Name: Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup sesame seeds (mix of black and white); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine); 2 tablespoons sake (optional); 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Cooked rice (Jasmine or sushi rice); Steamed broccoli or asparagus; Chopped green onions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon: Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's as impressive as it is easy to make! Imagine flaky, succulent salmon, glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and then generously coated in crunchy sesame seeds. It's a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, has become a global favorite, celebrated for its ability to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The word "teriyaki" itself comes from "teri," referring to the glaze's luster, and "yaki," meaning to grill or broil. While traditionally used with meats like chicken and beef, teriyaki sauce pairs exceptionally well with the rich, delicate flavor of salmon.

What makes this Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami, combined with the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds. The teriyaki sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that complements the tender salmon. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference!)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds (a mix of black and white looks beautiful!)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is great to control the salt)
1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
2 tablespoons sake (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (for mixing with cornstarch)

For Serving (optional):

Cooked rice (Jasmine or sushi rice are excellent choices)
Steamed broccoli or asparagus
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Make sure the brown sugar is well incorporated to avoid any lumps.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You'll want to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the sauce. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly.
Continue Simmering: Continue to simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. If it's too salty, add a touch more honey. If it's too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Set Aside: Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the teriyaki sauce aside. You can keep it warm over very low heat, or let it cool completely.

Preparing the Salmon:

Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and ensuring the sesame seeds adhere properly. If you're using salmon with the skin on, you can score the skin lightly with a sharp knife to prevent it from curling up during cooking.
Season the Salmon: Lightly sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Don't over-salt, as the teriyaki sauce is already quite salty.
Prepare the Sesame Seed Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the sesame seeds and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps the sesame seeds adhere to the salmon and creates a slightly crispy crust. Mix well to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.
Coat the Salmon: Gently press each salmon fillet into the sesame seed mixture, coating both sides evenly. Make sure the sesame seeds are firmly pressed onto the salmon.

Cooking the Salmon:

Heat the Pan: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon; this will help create a nice sear. The oil should shimmer and be almost smoking.
Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, sesame seed side down. If you're using salmon with the skin on, place it skin-side down first. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes, or until the sesame seeds are golden brown and crispy, and the salmon is nicely seared. Avoid moving the salmon around too much during this time, as this will prevent it from developing a good crust.
Flip the Salmon: Gently flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Add the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes, basting the salmon with the sauce to coat it evenly. This will create a beautiful glaze and infuse the salmon with even more flavor.

Serving the Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon:

Plate the Salmon: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and place them on serving plates.
Spoon the Sauce: Spoon the remaining teriyaki sauce from the skillet over the salmon fillets.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve Immediately: Serve the sesame crusted teriyaki salmon immediately with cooked rice and steamed broccoli or asparagus. A side of edamame would also be a delicious addition.

Tips for Perfect Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon:

Don't Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when it's cooked to medium, meaning it's still slightly moist in the center. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough.
Use High-Quality Salmon: The better the quality of the salmon, the better the flavor and texture will be. Look for salmon that is bright in color and has a fresh, clean smell.
Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

Spicy Teriyaki Salmon: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic Teriyaki Salmon: Increase the amount of honey and garlic in the teriyaki sauce for a sweeter and more garlicky flavor.
Ginger Scallion Teriyaki Salmon: Add thinly sliced ginger and scallions to the teriyaki sauce for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
Baked Teriyaki Salmon: Instead of pan-searing the salmon, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Baste the salmon with the teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions:

With Rice and Vegetables: Serve the sesame crusted teriyaki salmon with cooked rice (Jasmine or sushi rice are excellent choices) and steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Over Noodles: Serve the salmon over a bed of soba or udon noodles, tossed with a little bit of the teriyaki sauce.
In a Salad: Flake the cooked salmon and add it to a salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
In a Bowl: Create a delicious and healthy bowl with rice, salmon, avocado, edamame, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate: Store leftover sesame crusted teriyaki salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon recipe isn't just another fish dish; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory-sweet teriyaki glaze to the satisfying crunch of the sesame seeds, every bite is a delightful experience. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Honestly, if you're looking for a way to elevate your salmon game, this is it. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's incredibly versatile. The teriyaki marinade infuses the salmon with a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with so many different sides. Plus, the sesame crust adds a textural element that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary. It's a simple technique that yields restaurant-quality results, and who doesn't love that? Looking for serving suggestions? I've got you covered! For a complete and balanced meal, try serving this Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon with steamed rice and some vibrant green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce, and the vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. Alternatively, you could pair it with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a quinoa salad with edamame and a ginger-lime dressing. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki marinade will do the trick. Prefer a different kind of nut? Try using chopped almonds or cashews instead of sesame seeds. You could even experiment with different types of salmon, like sockeye or coho, to see which one you prefer. For a low-carb option, serve the salmon over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Sides: Steamed rice, quinoa salad, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers).
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the teriyaki marinade.
Nutty variations: Substitute sesame seeds with chopped almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
Salmon types: Experiment with sockeye, coho, or king salmon.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon while indulging in a truly delicious meal. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Salmon recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below. I can't wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!