Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls bring together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in one satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. I’ve been making these colorful bowls in my kitchen for years, and they never fail to impress my family with their restaurant-quality taste and beautiful presentation.
There’s something magical about the way homemade teriyaki sauce caramelizes on tender salmon fillets, creating that gorgeous glossy finish that makes your mouth water. The first time I made these bowls, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so delicious and visually stunning. What started as a weeknight dinner solution has become one of our most requested meals, right alongside our popular chicken and shrimp stir fry for busy family dinners, and I can see why – every bite delivers fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked fish, and that irresistible sweet-savory glaze that ties everything together beautifully.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls Recipe
These salmon bowls have become a staple in my kitchen because they strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, with flavors that remind me of my favorite Japanese restaurant. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can customize each bowl to suit different tastes while maintaining that signature teriyaki flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Easy to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but don’t have hours to spend cooking
Consistently delicious results thanks to the foolproof homemade teriyaki glaze
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings to please the whole family
High in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the fresh salmon, making it as nutritious as it is delicious – if you enjoy protein-packed meals, you’ll also love our easy family baked chicken bites
Beautiful presentation that makes everyday dinner feel special and restaurant-worthy
This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s become our family’s go-to when we want to eat well without the stress of complicated cooking.
Ingredient Note List
Salmon Fillets: I always recommend using fresh, skin-on salmon fillets because they hold together better during cooking and the skin becomes wonderfully crispy when properly prepared.
Soy Sauce: The foundation of our teriyaki glaze, soy sauce provides that essential umami depth that makes this dish so satisfying and flavorful.
Honey: Pure honey creates the perfect sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce while helping the glaze caramelize beautifully on the salmon.
Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire teriyaki sauce and prevents it from becoming too heavy or cloying.
Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon of this aromatic oil infuses the glaze with that distinctive nutty flavor that’s essential to authentic teriyaki taste.
Fresh Ginger: I always use freshly grated ginger because it provides a warm, zesty kick that complements the salmon perfectly and adds incredible fragrance – it’s also essential in my teriyaki shrimp stir fry recipe for that authentic Asian flavor.
Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic cloves bring a savory depth to the teriyaki glaze that makes these bowls taste like they came from your favorite restaurant.
Cornstarch: This simple thickening agent transforms our sauce from a thin liquid into a glossy glaze that coats the salmon beautifully and clings to every bite.
Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color and slight crunch of steamed broccoli provides the perfect textural contrast to the tender salmon in these nourishing bowls.
Fresh Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats while creating a beautiful color contrast that makes each bowl Instagram-worthy.
How to Cook Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls
Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 400°F because getting the temperature right from the beginning ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2. In my kitchen, I always rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels – this step prevents the fish from steaming and helps the teriyaki glaze adhere better.
Step 3. For the teriyaki sauce, I combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan, whisking everything together until it’s completely smooth.
Step 4. I’ve found that bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat is key – too high heat will make it bubble aggressively and potentially burn the honey, similar to when I make the marinade for my Greek yogurt chicken recipe.
Step 5. My grandmother always said to add thickening agents slowly, so I stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for just 1-2 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
Step 6. I brush each salmon fillet generously with the warm teriyaki glaze, making sure to save some for serving because that extra sauce makes all the difference.
Step 7. My family prefers when I bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork – it should separate easily but still be moist inside.
Step 8. While the salmon bakes, I cook the rice according to package directions and steam the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, which maintains their vibrant color and nutrients.
Step 9. To assemble these beautiful bowls, I place warm rice as the base, arrange the colorful vegetables around the edges, and top with the glazed salmon fillet for an impressive presentation.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The salmon maintains its texture better when stored apart from the vegetables and rice, preventing everything from becoming soggy.
If you’d like to meal prep these teriyaki glazed salmon bowls, I recommend cooking everything fresh rather than freezing – though if you’re looking for freezer-friendly meal prep options, try my slow cooker sloppy joes which reheat beautifully.
For best results, I like to reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, while the rice can be quickly warmed in the microwave with a splash of water to restore its fluffy texture. The vegetables taste great at room temperature or can be briefly steamed to warm through.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls
These Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls combine flaky salmon glazed in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce with fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. Quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknight meals.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and pat dry salmon fillets. Place on a lined baking sheet.
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk and heat over medium. When simmering, stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily. Optionally, brush with more sauce halfway through.
Cook rice and steam broccoli until tender-crisp. Slice avocado and chop green onions.
Assemble bowls: Add rice, veggies, and salmon. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use fresh salmon fillets for best results. Let sauce cool slightly before drizzling. Store components separately and reheat gently for best texture. Add toppings like spicy mayo, pickled veggies, or edamame for variation.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes the perfect starter for this Japanese-inspired meal, and the umami-rich broth complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
Cucumber Salad: The crisp, refreshing crunch of cucumber dressed with rice vinegar provides a cooling contrast to the rich, glazed salmon and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Steamed Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans make an excellent appetizer or side dish that adds even more Japanese authenticity to your meal while providing extra nutrition.
Pickled Vegetables: The tangy acidity of pickled radishes or carrots cuts through the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze and adds a delightful textural element to the meal.
Seaweed Salad: This traditional Japanese side dish brings ocean flavors that pair naturally with salmon while adding interesting texture and additional nutrients to your dinner.
Green Tea: A cup of hot green tea serves as the perfect beverage to complete this Japanese-inspired meal and aids in digestion after this satisfying bowl.
FAQs
How many calories are in Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, making these bowls a nutritious and satisfying meal that provides excellent protein content without being too heavy for dinner.
Are Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bowls healthy for you?
Absolutely! These bowls are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, fiber from the vegetables, and provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
I recommend making the sauce fresh for best flavor, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week and gently reheated before using on your salmon.
What’s the best way to prevent the salmon from overcooking?
Cook the salmon just until it flakes easily with a fork – usually 12-15 minutes at 400°F depending on thickness, and remember that it will continue cooking slightly from residual heat even after removing from the oven.
