If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with umami, you’ve got to try this Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender, flaky salmon glazed in a luscious, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, paired with fluffy steamed rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also feels like a heartwarming hug on a plate, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Once you start making this, it might just become your go-to salmon dinner favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating its rich and harmonious flavors. From the salty depth of soy sauce to the natural sweetness of brown sugar, every component adds texture, balance, or color that makes this dish sing.
- Salmon fillets: Freshness is key for moist, flaky fish that holds the teriyaki glaze beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
- Mirin: Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity to round out the flavors.
- Sake: Brings a mild depth and aroma that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce for that classic teriyaki shine.
- Grated ginger: Lends warmth and a bit of zing that cuts through the richness.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect neutral canvas to soak up the sauce and balance the dish.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and gentle oniony bite.
How to Make Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This simple blend is the heart of your dish, combining salty, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that make the teriyaki sauce so irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Let the fish soak in all those rich flavors for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step ensures that every bite of your Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe is infused with depth and complexity.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium heat, then carefully add the marinated salmon fillets. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and beautifully glazed with the thickened sauce. The caramelization adds a gorgeous color and texture.
Step 4: Serve Over Steamed Rice
Place the hot salmon fillets on a bed of fluffy steamed rice, drizzling any extra pan sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and a lovely contrast in color.
How to Serve Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic and simple garnish that add a lovely hint of freshness. You can also consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty flavor to elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the rich teriyaki flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more contemporary presentation, serve the salmon and rice in individual bowls, layering the rice first and topping it with the salmon and drizzled sauce. Add avocado slices or pickled ginger for visual interest and an added dimension of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe, store the salmon and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the textures and flavors better when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon and rice, but it’s best to do so within a day of cooking. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Rice can be frozen in portioned bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or the microwave, and steam the rice to restore its fluffiness. Avoid overheating the fish to keep it tender and moist, and you’ll enjoy it almost like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its rich flavor and texture, you can substitute with other firm-fleshed fish like cod or halibut for a different but just as delicious take.
Is mirin essential in the sauce?
Mirin adds a sweet acidity that balances the soy sauce and enhances the teriyaki flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a dry white wine mixed with a bit of sugar or skip it altogether, adjusting sweetness to taste.
How long can I marinate the salmon?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is key, but you can leave it up to 2 hours in the fridge without losing texture, allowing the flavors to sink in even deeper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your mirin and sake are gluten-free as some brands may contain wheat.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Traditional short-grain white rice works beautifully as it’s sticky and holds the sauce well, but jasmine or basmati rice can also be used depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels effortlessly elegant and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, the vibrant flavors and simple process make it a recipe worth keeping close. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Salmon Teriyaki recipe featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, pan-seared to perfection, and served over steamed white rice garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Accompaniments
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and grated ginger, mixing well until the sugar is dissolved to create a flavorful teriyaki marinade.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the fish.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and cook each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a slightly caramelized glaze.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the cooked salmon fillets over steamed white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon for longer (up to 1 hour) to deepen the flavor, but avoid over-marinating as the acidity may start to cook the fish.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the sodium content.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the salmon to get a nice sear.
- Leftover teriyaki sauce can be simmered and used as a glaze or dipping sauce.
