Teriyaki Salmon with Rice and Green Beans is a flavorful dish featuring grilled or pan-seared salmon glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served alongside steamed or seasoned rice and crisp green beans. The dish combines rich umami flavors from the teriyaki sauce with the tenderness of the salmon and the freshness of the green beans.
Table of contents
What makes a teriyaki salmon dish truly special?
It’s the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, perfectly cooked salmon, and of course, that stunning visual appeal.
What is Teriyaki?
Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking style that involves grilling or broiling ingredients while glazing them with a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, sake (or sometimes mirin), and other seasonings. The result is a glossy, savory-sweet coating that enhances the flavor of the meat or fish. Teriyaki can be used on a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, and fish, and is often served with rice and vegetables.
What you will need for this dish
First, let’s talk about the teriyaki sauce. I’m a big believer in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You’ll need:
For the Salmon and Sauce:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 150g each)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp mirin (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sides:
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 200g green beans
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
This combination will create a savory flavor that is unmatched.
How to make the Salmon Fillet
The foundation of your teriyaki salmon lies in perfectly prepared salmon fillets. Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose Fresh Fillets: Opt for salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) with vibrant, pink flesh and no overpowering fishy smell.
- Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the fillets dry, ensuring a good sear during cooking.
- Season Simply: Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
These small steps set the stage for a mouthwatering dish.
Mastering the Teriyaki Glaze: A Step-by-Step Guide
A glossy, flavorful teriyaki glaze makes the salmon irresistible. Here’s how to create it:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, mirin (if using), sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Cook the Glaze: Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, stirring constantly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
The result? A beautifully glossy glaze that coats your salmon to perfection.
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Salmon: Pan-Seared
Pan-searing is a simple yet effective method to achieve a crispy crust and moist interior. Follow these steps:
- Heat the Pan: Warm a tablespoon of vegetable oil (like avocado oil) in a non-stick or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip and Finish: Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through.
- Glaze It: Brush the teriyaki glaze liberally over the fillets during the last minute of cooking.
For perfect salmon, aim for a slightly pink center to maintain tenderness.
Completing the Dish: Sides & Presentation
No teriyaki salmon dish is complete without complementary sides and beautiful plating.
Creamy White Rice
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.
The result is perfectly fluffy rice that balances the bold flavors of teriyaki.
Tender Steamed Green Beans
- Prep the Beans: Trim the ends of 1 pound of green beans.
- Steam: Steam the beans for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they remain tender-crisp.
- Season: Toss with a bit of butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
Green beans provide a vibrant color and fresh texture to your plate.
Tips for a Visually Appealing Meal
A visually stunning plate elevates the dining experience. Here’s how to present your teriyaki salmon dish:
- Arrange the Rice: Place a neat mound of rice on one side of the plate.
- Nestle the Salmon: Gently lay the glazed salmon fillet atop the rice.
- Add the Greens: Arrange the green beans alongside the salmon.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Spoon any remaining teriyaki glaze over the salmon and rice.
- Finish with Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Elevating Your Game
Want to take your dish to the next level? Try these ideas:
- Creative Garnishes: Use toasted sesame seeds, microgreens, or slivered almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Spice Variations: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or extra ginger for a more robust flavor.
- Expand the Meal: Serve with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to make the meal even more satisfying.
With these tips, your teriyaki salmon dish will be both a feast for the eyes and the palate!
More related Salmon recipes
For a complete meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful, Teriyaki Salmon with Rice and Green Beans is the way to go. Looking for more ideas for cooking salmon? Check out our guide to 7 delicious cooked salmon recipes for more tasty variations of this versatile fish.
Teriyaki Salmon FAQ
1. What type of salmon should I use?
Fresh, high-quality salmon fillets (6 ounces each) work best. Look for bright pink flesh with no strong fishy smell. Wild-caught salmon is ideal, but farmed salmon can also be used.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for 30 minutes.
3. Can I make the teriyaki glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the glaze and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently on the stove before using.
4. What’s the best way to cook salmon?
Pan-searing is my favorite method as it gives the salmon a crispy exterior while keeping it moist. However, you can also bake or grill it.
5. What should I serve with teriyaki salmon?
White rice and steamed green beans are classic options. You can also pair it with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
6. How can I tell if the salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is slightly opaque. A thermometer should read 125–130°F (51–54°C) for medium doneness.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.