Description
This Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon features tender, flaky salmon fillets glazed with a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Easy to prepare and bake, this flavorful dish is garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, making it a perfect option for a wholesome 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 can be used with reduced salt to ¼ teaspoon)
- 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: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 1-inch baking sheet or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the salmon won’t stick while baking.
- 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 this mixture over medium heat for about 3 minutes, allowing it to simmer until the sugar has fully dissolved and flavors meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce to help it thicken. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to thicken, then remove from heat.
- Reserve Sauce: Remove about ¼ cup of the thickened sauce and set it aside for brushing on the salmon later, enhancing its flavor and glaze after baking.
- Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use a pastry brush if desired for an even spread.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the salmon moist 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. Optionally, remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Finish and Garnish: After baking, brush the reserved ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce over the salmon for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately, ideally alongside steamed rice.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, but if using regular soy sauce, reduce the added salt accordingly.
- Allowing the sauce to thicken before applying prevents the salmon from becoming too soggy.
- Check salmon doneness with a thermometer for perfect cooking; avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the salmon in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Baked Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon, Sesame Teriyaki Sauce, Easy Salmon Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Japanese Inspired
