Name: One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 6 salmon filets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 4 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/coconut sugar as substitute); 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 dash Sriracha; 1/3 cup water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Sesame seeds; Spring onions (green onions), sliced

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I absolutely love how simple and satisfying this One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe is. The moment I take a bite, I’m greeted by flaky, tender salmon that’s perfectly coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly, making it my go-to whenever I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

What really makes this One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe special to me is the depth of flavor packed into that glossy sauce. The sweet brown sugar balanced with soy sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, and just a hint of spicy Sriracha creates a beautiful harmony that enhances the natural richness of the salmon. It’s not just about sweetness or saltiness; it’s a complex, addictive taste that keeps me coming back for seconds every time.

The ease of preparation is another reason this recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. Everything cooks together in just one pan, which means less mess and less fuss. I love how quickly it comes together, especially on busy weeknights or when I want something delicious yet effortless. Plus, it’s perfect for entertaining because it looks gorgeous on the plate and feels like a real treat without requiring you to be a pro chef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled nearly to the top with a dark brown sauce that has a glossy and smooth texture. A spoon is dipped into the jar, lifted above it, with the sauce dripping slowly from the spoon’s bowl. The background has white tiles and the jar sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. A small sprig of green parsley is visible near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in a handful of essential ingredients, each chosen to bring out the best taste, texture, and color in the dish. From the salmon itself to the simple pantry staples that transform into that luscious teriyaki glaze, every element plays a key role.

Salmon filets: I always go for fresh, skin-on filets for maximum flavor and flaky texture.
Olive oil: This helps to sear the salmon beautifully and adds a subtle fruity note.
Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds a nutty depth that makes the glaze irresistible.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce that brings umami to every bite.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization; I sometimes swap it for honey for a lighter touch.
Garlic: Fresh, pressed garlic packs more punch and aroma than pre-minced.
Fresh ginger: I grate mine right before cooking for that zesty warmth.
Sriracha: Just a dash gives a playful kick without overpowering the sauce.
Water: Helps to balance the consistency of the glaze and cook the salmon gently.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly to cling to the salmon like a glaze.
Sesame seeds and spring onions (optional): These garnishes add crunch and freshness for a perfect finish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon, so you get a nice sear.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, grated ginger, Sriracha, water, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. This will be your luscious teriyaki glaze.

Step 3: Place the salmon filets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 2 minutes without moving them. This helps create a beautiful crust.

Step 4: Flip the salmon gently and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, making sure it’s browned but not fully cooked yet.

Step 5: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, then carefully nestle the filets into the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low to prevent burning the glaze.

Step 6: Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 63 degrees Celsius (145 Fahrenheit) for perfect doneness.

Step 7: When ready, serve the salmon over steamed rice, garnished generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The prep time is just 5 minutes, which is a real time-saver, and the cooking takes roughly 15 minutes. So from start to finish, you’re looking at 20 minutes to a restaurant-worthy meal. There’s no resting time needed here — you want to serve and enjoy it warm so the glaze is at its most luscious and the salmon is at its flaky best.

How to Serve This One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bed of white rice forming the base layer, on top of which is a thick, grilled piece of salmon coated with a shiny, dark orange glaze and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green herbs. To the left of the salmon, three bright orange slices are arranged neatly on the rice. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a glass of orange juice on the top left and a small black cup on the top right, both partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this salmon, I love placing it on a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that incredible teriyaki sauce. Sometimes, I add steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to keep the meal balanced and colorful. These sides complement the flavors wonderfully without overpowering the star of the dish.

For garnishes, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced spring onions on top adds a fresh brightness and a slight crunch—and I always think presentation makes the meal feel even more special. When I want to impress guests, I arrange the salmon carefully with some lemon wedges, which add a nice zesty contrast if squeezed over before eating.

In terms of beverages, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, refreshing Asian beer. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, I often enjoy iced green tea or a sparkling yuzu soda to brighten the palate. This recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, lively family gatherings, or even holiday meals when you want to serve something a bit more elegant but still easy to prepare.

Variations

I like to customize this One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, I simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which keeps all that umami flavor intact but makes it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

For a vegan twist, I sometimes prepare the same sauce and glaze it over firm tofu or seitan instead of salmon. The key is to press and dry the tofu well, then pan-sear until crispy before saucing it up. Flavor-wise, it’s such a versatile recipe that you can even add chili flakes for more heat or swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

If you prefer, you can also try baking the salmon in the oven with the teriyaki glaze poured over it for around 12-15 minutes at 400°F (205°C). It’s a hands-off approach that still delivers moist, flavorful salmon, and you can roast vegetables on the side at the same time, making cleanup a breeze.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, I transfer leftover teriyaki glazed salmon to an airtight container to keep it fresh. It holds up well in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-sealing lid works best to prevent any aromas from escaping or mingling with other foods.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the salmon and sauce tasting fresh for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze before garnishing to preserve the textures of the sesame seeds and green onions.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the salmon or losing that silky sauce, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the glaze has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to cook unevenly and can toughen the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before cooking for the best texture and even cooking. Pat it dry well to get that nice sear in the pan.

What can I substitute for brown sugar in the glaze?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, honey, coconut sugar, or even maple syrup are great alternatives that add natural sweetness and complement the teriyaki flavors well.

Is the Sriracha necessary in this recipe?

The Sriracha adds a subtle heat and depth, but if you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave it out or reduce the amount. The glaze will still be deliciously sweet and savory.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the teriyaki sauce mix ahead and store it in the fridge, then cook the salmon fresh when ready. However, the salmon is best enjoyed right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

What sides go best with this teriyaki salmon?

I love serving it with steamed rice, sautéed green veggies like bok choy, or even a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Asian-style slaws and noodles are also fantastic companions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free meal, I can’t recommend this One Pan Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe enough. It’s genuinely one of my favorite dishes to whip up when I want something comforting yet elegant. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!