There’s a teriyaki place around every corner here and we’ve become fans of chicken or salmon teriyaki as a quick take-out option. I’ve attempted making it at home before and tried a few bottled teriyaki sauces but never been super impressed (Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki- with pineapple!- is the best I’ve found). But after trying this recipe I won’t be going back to bottled! This quick and easy homemade teriyaki sauce is just so good- and paired with salmon (chicken would work as well), steamed rice, and veggies, it’s a win.

Have I shared my secret to keeping fresh ginger on hand? Freeze it! Whenever I buy ginger root I throw it in a ziplock bag (I don’t even bother peeling it first) and keep it in the freezer until needed. I just chop/grate off the amount I need for a recipe and then it goes back into the freezer until next time. It should stay good frozen for up to about 6 months!

Teriyaki Salmon

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
~1 lb. salmon filets (skinless)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated or minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp. water
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar (3 Tbsp. for a sweeter Teriyaki sauce)
1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. water
sliced green onions, for garnish
toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
steamed rice, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar and sesame oil to a medium bowl. Add half of the marinade to a ziplock bag and the other half to a small saucepan and set aside. Place salmon filets in the ziplock bag and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add salmon filets making sure not to overcrowd pan. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side until desired doneness. (OR salmon can be grilled over medium-high heat OR baked in the oven at 400 F for approx. 10-15 min until just cooked through/flakes easily with a fork.)
3. Meanwhile, heat the reserved marinade in the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch and water to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
   Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture to the marinade and simmer until thickened.
4. Serve immediately over steamed rice with the teriyaki sauce drizzled on top and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

(Adapted from Chef Savvy)