Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly seared salmon glazed with a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes pairs skinless salmon fillet, brown rice, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse brown rice and cook in a pot with 2 cups water over medium heat for 18-20 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillet on a baking sheet. Brush the teriyaki glaze evenly over the top.
  4. Step 4: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: While the salmon cooks, squeeze lemon juice over the rice to add brightness.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon over the rice, garnished with sesame seeds and a dollop of wasabi.
  7. Step 7: Enjoy with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for balance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep skinless salmon fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Salmon?

Japanese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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