Name: Baked Teriyaki Salmon Recipe (Sweet & Savory)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, skin-on; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious dinner that’s both sweet and savory?

This Baked Teriyaki Salmon is just what you need! The salmon is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, giving it a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of saltiness. It’s baked to perfection, with crispy edges and juicy, tender flakes inside.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or impressing your guests with minimal effort, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Let’s dive into making this simple yet flavorful salmon!

Ingredients for Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:

Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on fillets work best for this recipe.
Teriyaki Sauce: You can either buy pre-made sauce or make your own (a mix of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic).
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a great punch to the sauce.
Honey: To balance out the saltiness and give that perfect sweet touch.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nice depth of flavor and a bit of richness to the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: For a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, for garnish to give a nice crunch and added flavor.
Green Onions: Optional, for garnish and a bit of fresh flavor.

How to Make Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Follow these simple steps to get perfectly baked teriyaki salmon:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds (if using). Mix until the honey dissolves and the marinade is well blended.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get the perfect crispy finish.
Bake the Salmon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. You can brush the salmon with extra marinade halfway through cooking for an extra boost of flavor.
Optional Garnish: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve: Serve your baked teriyaki salmon over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so be sure to check it around 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. It should be slightly pink in the center and flake easily.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will give you the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This versatile salmon pairs well with many sides:

Rice: Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a healthy, filling base.
Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach are great choices for sides.
Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the salmon.
Noodles: Serve it over soba noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.