Simple Homemade Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sesame Rice

January 15, 2025

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this Simple Homemade Teriyaki Glazed Salmon! Juicy, perfectly caramelized salmon meets nutty sesame rice for a delightful, restaurant-worthy meal made right in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—let’s cook up something amazing!

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Oh, salmon lovers, today is your lucky day! Imagine the experience of dining at a top-notch Japanese bistro — but instead, you’re kicking back at home in your coziest socks. That’s the vibe we’re bringing with this Simple Homemade Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sesame Rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough to impress anyone in your life (or maybe just yourself — self-love dinners are a thing!), yet it’s ridiculously simple to whip up. You won't believe how a few pantry staples can transform salmon into a sticky-sweet, umami-packed star of the show.

Simple Homemade Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sesame Rice Recipe

What makes this recipe shine — oh, and I mean really shine — is the glossy, caramelized teriyaki glaze. It’s a perfect balance of salty soy sauce, sweet honey, and just a hint of zingy ginger. The salmon is seared to golden perfection so the sauce clings to it like a delicious, edible hug. Then, there’s the sesame rice — oh, don’t even get me started. Toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of nutty sesame oil turn simple steamed rice into the hero side dish you didn’t know you needed. Together, they’re a flavor power duo that is so good, you might catch yourself licking the plate clean. (No judgment here, by the way!)

Now, let’s talk tips because I’ve got plenty to share with you! First, always pat your salmon dry before cooking — this helps it sear nicely and keeps the glaze from becoming watery. If you’re short on fresh ginger, ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is best for that little spice kick. And for the rice? Try to use day-old rice if you have it! It soaks up the sesame flavors even better and gives it that slightly chewy, restaurant-like texture. Oh, and don’t forget to watch your glaze while it simmers — it thickens quickly, and you want it just right: glossy and spoonable, not overly sticky.

You absolutely have to try this recipe — it’s going to rock your dinner game! Serve your teriyaki salmon and sesame rice with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad for a fresh contrast to all that rich, savory goodness. Want to mix it up? Try swapping the rice for quinoa or using the teriyaki glaze on chicken or tofu instead. This recipe is so flexible, it’s practically begging to be your new go-to. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be adding this dish to your weekly rotation faster than you can say “teriyaki!”

Keywords: simple teriyaki salmon dinner, homemade teriyaki glaze recipe, best sesame rice side dish, easy salmon teriyaki recipe, quick Japanese-inspired dinner, teriyaki salmon weeknight meal, how to make sesame rice

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Japanese

Ingredients

•4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
•1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
•1/4 cup honey
•1 tablespoon rice vinegar
•1 tablespoon sesame oil
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
•1 teaspoon cornstarch
•2 teaspoons water
•2 cups cooked white rice
•1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
•2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
2
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the saucepan and let the mixture thicken for about 1-2 minutes.
3
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the skillet.
4
Brush the salmon fillets generously with the teriyaki glaze and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, brushing with more glaze, until fully cooked and flaky.
5
While the salmon is cooking, prepare white rice and stir in toasted sesame seeds.
6
To serve, plate a portion of sesame rice and top with a teriyaki-glazed salmon fillet. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories

Protein

35g

Carbs

35g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

A: Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm, flaky fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets, so ensure the fish is cooked until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q: What can I use as a substitute for honey?

A: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar. Keep in mind that each substitute may slightly alter the flavor profile of the teriyaki glaze, but all will still provide the necessary sweetness.

Q: How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the skillet?

A: To prevent sticking, ensure the skillet is fully preheated and lightly coated with oil or cooking spray before adding the salmon. Also, avoid moving the salmon too soon—let it cook undisturbed on one side until it naturally releases from the pan.

Q: Can I make the teriyaki glaze ahead of time?

A: Yes, the teriyaki glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently over low heat before using, and add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

Q: How should I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?

A: Store leftover salmon and sesame rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying it out, and warm the rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Q: Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

A: Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice are great alternatives to white rice. Just adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose and stir in the sesame seeds before serving.

Q: What are some additional garnish or side dish suggestions?

A: You can garnish the dish with extra toasted sesame seeds, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor. For side dishes, steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad would complement the salmon and rice beautifully.

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