Honey Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, honey teriyaki salmon is the perfect dish. The combination of sweet honey and savoury teriyaki sauce makes this dish a family favourite, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal packed with flavour and nutrition.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious salmon with teriyaki and honey​, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients combine to create a marinade that balances the natural sweetness of honey with the umami flavours of soy and teriyaki sauce, making the salmon incredibly flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Teriyaki Sauce

The key to this dish is the honey teriyaki sauce. It’s simple to make, and you can tweak the flavour according to your taste.

• Whisk together soy sauce, honey, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick for some heat.
• Set the sauce aside and move on to preparing the salmon.

2. Marinate the Salmon

Marinating the salmon is crucial for infusing it with the bold flavours of the honey teriyaki sauce.

• Put the salmon fillets in a shallow container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the honey teriyaki sauce over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated.
• Allow the salmon to sit in the marinade in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Marinate for up to 1 hour for deeper flavour, but avoid going longer as the acids in the marinade could begin to “cook” the salmon.

3. Cooking Methods

Two excellent ways to cook salmon with teriyaki and honey​are baking in the oven or grilling. Both methods will produce tender, flavorful fish, but baking is the easiest and most reliable.

Baking Salmon Honey Teriyaki in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cover a baking sheet with foil and apply a light coat of grease to avoid sticking.
• Place the marinated salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down (if using skin-on fillets).
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The honey will create a lovely caramelized coating on the exterior.
• Optional: For extra caramelization, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes of cooking time.

Grilling Salmon Honey Teriyaki:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat.
• Apply oil to the grill grates to avoid food sticking.
• Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting it with extra honey teriyaki sauce as it cooks until the salmon is cooked through and has grill marks.

4. Garnishing and Serving

After your salmon has been cooked just right, it’s time to decorate and present it.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add texture and freshness.
• Recommended pairings: Combine salmon honey teriyaki with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a nutritious meal. Add a side of stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a complete, nutritious dinner.

Tips for the Best Honey Teriyaki Salmon

• Avoid overcooking: Salmon should be moist and flaky. Check the doneness by gently pressing on the thickest part with a fork—it should flake easily but still be tender inside.
• Skin-on vs. skinless: If using skin-on salmon, cook with the skin side down to help protect the flesh during cooking. The skin will peel off easily once cooked.
• Adjusting flavours: If you prefer a more savoury dish, reduce the amount of honey. Add more honey or a touch of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.

Health Benefits of Honey Teriyaki Salmon

Salmon honey teriyaki is both tasty and healthy. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and help decrease inflammation. It’s also a great source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D. The honey in this recipe provides natural sweetness, while ginger and garlic offer additional antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.

Conclusion

Honey teriyaki salmon is a perfect dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours in a simple, easy-to-prepare recipe. Whether baking it in the oven or grilling it, this meal offers a healthy, protein-packed option bursting with flavour. Try it for your next weeknight dinner or special occasion, and enjoy the balance of honey, soy, and teriyaki that makes this salmon dish irresistible!

FAQs

Can you cook honey teriyaki salmon in the oven?

Yes, baking salmon honey teriyaki in the oven is one of the easiest methods and ensures an even cooking. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the marinated salmon for 12-15 minutes until cooked.

How long should you marinate salmon in honey teriyaki sauce?

For best results, marinate salmon for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This gives the fish enough time to absorb the flavors of the honey, soy, and teriyaki sauce without overpowering the salmon’s natural taste.

What sides go well with salmon honey teriyaki?

Salmon honey teriyaki pairs well with various sides, including steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. For a healthier option, serve with roasted or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.