– **Title**: Baked Teriyaki Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
– Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the mixture.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the teriyaki mixture generously over the salmon.
4. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. You can baste the salmon with the sauce halfway through the cooking time for added flavor.
5. While the salmon is baking, you can warm any remaining teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through.
6. Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and sprinkle the sesame seeds and green onions on top for garnish.
7. Serve the baked teriyaki salmon with cooked rice or steamed vegetables, drizzling with any warm teriyaki sauce left over.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Teriyaki Salmon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of this dish. If you can’t find salmon, trout or even chicken breasts can be a great alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Teriyaki Sauce: You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience. If you prefer homemade, mix soy sauce, honey, and a bit of cornstarch for thickness. If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good swap.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best! Minced garlic and grated ginger add a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but start with less since they’re more concentrated.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you can try maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes.
Rice Vinegar: This is optional, but I love it for a touch of acidity. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work too.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking time just right is crucial for tender and flaky salmon. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to cook the salmon evenly.
- For regular fillets, 15-20 minutes is typically enough. Check by inserting a fork — it should flake easily.
- For thicker cuts, keep an eye on them as they might need a couple more minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist!
Remember, every oven is a bit different. Next time, jot down your cooking time to hit that perfect spot!
How to Make Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Baked Teriyaki Salmon takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and healthy dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and comes out tasty.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar if you’re using it. Stir everything until well blended. This sauce is what makes the salmon so flavorful!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some oil. Place the salmon fillets in the dish, skin side down. This helps keep the salmon moist as it cooks.
4. Season and Coat the Salmon:
Sprinkle the salmon fillets with a little salt and pepper. Then, pour the teriyaki mixture over the salmon, making sure it’s well coated. You want all that delicious sauce soaking in!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Put the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked to your liking. If you prefer it a little more cooked, leave it in a bit longer.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your beautiful salmon with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Baked Teriyaki Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the salmon in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating with the teriyaki sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Teriyaki Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade version by combining soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. For a flavorful twist, try adding a splash of pineapple juice or some sesame oil. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste!
How to Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as salmon can become dry.
What Can I Serve with Baked Teriyaki Salmon?
This salmon pairs nicely with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. For a low-carb option, consider a side of cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts!
