The Recipe · No.939 · Salmon Teriyaki

Salmon Teriyaki, and where to source it

Salmon Teriyaki — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Salmon Teriyaki Japanese 5best2buy.com

Make the teriyaki from soy, mirin, sake and sugar and reduce it to a syrup before glazing. Bottled sauce is corn syrup and thickener; a real reduction lacquers the fish and lets the alcohol cook off into a glossy, savory-sweet coat.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineJapanese
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · fish · soy · sesame
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Salmon fillets
Skin-on, even-thickness fillets so they cook evenly and the skin crisps.
4 fillets
Source it →
Soy sauce
The savory base of a real teriyaki. Regular soy.
1/4 cup
Source it →
Mirin
Sweet rice wine — the signature teriyaki gloss and sweetness.
1/4 cup
Source it →
Sake
Adds depth and cooks off; dry sherry is a passable stand-in.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Sugar
Just enough to help the glaze reduce to a syrup and lacquer.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Ginger
A little grated into the sauce for warmth and lift.
1 tsp
Source it →
Green onion and sesame
Sliced onion and toasted seeds to finish.
2 stalks + 1 tsp
Local / market
Neutral oil
A high-smoke oil for a hard sear on the skin.
1 tbsp
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
One-pot
The Method
  1. Reduce the glazeSimmer soy, mirin, sake, sugar and ginger until syrupy, then set aside.
  2. Sear skin-downPat the salmon dry and sear skin-side down in a hot pan until the skin is crisp.
  3. Flip and cookTurn and cook briefly until nearly done, keeping the center just translucent.
  4. GlazeSpoon the reduced teriyaki over the fish and let it bubble and lacquer the top.
  5. ServePlate with the extra glaze, green onion and sesame, over rice.
The Toolkit

Nonstick skillet · Fish spatula · Small saucepan

Straight Answers
Can you make Salmon Teriyaki in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Salmon Teriyaki? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Salmon Teriyaki ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Salmon Teriyaki gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Salmon Teriyaki vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.939