Super easy and quick teriyaki salmon for a satisfying bowl!
Teriyaki sauce is a star in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its rich, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour. Perfect for marinating and glazing, it gives dishes that irresistible glossy finish. The balance of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar creates a versatile sauce that enhances the taste of any protein it accompanies.
I’ve made teriyaki chicken many times due to its simplicity and versatility, and you can easily create your own teriyaki sauce at home. Today, I’m showing you how to make this flavourful teriyaki salmon that only takes 15 minutes—perfect for a lazy weekday lunch!
What is Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a fundamental component of Japanese cuisine, combining the perfect balance of soy sauce (for saltiness), mirin and sake (for sweetness and depth), and sugar (for additional sweetness and caramelisation). The term “teriyaki” refers to both the cooking technique and the sauce. In Japanese, “teri” means luster or shine, and “yaki” means to grill or broil. This sauce is commonly used for marinating and glazing meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables, providing them with a deliciously shiny and flavourful coating.
Why is Teriyaki Sauce Popular?
Teriyaki sauce’s popularity stems from its ability to enhance a variety of dishes with minimal effort. Its umami-rich taste profile appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a favourite in both traditional Japanese and modern fusion cuisines. The sauce’s adaptability allows it to be used in various cooking methods, from grilling to stir-frying, making it a staple in many households and restaurants worldwide.
Enjoy this quick and delicious teriyaki salmon that brings the authentic flavours of Japanese cuisine to your table in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re making a lazy weekday lunch or a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savoury and sweet.
15-Minute Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet (about 120g) sliced into bite-sized pieces
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling
- Vegetable oil for cooking
MARINADE SAUCE
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or sugar Feel free to add garlic or ginger to create your own flavour.
TO PAIR (SUGGESTIONS)
- Steamed rice
- Chopped spring onion
- Asian pickles
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, and maple syrup thoroughly.
- Add the salmon pieces to the sauce mixture. Allow them to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat sufficient oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the marinated salmon pieces until golden brown on each side.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and continue cooking until there’s less liquid remaining in the pan.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onion over the dish before serving.
