Baked Teriyaki Salmon – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Glazed

There’s something magical about the way a teriyaki glaze transforms salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. This baked teriyaki salmon recipe is the kind of meal that tastes indulgent yet comes together effortlessly — flaky, buttery salmon coated in a glossy soy-honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for date night or family dinners. The sweet-savory balance of teriyaki sauce highlights the richness of salmon without overpowering it, and baking ensures a tender, moist texture every time.

Let’s dive into how you can make this Japanese-inspired classic easily — no grill, no special equipment, and no stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – From prep to plate in just 25 minutes.
• Healthy & Flavorful – High in omega-3s, low in processed ingredients.
• Perfect Glaze – Sticky, shiny, and beautifully caramelized teriyaki sauce.
• Foolproof Baking Method – Ensures tender salmon that flakes perfectly.
• Crowd Favorite – Kids and adults both love this sweet-savory flavor combo.

Ingredients

For this baked teriyaki salmon, you only need a handful of pantry staples — everything combines into a balanced glaze that’s both simple and bold in flavor.

For the Teriyaki Sauce & Marinade:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Whisk cornstarch and water together, then add it to the saucepan.
4. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly — it will thicken more as it stands.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
3. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, reserving the rest for basting.
4. Marinate for 15–20 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
3. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.
5. Halfway through baking, brush more teriyaki glaze over the salmon.
6. For a caramelized finish, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Once baked, transfer salmon to plates.
2. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top.
4. Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or noodles.

Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Flaky, tender salmon baked to perfection in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Japanese

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Teriyaki Sauce

• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Salmon

• 4 fillets salmon about 6 oz each
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
• sesame seeds for garnish
• chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
2. Add cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Marinate salmon fillets in half the teriyaki sauce for 15–20 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. Bake salmon for 10–12 minutes, basting with extra glaze halfway through.
6. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for caramelized edges.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Teriyaki Salmon

• Don’t overbake. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork — about 10–12 minutes for 1-inch-thick fillets.
• Thicker glaze? Simmer the teriyaki sauce an extra minute for a more syrupy finish.
• Want extra flavor? Marinate longer, up to 4 hours in the fridge.
• Prefer spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Crispy edges: Brush glaze on before broiling for that irresistible caramelized crust.

Variations

• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls: Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and avocado slices.
• Sheet Pan Teriyaki Dinner: Add vegetables like carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers directly to the pan for a one-pan meal.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for slightly crispier edges.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Sugar-Free Version: Replace honey and brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.

What to Serve with Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Pair this dish with sides that complement its sweetness and umami depth:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Roasted or stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, or carrots)
• Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
• Garlic noodles or soba
• Miso soup for a Japanese-style dinner

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave gently with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Nutrition Highlights

Baked teriyaki salmon isn’t just delicious — it’s nutritious!
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. The sauce adds antioxidants from ginger and garlic, while honey provides natural sweetness without the need for refined syrups.

Each serving provides about 300–350 calories, 30g of protein, and plenty of healthy fats to keep you satisfied.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Teriyaki

The word teriyaki comes from two Japanese words: teri (meaning “shine” or “luster”) and yaki (meaning “grill” or “broil”). It describes both the cooking technique and the glossy appearance of the sauce. Interestingly, while teriyaki-style sauces are now popular worldwide, the version we know in the U.S. evolved from Hawaiian-Japanese fusion cuisine — using local ingredients like pineapple juice or honey to sweeten the sauce.

Make It Ahead

You can easily prep the teriyaki sauce and marinate the salmon up to a day in advance. Just bake right before serving. The flavors intensify overnight, making this a great option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Final Thoughts

This baked teriyaki salmon recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a dish that makes healthy eating feel indulgent, with the glossy sauce elevating even an ordinary weeknight dinner.

Whether served over rice bowls, with roasted vegetables, or as part of an Asian-inspired feast, this salmon is bound to become a household favorite. Every bite is tender, flavorful, and irresistibly glazed — proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.