Introduction

This Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The rich teriyaki glaze infused with sesame aroma complements the tender salmon wonderfully. Serve it with rice for a satisfying meal.

Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 6-ounce salmon fillets
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or regular soy sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 1-inch baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the mixture simmers and the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the saucepan.
Step 4: Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later use.
Step 5: Place the salmon fillets in the prepared pan and pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. You may use a pastry brush to spread the sauce evenly.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque in the center and reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit on a thermometer. For a browned top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking if desired.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven, brush the salmon with the reserved sauce, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately, ideally with cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier twist, add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.
Regular soy sauce can replace low-sodium soy sauce, but reduce added salt accordingly to prevent over-salting.
To add more texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. To maintain the glaze’s flavor, spoon some reserved sauce over the salmon before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with baked sesame teriyaki salmon?

This salmon pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce combining brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Baked to perfection and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it makes a flavorful and healthy main dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese-American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 6-ounce salmon fillets

Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (regular soy sauce will work, reduce salt to ¼ teaspoon if used)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Garnish

Thinly sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 1-inch sheet pan or baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground black pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the mixture starts simmering and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk this mixture into the saucepan with the simmering sauce.
Boil to thicken: Bring the sauce back to a boil and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to thicken noticeably. Remove the pan from heat and reserve ¼ cup of this sauce separately for later use.
Arrange the salmon: Place the salmon fillets evenly spaced in the prepared baking pan. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce evenly over the top of the fillets. For more even coating, you can use a pastry brush to spread the sauce.
Bake the salmon: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. The salmon is done when it is opaque in the center or reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For a slightly browned top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Finish and garnish: After baking, brush the salmon with the reserved ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute regular soy sauce, but reduce added salt since regular soy sauce is saltier than low-sodium.
To ensure even cooking, choose salmon fillets of similar size and thickness.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons with water accordingly.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Minced jarred garlic may alter the taste slightly.
Check salmon doneness with a food thermometer to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.
Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated or used as a marinade.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Keywords: Baked Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon, Sesame Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Oven-Baked Fish, Asian-Inspired Salmon