Flavorful Teriyaki Salmon with Toasted Sesame Seeds
A quick and easy teriyaki salmon recipe featuring a perfectly balanced sweet and umami sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 g) each
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) mirin
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons (18 g) toasted sesame seeds
- 1–2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red chili flakes
Instructions
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry small skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Place salmon fillets skin-side down, pressing gently to prevent curling. Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and releases easily.
- Flip and glaze: Carefully turn the fillets over. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the salmon with a glossy glaze.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the salmon. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a pinch of red chili flakes if using.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh while the skin is crisp and the glaze shiny. Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Toast sesame seeds separately for best flavor and crunch. Control heat carefully to avoid burning the sauce. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Marinating salmon for 15 minutes intensifies flavor but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
Keywords: teriyaki salmon, salmon recipe, toasted sesame seeds, easy salmon, quick dinner, Asian salmon, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon