| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 4 pieces |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Grated ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Green onions, sliced | For garnish |
Craving a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a mouthwatering way to enjoy salmon with the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. As this recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners, you’ll find its simplicity satisfying and its taste rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Pour half of the marinade over the salmon fillets and allow them to marinate for about 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Heat the remaining marinade in a saucepan until slightly thickened, then brush it over the baked salmon.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Enjoy introducing this new favorite to your culinary rotation! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and you’re sure to appreciate the delightful blend of flavors in each bite.
Preparing the Salmon
To make the perfect teriyaki baked salmon, you need to start by choosing high-quality salmon and preparing it properly for cooking. Selecting fresh, great-quality salmon and handling the fillets with care will ensure your dish turns out delicious.
Selecting the Best Salmon
When choosing salmon, freshness is key. Look for fillets that are bright in color, ranging from pink to deep orange, with a firm texture. The salmon should have a fresh scent—not fishy or off-putting. Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible, as it tends to have a richer flavor and better texture.
When purchasing whole salmon, check that the eyes are clear and slightly bulging. The gills should be bright red or pink, and the scales should be shiny and intact. Buying from a trusted fishmonger or reputable store ensures higher quality and freshness. If fresh salmon is not an option, frozen fillets are a good alternative, as they are typically frozen shortly after being caught.
Prepping the Fillets
- Rinse and Pat Dry: Start by rinsing the salmon fillets under cold water to remove any scales or surface bacteria. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Remove Any Bones: Run your fingers along the fillets to check for any remaining pin bones. Use tweezers to gently remove them.
- Trim and Cut if Necessary: Depending on the thickness, you might want to trim the fillets for even cooking. If you prefer smaller portions, cut the fillets into individual serving sizes.
- Seasoning: Prepare a simple marinade with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic. Place the fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
These steps will help in preparing your salmon, setting the stage for a delicious baked teriyaki dish.
Creating the Teriyaki Glaze
Making a teriyaki glaze from scratch brings out rich flavors that enhance the salmon’s taste. You’ll combine simple ingredients, cook them to the perfect consistency, and apply the glaze for a delicious finishing touch.
Combining Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. These components create the traditional sweet and savory profile of teriyaki.
- Measure out ¼ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of mirin, and ¼ cup of sake. These liquids form the base of your glaze.
- Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to provide sweetness. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger. These add an aromatic depth to the glaze.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This ensures a smooth base before you start cooking.
Cooking the Sauce
After combining ingredients, the next step is cooking, which thickens the glaze.
- Pour the mixed ingredients into a medium saucepan. Begin heating them over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. This helps to mix the flavors evenly.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer the glaze gently for about 10 minutes. This allows it to thicken into a syrupy texture.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency. If the glaze becomes too thick, add a little water to reach the desired texture.
This method concentrates the flavors and prepares the glaze for application.
Glazing the Salmon
Once your glaze reaches the right consistency, it’s time to apply it to the salmon.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil to ease cleanup.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the glaze adhere.
- Generously brush the glaze over the salmon. Make sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The glaze will caramelize, creating a rich, flavorful crust.
This step highlights the glaze’s flavor, making your baked teriyaki salmon a standout dish.
