If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both flavorful and healthy, Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice is a perfect choice. This dish pairs tender, flaky salmon coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with fluffy steamed rice. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights but special enough to serve for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a nutritious meal that supports heart and brain health. The teriyaki glaze adds a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that perfectly complement the rich salmon. Served with rice and optionally some steamed veggies, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients: Your Toolkit for Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice
For the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
For the Rice:
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
3 cups water
Timing: Faster Than You Think!
Achieving this level of deliciousness doesn’t require hours chained to the stove. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with chicken perfection. Let’s make some Easy Crispy Baked Chicken!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it’s just cooked through.
Step 4: Glaze the Salmon
Brush the thickened teriyaki sauce generously over the salmon fillets during the last minute of cooking.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve the teriyaki glazed salmon over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Optionally, add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side.
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking salmon to ensure a crispy skin.
- Let the salmon rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness in the teriyaki sauce to your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in half the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
- Add a side of pickled ginger or a simple cucumber salad for freshness.
- Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over rice for added flavor.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Salmon: Substitute teriyaki sauce with a honey garlic glaze.
- Grilled Salmon: Instead of pan-searing, grill the salmon for a smoky flavor.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu steaks in place of salmon and follow the same glazing method.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the salmon.
- Cooked rice can be stored separately and reheated with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the salmon, which leads to dryness. Aim for tender, flaky fish.
- Using too much cornstarch, making the sauce overly thick or gloopy.
- Skipping the rice rinse step, which can cause clumpy rice.
- Cooking salmon at too high heat without oil, which can stick and tear the skin.
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Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with tender salmon and fluffy rice, makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or meal prep. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a favorite on your weekly menu!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the honey or brown sugar by half or use a low-sugar soy sauce.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for 2 minutes to glaze.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Rice tonight!
