If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice. This dish is the very definition of A Flavorful and Healthy Meal, with succulent salmon glazed in a glossy teriyaki sauce and paired with pillowy jasmine rice. It’s a vibrant fusion of sweet, savory, and umami notes, ready in under an hour and guaranteed to become a staple at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so special is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Each component adds its own magic—whether that’s rich flavor, silky texture, or a pop of color—making this an easy yet impressive meal.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for tender, juicy results every time.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of the teriyaki sauce, lending deep umami flavor and gorgeous color.
- Mirin: This sweet Japanese rice wine adds a delicate sweetness and shine to the sauce.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and prevents it from tasting too heavy.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch imparts a toasty, aromatic richness throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the sauce with a subtle pungency that’s irresistible.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger gives the sauce a zesty, warming kick.
- Jasmine rice: Its floral aroma and fluffy texture are the perfect base for A Flavorful and Healthy Meal.
- Water: Essential for cooking perfectly tender rice.
- Green onions: Chopped and sprinkled on top, they add freshness and a burst of color.
- Sesame seeds: These tiny seeds add crunch and a hint of nuttiness as a final flourish.
How to Make A Flavorful and Healthy Meal
Step 1: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of A Flavorful and Healthy Meal—sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic. Give it a good whisk to ensure the honey dissolves completely and all the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Turn the fillets so each side is coated, then tuck them in the fridge to marinate for 20 minutes. This not only infuses the fish with flavor but also keeps it incredibly moist as it cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Steamed Jasmine Rice
While the salmon marinates, rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine it with water in a saucepan, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. The rice will finish steaming off the heat, resulting in fluffy, fragrant grains that are the ideal base for A Flavorful and Healthy Meal.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Once marinated, remove the salmon from the fridge and gently pat each fillet dry. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil if needed. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely caramelized crust and perfectly tender fish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
While the salmon cooks, pour the reserved half of the teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. This glossy sauce is the finishing touch that makes A Flavorful and Healthy Meal truly shine.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
To serve, spoon a mound of jasmine rice onto each plate, top with a salmon fillet, and drizzle generously with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that final pop of freshness and crunch.
How to Serve A Flavorful and Healthy Meal
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a few simple garnishes! A scattering of bright green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only add color and crunch but also make each bite taste even fresher. For extra pizzazz, you can add thinly sliced radishes or a wedge of lime.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic with steamed greens like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. Their crisp texture and subtle sweetness complement both the salmon and the teriyaki glaze. If you want to boost the fiber content, try serving your salmon over brown rice or a blend of wild and jasmine rice for another twist on A Flavorful and Healthy Meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, interactive dinner, serve the salmon and rice in individual bowls with a selection of toppings like pickled ginger, shredded carrots, or avocado slices. You can even turn it into a sushi-inspired bowl with a drizzle of sriracha mayo and sheets of nori on the side. Presentation is all about making A Flavorful and Healthy Meal feel special and inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon and rice can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep everything tasting as fresh as possible, store any leftover teriyaki sauce in a small jar so you can drizzle it over your next meal without everything getting soggy. This way, A Flavorful and Healthy Meal is just a quick reheat away!
Freezing
Salmon freezes remarkably well. Let the cooked fillets cool completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. The rice can also be frozen in single-serve portions. For best results, freeze the sauce separately to preserve its glossy texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon in a covered skillet with a splash of water and warm over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals. Rice is best reheated with a damp paper towel covering it to restore its moisture. Gently warm the sauce and drizzle it on at the last minute for that just-cooked freshness that makes A Flavorful and Healthy Meal so satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While salmon is classic for its rich flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute with trout, cod, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. The teriyaki sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your mirin and other condiments are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have A Flavorful and Healthy Meal suitable for gluten-free diners.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using, and you’ll save precious time on busy evenings.
What vegetables go well with this meal?
Steamed or sautéed broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, carrots, or even bell peppers all complement the flavors and add nutritious crunch. Mixing up the veggies keeps A Flavorful and Healthy Meal exciting every time you make it.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook—moist, tender salmon is what makes this meal so special!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re excited to bring A Flavorful and Healthy Meal like Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice into your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and share the joy of a truly satisfying, nourishing meal with your friends and family!
Print
A Flavorful and Healthy Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Salmon Teriyaki with Steamed Rice is a flavorful and healthy Japanese-inspired meal featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over perfectly steamed jasmine rice. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and delicious aromas.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Teriyaki:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce and Marinate Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the sauce over them. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 20 minutes, reserving the other half of the sauce for cooking.
- Cook Jasmine Rice: While the salmon marinates, combine the rinsed jasmine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam fully.
- Cook Salmon Fillets: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove salmon from the marinade, pat dry with paper towels to ensure even searing. Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Simmer Reserved Sauce: While the salmon cooks, pour the reserved teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Place a portion of steamed jasmine rice on each plate. Arrange a salmon fillet on top of the rice, drizzle generously with the thickened teriyaki sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added vegetables, serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a complete meal.
- You can substitute brown rice if you prefer more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Leftover teriyaki sauce is perfect for use as a stir-fry sauce or marinade for other dishes.
- Ensure the salmon is fresh for the best taste and texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with rice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
