### Teriyaki Salmon: A Tasty Weeknight Meal
Fresh, tender salmon fillets make a wonderful selection for a fast and healthful weeknight dinner. When pan-seared and finished with a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, they transform into a delicious focal point that complements rice and steamed vegetables perfectly. This meal is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor, ideal for hectic evenings.
#### Flavor Profile
The teriyaki glaze combines savory soy sauce and garlic, harmonized with the sweetness of brown sugar and ginger. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, this dish presents a pleasing crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the overall dining experience.
#### Preparation Tips
– **Toasting Sesame Seeds**: Gently toast sesame seeds in a dry pan beforehand to boost their flavor.
– **Using a Meat Thermometer**: To prevent overcooking the salmon, a meat thermometer can verify that the fish achieves the ideal internal temperature of 145°F.
– **Time-Saving**: To speed up the cooking process, think about utilizing store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of preparing it from scratch.
### Ingredient Tips for Teriyaki Salmon
1. **Salmon**: Opt for firm, vividly colored salmon fillets free from tears or discolorations. If using frozen fillets, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry prior to cooking.
2. **Soy Sauce**: Reduced-sodium soy sauce is advisable for a healthier choice, although regular soy sauce is equally effective.
3. **Ginger & Garlic**: Fresh ingredients deliver the best flavors, but you can use paste or powder if needed. Store ginger in the freezer for convenient grating.
4. **Brown Sugar**: This component imparts the distinctive sweetness to the teriyaki sauce. Honey can serve as an alternative.
5. **Garnish**: Incorporate chopped green onions in both the sauce and as a topping. Sesame seeds provide a unique nutty flavor.
### How to Prepare Teriyaki Salmon
1. **Prepare the Sauce**: In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and mustard. Whisk and bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat.
2. **Thicken the Sauce**: Combine cornstarch with cold water and slowly add it to the simmering sauce until it reaches the desired thickness. Stir in sesame seeds and green onions, then set aside.
3. **Sear the Salmon**: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until they flake easily.
4. **Serve**: Remove from heat, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve alongside rice or noodles.
### Cooking Tips
– **Avoid Overcooking**: Tailor cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets. The fish should flake with a fork and remain slightly translucent in the center.
– **Flavor Variations**: For a twist, substitute half of the water in the sauce with orange or pineapple juice. If using pre-made sauce, add citrus juice for added brightness.
### Enjoy the Flavor
Leftover teriyaki salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The glaze can also serve as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp, making it a flexible addition to your weeknight recipes.
### Nutrition Information
– **Calories**: 116
– **Carbohydrates**: 10g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Fat**: 8g
– **Sodium**: 578mg
This teriyaki salmon recipe is a superb way to relish a delicious and health-conscious meal that the entire family will appreciate. Savor the richness of flavors and the simplicity of preparation, establishing it as a staple recipe for busy nights!