Do teriyaki and honey go together?

Absolutely. Teriyaki and honey are a natural pair—combining the deep umami from soy sauce and garlic with the gentle sweetness of honey. This combo enhances salmon beautifully by delivering a glossy glaze that caramelizes during cooking. Honey also balances the saltiness of traditional teriyaki sauce, making it more appealing to a wider range of palates.

How long should I marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce?

The ideal marinating time for salmon in a honey teriyaki sauce is 30 minutes to 1 hour . This allows the flavors to infuse without compromising the texture of the fish. Anything over 2 hours may begin to break down the salmon's structure due to the soy sauce and vinegar content in teriyaki, resulting in a mushy texture.

Does honey go well with salmon?

Yes, honey goes incredibly well with salmon. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the fish’s natural richness. In a honey teriyaki glaze, it also plays a key role in helping the sauce stick and caramelize during cooking—adding a slightly crispy finish with bold flavor.

What does teriyaki salmon go with?

Honey teriyaki salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, including: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice Stir-fried or roasted vegetables (like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers) Noodles , especially soba or sesame garlic varieties Fresh cucumber salad for a cooling contrast Even pickled veggies or miso soup if you want a full Japanese-style plate

What to marinate salmon in?

The best marinade for teriyaki salmon includes: Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) Honey Garlic and ginger Rice vinegar or lemon juice A splash of sesame oil for depth This combo delivers flavor without overwhelming the fish. You can also add citrus or spice depending on your taste preference.

How to make salmon teriyaki crispy?

To get that crispy finish on your honey teriyaki salmon: Pat the salmon dry before cooking to prevent steaming. Sear it skin-side down in a hot pan if pan-frying. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for a charred edge. Brush on extra glaze near the end of cooking to caramelize the outer layer. These steps help you achieve restaurant-quality texture at home.

Honey Teriyaki Salmon – Best 25-Minute Glazed Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on recommended)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1½ teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1 tablespoon sliced green onions (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Thicken:
In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water. Slowly whisk into the saucepan and continue stirring until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in sesame oil if using. Set aside to cool.
Marinate the Salmon:
Place salmon fillets in a zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the fish. Let marinate in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.
Cook the Salmon:
Preheat oven to 400°F (or heat a skillet over medium-high).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or pan-sear skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side. Optionally, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Glaze & Finish:
Brush the remaining sauce over the cooked salmon. Broil or sear an additional 1–2 minutes for caramelization.

Serve:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried veggies.

Notes

For crispier skin, always pat the salmon dry before cooking.
Don’t over-marinate—30 to 60 minutes is plenty.

Honey Teriyaki Salmon freezes well—store raw or cooked with extra sauce for meal prep.

Author: Martha Parker
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keywords: Honey Teriyaki Salmon, Asian Glazed Salmon, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, Sticky Glazed Salmon, Healthy Seafood Recipes