How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon
Japanese · Easy · 17 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient teriyaki salmon uses salmon fillets glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Just three ingredients come together to create a beautifully caramelized glaze over flaky tender salmon that is on the table in under 20 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 17 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 fillets salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 0.5 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce and honey. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki honey mixture over them. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes while you preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin side up in the hot pan. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until golden, then flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
Pour the remaining teriyaki honey glaze over the salmon fillets in the pan. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish as it caramelizes and the salmon cooks through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- teriyaki sauce → a mix of equal parts soy sauce and a little brown sugar if you do not have teriyaki sauce on hand
- honey → maple syrup or brown sugar for an equally sweet caramelized glaze
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Moving the salmon too early during searing before it has developed a crust, which causes it to stick and fall apart
- Using too high heat when adding the honey glaze, which causes it to burn and turn bitter before the salmon is fully cooked
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 34g protein, 14g carbs, 12g fat, 0g fiber.
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