I absolutely love cooking with salmon, and one of my favorite ways to prepare it is with a delicious teriyaki glaze.
This dish brings together the rich flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Plus, the addition of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and a nutty finish that elevates the whole meal.
Ingredient List
To create my delicious Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds, I gather the following ingredients:
- Salmon Fillets – 4 (6-ounce) fillets, skinless preferred
- Soy Sauce – 1/2 cup, low-sodium for a healthier option
- Honey – 1/4 cup, for a touch of sweetness
- Rice Vinegar – 2 tablespoons, to add a tangy flavor
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
- Fresh Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced for a spicy kick
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon, for a nutty essence
- Sesame Seeds – 2 tablespoons, toasted for crunch
- Green Onions – 2, sliced for garnish
- Optional – Steamed rice or vegetables for serving
I make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before I start cooking.
Each component contributes essential flavors and textures to the dish, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the skinless salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to seep into the fish.
- Preheat the Oven: While the salmon marinates, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice glaze.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. This also helps prevent the fish from sticking.
- Bake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over each fillet. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: While the salmon cooks, heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with sliced green onions. For a complete meal, serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables if desired.
Recipe Notes & Variations
I love experimenting with my Teriyaki Salmon recipe to keep it exciting. Here are some notes and variations you might enjoy:
Marinating Time
For deeper flavor, you can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours. Just be careful not to exceed this time, as the acidity in the marinade can alter the texture of the fish.
Alternate Sweeteners
Feel free to replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different level of sweetness. Each option brings its own unique character to the dish.
Additional Flavorings
Consider adding a splash of orange juice or a bit of grated zest to the marinade for a citrusy twist. A teaspoon of Sriracha or chili paste can add a kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Sesame Seed Options
Instead of just using toasted sesame seeds, you can mix in some poppy seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch and flavor variations.
Cooking Methods
If you want a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon instead of baking it. Preheat your grill and cook the salmon skin-side down for about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness. Flip it for the last minute to get those nice grill marks.
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing my Teriyaki Salmon with ginger-infused quinoa or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch. You can also serve it over stir-fried veggies for an additional health boost.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftovers, flake the salmon and mix it into pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It makes for an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to presenting my Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds, I love to elevate the experience with thoughtful pairings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the rich flavors of the dish:
- Steamed Rice: I often serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the savory teriyaki glaze, creating a harmonious balance. I like to sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Colorful sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the plate. I toss them in a splash of sesame oil and a sprinkle of soy sauce to tie them into the meal nicely.
- Ginger-Infused Quinoa: If I’m looking for something a bit different, ginger-infused quinoa is my go-to. It offers a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the salmon while adding a healthy twist.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad is a perfect contrast to the rich teriyaki glaze. I simply slice cucumbers and toss them with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar for a quick pickled effect.
- Garnish Options: To make my dish eye-catching, I often finish it with thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of additional marinade. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also intensifies the flavors.
- Serving Temperature: I prefer to serve the salmon warm but find it delicious even at room temperature. This flexibility allows me to enjoy it as a casual lunch or an impressive dinner.
With these serving suggestions, I can create a beautiful and mouth-watering plate that showcases my Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds in a delightful way.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for my Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds. This dish not only tastes amazing but also provides a variety of health benefits.
Below is a table detailing the approximate nutrition information per serving:
Nutritional Component | Amount Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 calories |
Protein | 30 grams |
Total Fat | 14 grams |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 grams |
Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 1 gram |
Sugars | 8 grams |
Sodium | 550 milligrams |
Conclusion
I really hope you give this Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds a try. It’s become a favorite in my kitchen and I can’t get enough of the flavors.
The combination of the sweet and savory glaze with the crunch of sesame seeds makes every bite a delight.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion it’s sure to impress.
Plus the versatility of this dish means you can easily switch things up with sides or marinades. Enjoy the process and make it your own. Happy cooking!
PrintTeriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
-
- Salmon Fillets – 4 (6-ounce) fillets, skinless preferred
-
- Soy Sauce – 1/2 cup, low-sodium for a healthier option
-
- Honey – 1/4 cup, for a touch of sweetness
-
- Rice Vinegar – 2 tablespoons, to add a tangy flavor
-
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
-
- Fresh Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced for a spicy kick
-
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon, for a nutty essence
-
- Sesame Seeds – 2 tablespoons, toasted for crunch
-
- Green Onions – 2, sliced for garnish
-
- Optional – Steamed rice or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the skinless salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to seep into the fish.
- Preheat the Oven: While the salmon marinates, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice glaze.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. This also helps prevent the fish from sticking.
- Bake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over each fillet. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: While the salmon cooks, heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with sliced green onions. For a complete meal, serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables if desired.