjust your cooking time based on how you cut the salmon to avoid overcooking.
- Forgetting Toppings: Skipping garnishes like scallions or sesame seeds can diminish presentation and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle them on before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Teriyaki Salmon in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen salmon is best used within 2 months.
Reheating Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat, add a splash of broth or water, and gently warm the salmon for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Teriyaki Salmon.
What is Baked Teriyaki Salmon?
Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a flavorful dish where salmon fillets are marinated in teriyaki sauce and baked until tender. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure you defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with Baked Teriyaki Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed broccoli, or other vegetables. You can also create delicious salmon bowls by adding toppings like avocado or nuts.
How long does Baked Teriyaki Salmon last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if frozen.
Can I customize the teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust sweetness levels by adding honey or using different vinegars for tanginess according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Baked Teriyaki Salmon is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions—from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. You can customize it by adding your favorite sides or adjusting the seasoning. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce with tender, flaky salmon fillets. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare—taking just 25 minutes—but also healthy and perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknight dinners to intimate gatherings. The savory-sweet glaze infuses the salmon with mouthwatering flavor, making it a hit with both family and friends. Pair it with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
- 1 batch of homemade teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked broccoli
- 1/3 cup diced scallion
Instructions
- If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lightly oil a baking dish. Place salmon fillets skin side down and coat with half of the teriyaki sauce.
- For marination, let the salmon sit for about 20 minutes if time permits.
- Bake uncovered for 12-18 minutes depending on thickness, checking at 10 minutes for doneness.
- Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if desired for a crispy top.
- Drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (113g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg