Salmon teriyaki recipe (super easy!)

This incredibly easy teriyaki salmon recipe is ready in under 15 minutes using frozen salmon, cooked rice, and roasted vegetables. A healthy, semi-homemade dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

This teriyaki salmon recipe has become one of my favorite “semi-homemade” dishes lately, as it utilizes several shortcuts that save a lot of time without sacrificing flavor. Create a fresh and satisfying dinner in under 15 minutes using frozen salmon, ready-to-eat rice, pre-cut vegetables, and store-bought teriyaki sauce. This is exactly the kind of recipe I crave during the school year or when I feel ambitious to cook from scratch after a long day.

Salmon is one of the foods I always try to keep stocked in my freezer and pantry. This is at the top of my list of healthy protein choices, with about 30 grams of protein and a good amount of healthy omega-3 fats. It’s also incredibly versatile: grilled, baked, mixed into salads, or added to grain bowls. Our family eats salmon at least once a week. Because somehow even the busiest of nights can feel like a real dinner.

I especially love making this in the Wonder Oven. That’s because the air fryer setting ensures that the edges of the salmon fillets get crispy while keeping the insides soft and flaky. The broccoli and peppers roast beautifully with the salmon, and the cilantro-lime-ready rice adds so much flavor with basically no fuss.

If you also like easy salmon dinners, check out these salmon breakfast recipes and KERF OG’s recipe for baked salmon with maple syrup.

salmon teriyaki recipe

This recipe delivers big rewards with little effort. I make a version of a bowl dinner like this at least once a week. Healthy, quick and easy to customize depending on what veggies you have in your fridge and what protein you have on hand.

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned salmon in a pinch. If you run out of bottled teriyaki sauce, you can also make your own teriyaki sauce. You can also change the vegetables depending on the season and how much you use them.

The flavorful teriyaki sauce and salmon go very well together. The sweet and salty flavor of the sauce, which has been slightly caramelized in the air fryer, goes well with the rich salmon. Add roasted vegetables and warm rice for a hearty, satisfying, yet comforting dinner.

I also love meals with fewer dishes. Just put everything in the air fryer basket or one tray and the rice will cook in 90 seconds in the microwave.

Why does teriyaki sauce go well with salmon?

Teriyaki sauce and salmon are basically made for each other. Salmon has a naturally rich, buttery flavor thanks to its healthy fats, and teriyaki sauce balances that richness with salty, sweet, and umami. Most easy teriyaki sauces combine with soy sauce, brown sugar or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger to create a beautifully caramelized glaze on salmon.

Another reason teriyaki works so well is its texture. As the sauce cooks, it thickens slightly and coats the salmon fillets with a glossy glaze.

I also think teriyaki is a great option for families because it’s not spicy and full of flavor. Kids tend to like it sweeter, and adults can easily add toppings like sesame seeds, sriracha, or Greek yogurt to enhance the flavor.

You can quickly assemble it yourself, but commercially available options will get you done as quickly as possible. I love this one from Wegmans. If you want a gluten-free option, many grocery stores sell gluten-free teriyaki sauce made with tamari instead of regular soy sauce. It’s easy to replace, but the taste is still delicious.

How to make salmon teriyaki

material

1 individually wrapped frozen salmon fillet, thawed 1/2 pack Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Rice 1 cup broccoli florets 1 bell pepper, sliced ​​Olive oil Salt and pepper Smoked paprika Store-bought teriyaki sauce Sesame seeds for topping Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Optional homemade teriyaki sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the airfryer

Preheat your air fryer or wonder oven to 400 degrees. I usually set the oven to 400 degrees while I prepare everything else so it’s fully heated and ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

Place the broccoli florets and sliced ​​bell pepper in a bowl. Stir in olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the salmon

Pat the thawed salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush generously with the teriyaki sauce. To make homemade teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, maple syrup or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger in a small bowl.

Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes

Arrange salmon and vegetables in the air fryer basket or Wonder Oven tray. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are lightly seared around the edges.

Step 5: Heat the rice

While everything is cooking, microwave half a package of cilantro-lime ready rice according to package directions. It only takes about 90 seconds. (I also love this brand’s coconut version!)

Step 6: Assemble the bowl

Assemble by placing the rice in the bottom of the bowl, the roasted vegetables on one side, and the teriyaki salmon on top.

Step 7: Add toppings

If you love creamy sauces and dips like I do, add some sesame seeds and a little Greek yogurt to finish it off. Cool yogurt and sweet and spicy salmon go surprisingly well together.

Homemade teriyaki sauce shortcuts

Even if you don’t have store-bought teriyaki sauce in your pantry, it’s surprisingly easy to make your own homemade teriyaki sauce using ingredients you probably already have.

My quick version uses:

Soy sauce Brown sugar or maple syrup Garlic Ginger

The soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor, while the maple syrup or brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelizes the glaze during cooking. Personally, I love using maple syrup. Maple syrup gives the sauce a slightly deeper flavor, but either works beautifully. You can also add a little sesame oil if you have it on hand.

Different types of salmon for a quick dinner

One of the reasons salmon is so great for busy weeknights is because there are now so many convenient options. Below are some common salmon options and the pros and cons of each type.

natural salmon

Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture. It is generally considered to be lower in fat and more nutritious than farmed salmon.

Strong Points:

Rich flavor, high in omega-3, less processed taste

Cons:

More expensive May dry faster if overheated

I usually buy frozen wild-caught salmon fillets when they’re on sale and stock them up for quick dinners.

atlantic salmon

Atlantic salmon is typically farmed salmon and tends to have a milder, buttery texture.

Strong Points:

Affordable Easy to find Very soft

Cons:

Slightly higher fat content May be milder in flavor

This is probably the most common type of salmon you’ll find in grocery stores like Wegmans.

Fishwife’s canned salmon

Lately I’ve become a huge fan of canned salmon, especially the Fishwife products, which are great for a quick lunch or snack.

Strong Points:

Can be stored at room temperature Perfect for salads and rice bowls No cooking required

Cons:

The texture is different from raw salmon. Not suitable if you are looking for crispy grilled salmon.

Canned salmon is honestly underrated, but it’s a great back-up protein option when your freezer is empty.

What to pair with teriyaki salmon

This teriyaki salmon recipe is suitable for so many simple side dishes. Here are some of our favorites.

Cilantro lime rice Jasmine rice Brown rice Cauliflower rice Roasted broccoli Green pepper Snap peas Edamame Cucumber salad Avocado slice Asian slaw Miso soup

You can also make this into a lettuce wrap or serve it over vegetables for a light meal.

This recipe is already packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, so you don’t need much else. If you want to eat more fish but don’t feel comfortable cooking seafood at home, this is a really easy place to start. With frozen salmon, bottled sauce, and an air fryer, you’re guaranteed to have a delicious and healthy dinner.

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