Name: Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1 green onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 2-3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon chili flakes; ½ lemon, juiced; ½ tablespoon gluten-free flour

Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine this: tender, flaky salmon fillets glistening under a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, baked to perfection with minimal fuss. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of delicious simplicity that consistently satisfies. People adore Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a fraction of the effort, making it ideal for even the busiest cooks. What truly sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of umami-rich soy sauce, subtle sweetness, and a hint of ginger and garlic that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon. It’s incredibly versatile, pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables, and always feels a little bit special, even on a Tuesday. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this wonderfully accessible and utterly delicious creation.

Ingredients:

4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 green onion, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup fresh orange juice
2-3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon chili flakes
½ lemon, juiced
½ tablespoon gluten-free flour

Preparing the Salmon

Before we dive into creating that glorious teriyaki glaze, let’s get our salmon fillets ready. Pat each salmon fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on the edges and ensuring the glaze adheres well. We want to remove as much surface moisture as possible. Then, lightly season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t overdo the salt, as the soy sauce in our teriyaki will bring plenty of saltiness to the dish. Arrange the prepared salmon fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. I like to use a shallow dish that fits the fillets snugly, as this helps them cook more evenly.

Crafting the Easy Baked Teriyaki Glaze

Now for the star of the show – our easy baked teriyaki glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, and chili flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. If you prefer a milder spice, you can start with ½ teaspoon of chili flakes and add more to your liking. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase it. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the ginger and garlic to soften, releasing their aromatic compounds.

Thickening the Teriyaki Glaze

To achieve that perfectly thick, luscious teriyaki glaze that coats the salmon beautifully, we need to thicken it slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ tablespoon of gluten-free flour with 2-3 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth slurry. Ensure there are no lumps of flour. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering teriyaki sauce in the saucepan. Continue to cook and stir the glaze over medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon without being too watery. Once thickened, remove the glaze from the heat and stir in the ½ lemon, juiced. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness of the teriyaki.

Glazing and Baking the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the teriyaki glaze has cooled slightly, pour about half of it evenly over the salmon fillets in the baking dish. Make sure to get some of that delicious sauce underneath and around the fish. Reserve the remaining glaze for serving. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. You’re looking for the salmon to be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as dry salmon is never enjoyable! A good indicator is when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the salmon is perfectly baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle the reserved teriyaki glaze over the cooked salmon fillets. This extra glaze adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal. Garnish generously with the sliced green onion and sprinkle the tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top. The green onion provides a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sweet and savory glaze, while the sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch. Serve your Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The vibrant flavors and tender texture of the salmon are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Conclusion:

There you have it! This Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a fantastic way to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table with minimal fuss. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a tender and flaky salmon that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Feel free to experiment with the glaze ingredients to tailor it to your taste preferences, perhaps adding a touch of ginger or chili flakes for an extra kick.

For serving suggestions, this salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or roasted broccoli. You can also transform leftovers into delicious salmon salads or add them to stir-fries. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of fish?

While this recipe is optimized for salmon due to its rich flavor and texture that holds up well to baking, you could potentially adapt it for other firm, oily fish like cod or sea bass. However, cooking times might need adjustment.

How long does the teriyaki glaze last if I make extra?

Homemade teriyaki glaze can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before storing.