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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
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder (sub cornstarch)
- ½ 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.
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Lauren M says
Showed my mom this recipe and she literally has made this 3 times in one week-even my dad who doesn’t or ally eat salmon asks for it! So quick, easy, and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, ah I love hearing that!! 🙂
Dee says
Fresh garlic or garlic powder? Cant wait to make this – gonna use the sauce on tofu!
Erin says
Hi Dee, I used garlic powder, but you can use whatever you have! Let me know how it comes out with tofu!
Montsi says
Super delicious!!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Montsi, so happy you liked it!!
Amy says
Great recipe! Easy and delicious go-to for a healthy weeknight dinner.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amy, so glad you enjoyed it!!
Annie says
This is the BOMB! My go-to salmon recipe. Definitely recommend.
Erin says
Hi Annie, so happy you loved it!
Canela says
So easy, so delicious!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Canela, so happy you loved it!
Alicia Connelly says
Now this recipe is SO good!! It delighted all 6 of the people I made it for!! I baked a huge piece of salmon and topped with the teriyaki sauce at the end!! Just had leftovers and, really, this teriyaki sauce is tops!! Thanks again, Erin!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alicia, so glad you enjoyed it so much!
Maria says
Thanks Erin for this recipe! My boyfriend and I have been making this salmon a lot lately!! So yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maria, so happy you both liked it!
Molly says
Super easy and a great way to make salmon more interesting. Definitely will make again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Molly, so happy you liked it!!
Shannon C says
This was delicious!! We loved it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Shannon, so happy you enjoyed it!
Kayla says
So simple yet so good! My boyfriend and I had these for dinner this week & it was a hit! We will definitely be working this into our rotation!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, I am so glad you both enjoyed it!
Laura says
Sauce was simply amazing. Making this a second week in a row!!! Thank you for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner. I will be adding this to the regular rotation.
laura says
5 stars! *chef kiss*
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, I am so glad that you loved it so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Casey Colodny says
This easy teriyaki sauce makes the salmon so much tastier, my husband and I love this for a quick meal!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Casey, so glad you both enjoyed it!!
Alexa says
Made this on the weekend and it did not disappoint! Love a homemade teriyaki sauce without all the gross additives and preservatives that come in the pre-made, store bought versions. Will definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alexa, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Dana says
So easy and such a great way to mix-up our weekly salmon dinner. Definitely going to be a staple recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Dana, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Jordyn says
Made the sauce for veggie stir fry and it was 10/10!! Will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jordyn, what a great idea!!
Erin C says
This was stellar. Definitely making my salmon like this from here on out. So easy and delicious. Served ours with rice and veggies! Thanks for a great recipe Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you enjoyed it and what a great meal!
Kelly says
Delicious and easy recipe! Will definitely be making this again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, I am so glad you liked it!!
Kelly says
Delicious and easy recipe! Will definitely be making again.
★★★★★
Dinorah says
So easy and so yummy!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Dinorah, so glad you liked it!