When it comes to creating a healthy, flavorful meal that’s both quick and easy, you can’t go wrong with Teriyaki Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables. This dish combines perfectly pan-seared salmon, coated in a sticky, sweet teriyaki glaze, with crisp, colorful stir-fried vegetables. The result is a balanced meal that’s packed with nutrients, delicious flavors, and textures.
Teriyaki salmon is not only a restaurant favorite but also a popular choice for home cooks due to its simplicity. Salmon’s rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce, making this dish feel indulgent without being complicated.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how to make this delightful dish, offer tips for perfecting it, and explore a few variations to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family or friends, this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Salmon
There are plenty of reasons why Teriyaki Salmon is a beloved dish, but here are a few key highlights:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is a superfood packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Pair that with the fiber, vitamins, and minerals from stir-fried vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and good for you.
- Quick and Easy: This entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: With its savory-sweet teriyaki glaze and perfectly cooked salmon, this dish feels gourmet, even though it’s easy to prepare. The homemade teriyaki sauce is far superior to store-bought versions, allowing you to control the sweetness and avoid unnecessary additives.
- Versatile: You can switch up the vegetables or even use a different protein (like chicken or tofu), making it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Teriyaki Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables:
For the Teriyaki Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar for a different sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for a nutty, toasty flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (adds brightness and warmth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (this slurry thickens the sauce)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
For the Stir-Fried Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets (blanched for a couple of minutes before stir-frying)
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for more flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Sides:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Noodles (such as soba or rice noodles)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s dive into the process of making this dish, step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by making the homemade teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set the pan over medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes, it’s time to thicken it. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the sauce, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, smooth consistency. Remove the pan from heat and set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Now it’s time to cook the salmon fillets. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on this side, allowing the skin to get nice and crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until the fish is just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out quickly.
When the salmon is almost done, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the fillets in the pan. Let the sauce bubble and caramelize slightly, coating the salmon in a rich, flavorful glaze. This should take about 1 minute.
Once glazed, remove the salmon from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
While the salmon is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp. You want the veggies to retain some of their bite for texture.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic to the stir-fried vegetables, tossing them to coat evenly. Cook for another minute or two, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve
Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the salmon fillets on plates or a large serving dish, alongside the stir-fried vegetables. Garnish the salmon with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a bit of color and crunch. If you like, you can serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the extra teriyaki sauce.
For added brightness, serve the dish with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon just before eating.
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Salmon
Here are some tips to help you perfect this dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic are key to giving the teriyaki sauce a bright, vibrant flavor. Avoid using powdered versions, as they lack the same intensity.
- Crispy Salmon Skin: If you’re using skin-on salmon, don’t be afraid to let it sear for a little longer on the skin side. Crispy skin adds a fantastic texture contrast to the tender salmon and is incredibly flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through. Overcooking will cause it to become dry and lose its buttery texture. If you’re unsure, check the internal temperature—salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (62°C).
- Blanching Broccoli: Blanching broccoli before stir-frying ensures that it cooks through without becoming too soft or mushy. Just boil it for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is already delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Teriyaki Chicken
Not a fan of salmon? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with chicken too. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cook them the same way as the salmon. The teriyaki sauce will add the same savory-sweet flavors to the chicken.
2. Vegetarian Teriyaki
For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the salmon with tofu or tempeh. Pan-fry the tofu or tempeh until crispy before adding the teriyaki sauce. This vegetarian option is just as flavorful and perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals.
3. Spicy Teriyaki
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce. The spiciness balances well with the sweetness of the honey, creating a fiery yet delicious sauce.
4. Teriyaki Noodle Stir-Fry
Rather than serving the salmon and vegetables with rice, you can toss everything together with noodles for a teriyaki noodle bowl. Soba noodles, udon, or even rice noodles work well in this recipe.
5. Gluten-Free Option
For those avoiding gluten, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Most other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Salmon
While Teriyaki Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is a complete meal on its own, there are a few additional sides or accompaniments that can elevate your dinner:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic side that complements the bold flavors of the teriyaki sauce. Rice absorbs the sauce beautifully and provides a neutral base for the dish.
- Noodles: Stir-fried soba or udon noodles tossed in sesame oil and a bit of soy sauce make a great alternative to rice. They add extra texture and flavor to the meal.
- Miso Soup: A simple bowl of miso soup is a great way to start the meal. Its light, savory broth pairs well with the richness of the salmon.
- Pickled Vegetables: Lightly pickled cucumbers or radishes add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. Their tangy flavor cuts through the richness and adds a nice crunch.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutritious flavors that will satisfy your taste buds without taking too much time to prepare. The richness of the teriyaki-glazed salmon, paired with crisp, vibrant vegetables, creates a well-rounded and visually appealing dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please.
With endless variations and customization options, you can make this dish your own by changing up the protein, adding your favorite vegetables, or adjusting the sauce to your taste. Plus, it’s a healthy meal packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home!