Teriyaki Grilled Salmon with Sesame Seeds
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Teriyaki Grilled Salmon with Sesame Seeds! Featuring tender grilled salmon glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce and topped with crunchy sesame seeds, this easy seafood recipe is perfect for healthy dinners, weeknight meals, and Asian-inspired food lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the grill)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted for garnish)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional garnish)
- For the Teriyaki Marinade/Glaze:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or substitute with honey + rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thicker glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade to use as glaze later.
- Step 2: Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over salmon and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes (do not over-marinate to avoid overpowering the fish).
- Step 3: Prepare the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F / 190–200°C). Brush grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Grill the Salmon: Remove salmon from marinade and pat lightly with paper towels to prevent flare-ups. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork. In a small saucepan, heat reserved marinade. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker glaze is desired. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Garnish and Finish: Brush salmon with warm teriyaki glaze. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions.