Teriyaki salmon should be easy, and this baked version keeps it exactly that way. Instead of making a homemade sauce on the stove and worrying about it getting too sticky, too thin, or burned, this simple recipe uses a good bottled teriyaki sauce and lets the oven do the work.
With just salmon and teriyaki sauce, you can make a tender, flavorful dinner in minutes. The sauce bakes into a glossy sweet-savory glaze that clings to the fish, while the salmon stays moist and flaky. It is the kind of easy salmon recipe that works well on busy weeknights, especially when you need dinner on the table without extra prep or a long ingredient list.
TL:DR – Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- ✨ The takeaway: This baked teriyaki salmon proves that a few simple ingredients can make a reliable, family-friendly dinner.
- 🐟 What it is: Salmon baked with bottled teriyaki sauce until tender, glossy, and full of flavor.
- 🥣 Why it works: Teriyaki sauce already has sweetness, saltiness, and umami, so there is no need to mix or simmer a separate sauce.
- ⏱️ How long it takes: About 15 minutes from start to finish, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
- 🔥 The method: Line a baking sheet, place the salmon on top, brush with teriyaki sauce, and bake until just cooked through.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon: Use fresh salmon or frozen salmon that has been completely defrosted. Pat it dry before adding the sauce so the teriyaki can coat the surface evenly.
- Teriyaki sauce: Use a bottled teriyaki sauce you already enjoy. A thicker sauce will create a more noticeable glaze, while a thinner sauce will still add plenty of sweet and savory flavor.
That is all you need for this easy baked teriyaki salmon recipe. Because the sauce is doing most of the flavor work, choose one with a taste you like on its own. If your sauce is very salty, serve the salmon with plain rice, vegetables, or another simple side to balance the meal.
💡My Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon Every Time
- Lightly score the salmon before adding the sauce. Shallow cuts across the top of the salmon help the teriyaki sauce settle into the fish instead of sitting only on the surface. Do not cut deeply; a few light diagonal cuts are enough.
- Bake the salmon in one whole piece when possible. A single fillet is easy to prepare, easy to bake, and easy to portion after cooking. This works especially well for family dinners because everyone can take the amount they want.
- Line the pan for easy cleanup. Teriyaki sauce contains sugar, so it can caramelize as it bakes. Parchment paper or foil helps prevent the sauce from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon. Salmon cooks quickly. Start checking it around the 10-minute mark, especially if your fillet is thin.
- Add a final brush of sauce after baking. A little extra teriyaki sauce at the end gives the salmon a shiny finish and boosts the flavor right before serving.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Prep the salmon. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the top with shallow diagonal cuts. Brush the salmon generously with teriyaki sauce, making sure some of the sauce gets into the scored areas.
Step 3: Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The fish is ready when it looks opaque in the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork. After removing it from the oven, brush with a little more teriyaki sauce before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Bottled teriyaki sauce is what makes this recipe so simple. A good sauce already has the sweet, salty, and savory flavor you want, so there is no need to make one from scratch.
You do not have to marinate it. If you have extra time, you can brush the sauce on and let the salmon sit for 10-15 minutes before baking. Lightly scoring the top of the salmon also helps the sauce add more flavor without a long marinade.
The salmon should look opaque in the thickest part and flake easily with a fork. If you are using a thermometer, look for an internal temperature of about 125-130°F.
Yes, but thaw it completely first. Pat the salmon dry before adding the teriyaki sauce so the sauce can coat the fish properly.
Serve it with rice, cucumbers, green beans, roasted vegetables, or simple salad. The salmon has bold flavor, so plain or lightly seasoned sides work well.
More Super Easy Salmon Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Baked Sesame Ginger Salmon
- Easy 2-Ingredient Miso Butter Salmon
- 20-Minute Baked Chili Lime Salmon
- 2-Ingredient Baked BBQ Salmon
Did you try this recipe and love it? Leave a comment or a 5-star rating to share how it turned out.
📖 Recipe
Simple Baked Teriyaki Salmon (2 Ingredients)
Marni Katz
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds salmon, patted dry (if using frozen salmon, defrost completely first)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (use your favorite)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and lightly score the top with shallow diagonal cuts.
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Brush the salmon generously with teriyaki sauce. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and reaches about 125-130°F in the thickest part.
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Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with a little more teriyaki sauce before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice with green beans for a simple weeknight dinner.
- Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for an easy, filling meal.
- Turn the salmon into a rice bowl with cucumbers, avocado, or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 1454mg
Sugar: 5g