Honey Teriyaki Salmon: How to Perfect It in 3 Easy Steps

Looking for a dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make? Honey teriyaki salmon might just become your new go-to meal. This delicious dish combines the natural richness of salmon with the sweet and savory flavors of honey teriyaki sauce, creating a perfect balance that will have your family asking for seconds.

I can tell you that this honey teriyaki salmon recipe is foolproof. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this guide will help you create restaurant-quality teriyaki honey glazed salmon right in your own home.

Honey Teriyaki Salmon

This Honey Teriyaki Salmon recipe combines the natural richness of salmon with a sweet and savory honey teriyaki glaze. It's a foolproof dish that's both impressive and easy to make, suitable for both novice and experienced cooks.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 4 people

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Baking dish or lined baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Oven

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon:

• 4 6-ounce salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 green onions finely chopped

Instructions

 

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Salmon:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Place the salmon in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Cook the Salmon:

• Pour half of the honey teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
• In the last 2-3 minutes, brush with additional sauce and broil for a caramelized finish.

Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle the baked salmon with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
• Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed jasmine rice or roasted Asian vegetables.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
• Marinating the salmon for at least 45 minutes enhances the flavor.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keyword honey teriyaki salmon, salmon

Why You’ll Love This Honey Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Before we dive into the cooking process, let me share why this honey teriyaki salmon oven recipe has become a staple in many households. The combination of sweet honey and umami-rich teriyaki creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, resulting in a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.

What makes this salmon honey teriyaki recipe special is its versatility. You can serve it for a casual weeknight dinner or dress it up for special occasions. The honey teriyaki glazed salmon develops a beautiful caramelization that makes it look like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Honey Teriyaki Salmon

To make the best honey teriyaki salmon, you’ll need:

For the Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Honey Teriyaki Salmon

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preparing the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Place the salmon in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Cooking Method

For this honey teriyaki salmon recipe, you have two excellent cooking options:

Oven-Baked Method (My Preferred Approach)

1. Pour half of the honey teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
3. In the last 2-3 minutes, brush with additional sauce and broil for a caramelized finish.

Pan-Fried Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place salmon skin-side up and cook for 4-5 minutes.
3. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, while basting with the honey teriyaki sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Teriyaki Salmon

Creating restaurant-quality honey teriyaki glazed salmon requires attention to detail. Here are my top tips:

Selecting the Right Salmon

When making salmon honey teriyaki, the quality of your fish matters. Look for:

• Fresh, bright-colored fillets
• Firm texture
• No strong fishy smell
• Even thickness for consistent cooking

Sauce Consistency

The key to perfect teriyaki honey salmon lies in the sauce consistency. It should be:

• Thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
• Glossy in appearance
• Rich in color
• Smooth with no lumps

Temperature Control

Whether you’re making honey teriyaki salmon in the oven or pan, temperature control is crucial:

• Don’t overcook the salmon
• Watch for caramelization of the honey
• Allow the sauce to reduce properly

Serving Suggestions

Your honey teriyaki salmon deserves perfect accompaniments. Here are some recommended pairings:

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Roasted Asian vegetables
• Stir-fried bok choy
• Sesame noodles
• Asian slaw

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Pickled ginger
• Nori strips
• Micro greens

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover honey teriyaki salmon, proper storage is essential:

• Store in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven
• Add fresh sauce when reheating

Make-Ahead Tips

For busy weeknights, you can prepare elements of this dish in advance:

• Make the teriyaki sauce up to 5 days ahead
• Marinate the salmon overnight
• Prep garnishes and side dishes in advance

Health Benefits

This honey teriyaki salmon recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s nutritious too:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• High in protein
• Contains antioxidants from honey
• Provides essential minerals

Variations and Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients? Here are some alternatives for your honey teriyaki salmon:

• Use maple syrup instead of honey
• Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce
• Try different types of vinegar
• Experiment with various aromatics

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing honey teriyaki glazed salmon, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Overcooking the salmon
• Using too much sauce
• Not patting the salmon dry
• Skipping the marination time
• Using low-quality ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about honey teriyaki salmon:

What ingredients do I need to make honey teriyaki salmon?

You’ll need honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, water, ginger, garlic, salmon fillets, sesame seeds, and green onions.

How do I make honey teriyaki salmon?

Start by simmering honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and water to make the teriyaki sauce. Pour half over the salmon and bake. Finish by drizzling with remaining sauce and garnishing.

What kind of salmon should I use?

Steelhead salmon is excellent as it maintains moisture well during cooking, but any high-quality salmon fillet will work.

How long should I marinate the salmon?

For best results, marinate for 45 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

What is the best way to cook teriyaki salmon?

Both pan-frying and baking work well. Pan-frying offers more control over caramelization, while baking is more hands-off.

How long do I cook salmon at 425°F (220°C)?

Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

What can I serve with teriyaki salmon?

Rice, Asian-style vegetables, or creamy spinach make excellent accompaniments.

How do I make the teriyaki glaze?

Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Simmer until thickened.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of powdered ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger is preferred for the best flavor.

How do I store fresh ginger?

Store fresh ginger in the freezer for extended shelf life.

Conclusion

Mastering honey teriyaki salmon opens up a world of delicious dinner possibilities. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a dish that’s both impressive and accessible. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet family dinner or hosting guests, this honey teriyaki glazed salmon recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ready to try your hand at this delicious dish? Remember to take your time, follow the steps carefully, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below!