This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
For a meal that’s well-rounded, savory, and delicious, Healthy Teriyaki Salmon checks all of the boxes. This simple dish comes together in about 15 minutes and uses coconut sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to achieve the perfect flavor!

Enjoy easy teriyaki salmon
Though I run a recipe blog, I love a quick, simple dish just as much as the next gal! So when I discovered that cooking salmon is very easy and equally fast, I was delighted. A healthy protein-rich meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes? I’m sold.
With a rich, slightly tangy, teriyaki sauce, this healthy teriyaki salmon is a must for this week’s menu. The salmon easily sears in a pan while the sauce ingredients (think coconut sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic) thicken in a separate pot. Then, pour the sauce over the salmon, and you’re ready to go!
I love to pair it with rice and broccoli for a meal that’s arguably as good as my favorite takeout joint. So go ahead, and give this teriyaki salmon recipe a try! I can promise that you’ll love it.
Ingredients in this healthy teriyaki salmon recipe
This recipe begins with a simple salt and pepper seasoning, followed by everything you need to make a delectable teriyaki sauce.
- Salmon: The sauce in this dish is the perfect amount for enjoying with 2 filets.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning the salmon, we’ll use a simple blend of salt and pepper. Add whatever feels right.
- Avocado oil: We will use 2 tbsp of avocado oil when cooking the salmon.
- Soy sauce: First up for the teriyaki sauce is 2 tbsp of soy sauce.
- Coconut sugar: To get that sweet flavor that teriyaki always has, include 2 tbsp of coconut sugar!
- Garlic: For flavor, use 1 tsp of garlic powder. You can use a little extra if garlic is your thing.
- Ground ginger: Ginger in the amount of 1 tsp will help to round out the flavor.
- Sesame oil: Throw in 1/2 tsp of sesame oil for taste.
- Arrowroot powder: Use 1 tsp of arrowroot powder to help thicken up the sauce.
- Water: Finally, 1/2 cup of water will allow the sauce to reach the correct consistency.
What you’ll need to create this recipe
The great thing about cooking salmon is that it’s a low maintenance dish that won’t cause a huge mess in your kitchen! You’ll only need a sauce pan and a smaller sauce pot, in addition to a few paper towels (for patting it down).
For measuring, you’ll need 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1/2 cup.
How to make healthy teriyaki salmon
Who knew cooking salmon could be so easy? I don’t make it often, but when I do I’m always shocked at how simple it is. This recipe will only take about 15 minutes total.
To begin, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and season it with salt and pepper.
Next, heat a saucepan over medium-high heat with 2 tbsp of avocado oil.
Place salmon in the pan skin side up and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip, cover with the lid, and cook for 5 more minutes.
Meanwhile, heat a small sauce pot over medium-high heat and add the soy sauce, coconut sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, arrowroot powder, and water.
Bring to a rapid boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce thicken. Once thickened, turn off the heat.
Finally, pour the sauce on top of the salmon and serve!
Recipe Tips
New to cooking salmon? Here are some tips that should help.
- It cooks fast. Keep an eye on it, especially after you’ve flipped it!
- The internal temperature should reach at least 145F.
- Searing (as opposed to baking) is how you get crispy skin.
- Store leftover salmon in the refrigerator and eat within 2-3 days at the latest.
What to serve with this dish
I mentioned above that I recommend serving this salmon with rice and broccoli. If you’re looking for actual recipes, consider serving it alongside Garlic Green Beans, Maple Brussels Sprouts, or this Zucchini Caprese Salad!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
There are more mouth watering meals where this one came from! Check out these recipes for meals guaranteed to be a hit.
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
- Healthy Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Healthy Teriyaki Salmon
For a meal that’s well-rounded, savory, and delicious, Healthy Teriyaki Salmon checks all of the boxes. This simple dish comes together in about 15 minutes and uses coconut sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to achieve the perfect flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 filets of salmon
- Salt + pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (sub brown sugar)
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ยฝ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder (sub cornstarch)
- ยฝ cup water
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat saucepan over medium-high heat with 2 tbsp avocado oil.
- Place salmon in skin side up and cook for 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook for five more minutes, covering with lid to prevent splatter.
