Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the richness of salmon with the bold, sweet-savory flavor of teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want something satisfying and nutritious. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with little effort. The salmon fillets are baked to tender perfection while the teriyaki sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, enhancing every bite.
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, making this a smart choice for a balanced diet. Pair it with rice and broccoli, and you’ve got a full meal that covers all the bases—protein, carbs, fiber, and flavor. It’s also a highly customizable recipe. You can use homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce and adjust the sides to suit your taste or what you already have in the fridge.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for the family, or just want something restaurant-quality at home, this easy baked teriyaki salmon is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Flavor
The homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce gives the salmon a sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavor that soaks into every bite.
Quick and Easy
This recipe requires minimal prep and bakes in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritious
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3s, while broccoli and rice round out the meal with fiber and complex carbs.
Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters enjoy the sweet and savory profile of teriyaki sauce, making this a hit with all ages.
Great for Meal Prep
Make several fillets at once and store for later—this recipe reheats well and holds up over a few days.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Teriyaki sauce
- Cooked rice
- Cooked broccoli
- Diced scallion
Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a little heat.
- Honey Garlic Twist: Swap teriyaki sauce for a mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Kick: Add orange or pineapple juice to the teriyaki sauce for a tropical touch.
- Vegetable Swap: Use green beans, snow peas, or asparagus instead of broccoli.
- Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the salmon for a smoky finish.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of teriyaki sauce over each piece.
Step 3
Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches your desired doneness.
Step 4
While the salmon bakes, warm the cooked rice and broccoli if preparing fresh.
Step 5
Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce if desired.
Step 6
Serve each salmon fillet over a bed of rice with broccoli on the side, and garnish with diced scallions.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pat the salmon dry before brushing with sauce to help it bake evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (salmon is done at 145°F).
- Marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce for 15–30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
- Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the salmon tender and moist.
How to Serve
Serve baked teriyaki salmon over steamed white or brown rice with a side of broccoli or other steamed vegetables. Garnish with diced scallions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and vegetables in separate containers if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon fillets for up to 2 months. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a microwave at medium power or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before baking.
2. Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely, bottled sauce works well. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
3. How long should I bake the salmon?
Bake for 12–15 minutes at 400°F, or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the salmon in advance and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce.
6. What other vegetables go well with this dish?
Green beans, bok choy, snap peas, or asparagus all work great.
7. Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, just brush with teriyaki sauce and grill for 4–6 minutes per side over medium heat.
8. Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes, though the skin helps hold moisture. Skinless fillets will still work fine.
9. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer to check and bake just until done.
10. Can I use this recipe with other types of fish?
Yes, cod, halibut, or trout are good substitutes, but cooking times may vary.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a reliable, flavorful, and wholesome dish that fits beautifully into any meal plan. It’s quick enough for weeknights, delicious enough for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe delivers on simplicity and taste—making it a staple worth keeping in your kitchen repertoire.
Print
Easy Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple, flavorful baked salmon recipe with homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Served with steamed rice and broccoli, it’s a balanced meal packed with delicious umami taste.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
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1 batch teriyaki sauce (see note below)
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2 cups cooked rice (to serve)
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2 cups cooked broccoli (to serve)
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⅓ cup diced scallion (to garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin side down.
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Brush each fillet generously with teriyaki sauce.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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While the salmon is baking, prepare cooked rice and steamed broccoli.
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Serve the baked salmon over rice, with broccoli on the side.
- Garnish with diced scallions before serving.
Notes
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Teriyaki sauce can be store-bought or homemade using soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger.
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Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness of the fillets.
- For extra flavor, marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired