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Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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