- Meanwhile, heat small sauce-pot over medium-high heat and add all sauce ingredients from soy sauce to water. Bring to a rapid boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let thicken. Once thickened, turn off heat.
- Pour sauce on top of salmon and serve alongside rice and broccoli.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Mariana says
Tried this with chicken instead of salmon today and it was really good. Paired with my rice and broccoli and it was a great quick and healthy meal. Also good for meal prepping.
Erin says
Hi Mariana, so glad you liked it and great sides! ๐
Annie says
This came out great! I used quinoa as a base. Didn’t have cornstarch so I used all purpose flour and it worked just fine. Will make again!
Erin says
Hi Annie, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!
Meghan M says
The recipe was AMAZING! I did notice the sauce didn’t quite thicken, though. I’m wondering if making the slurry first, versus adding everything into the sauce at once, matters…?
Also, I cooked it in the air fryer with the skin side up with the oil (subbed sesame oil in) brushed on top at 375 for 20 minutes (it was at proper temp in 15 min, but I kept the extra 5 for crispy skin)…. the skin was aaaaaaaabsolutely crispy. Adding the sauce… ugh. I’m drooling thinking about it again!!
Thank you for the recipe!!
Erin says
Hi Meghan, so happy you loved it!! Slurry needs to be made first or else it will be clumpy – try using a little more and letting it cook longer next time! Promise it’ll thicken right up. So happy you enjoyed!! ๐
Paula says
Just made this salmon tonight…very easy and delicious!..my husband, who does not enjoy fish, liked it!..another great recipe!…thank you!
Erin says
Hi Paula, so happy you both enjoyed it!
Paige says
Wonderful recipe! Super easy and quick! Will absolutely make again.
Erin says
Hi Paige, so glad you loved it!!
Alli says
Finally made this and will absolutely be making again soon. Added some crushed red pepper to the sauce for a little heat. So easy and so good.
Erin says
Hi Alli, so glad you loved it and great addition!
Monica Dennis says
SO easy and SO delicious! I subbed in coconut aminos and tapioca flour. Paired with basmati rice and asparagus. *chefโs kiss*
Erin says
Hi Monica, so happy you loved it!!
Mimi says
I make this salmon all the time!! Easy & delicious!
Erin says
Hi Mimi, so happy you loved it!!
Jenna says
Amazing recipe. I use the sauce for chicken/veggie stir fry as well. Itโs 10/10. Love this girl everything she makes is a1. โค๏ธโค๏ธ
Erin says
Hi Jenna, so happy you loved it so much and made it your own with chicken!
Katherine says
This was literally insanely delicious and so easy!
Erin says
Hi Katherine, so glad you loved it!!
Lauren M says
This is a 10/10! So easy and beyond delicious. Will be on repeat for dinner. Thank you for this!!
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so happy you loved it!!
Emily says
This is honestly one of the best salmon recipes Iโve made! So crispy and the sauce is delish!
Erin says
Hi Emily, so happy you loved it!!
Meaghan says
Made this last night for dinner and it was absolutely amazing and easy! Came together in less than 15 minutes. I was shocked at how amazing the teriyaki tasted too, and healthy!
Going to be a weekly staple going forward!
Erin says
Hi Meaghan, so glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah says
This is now my favorite way to make salmon!! YUM! We also tried it with tempeh and it was just as delicious!!! Super simple, and a great way to spice up a plain fish dinner! Delicious!
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you loved it!!
Kaitlin says
The salmon was perfectly crispy and the sauce is amazing!
Erin says
Hi Kaitlin, so glad you loved it!!
Rachel says
Absolutely love this recipe!!!! Sooo good. And easy. This is my go-to when making salmon!!
Erin says
Hi Rachel, so glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah says
Week night lifesaver! I love making salmon during the week because it’s so quick and this recipe is no exception. I loved the sauce and the final produce was delish! Definitely adding this to my rotation.
Erin says
Hi Sarah, I am so happy you liked it!
Katie says
This was really, really good. I love anything teriyaki so putting it on salmon was going to be amazing. I paired it with some rice and roasted carrots and it was a perfect dinner!
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so glad you liked it! ๐
Taylor says
LOVE this teriyaki salmon! Will deff be making it again!
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy you enjoyed it!