Bring the bold, sweet-savory flavor of Macaroni Grill’s Teriyaki Salmon into your own kitchen with this simple, family-favorite recipe. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear, this teriyaki salmon is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients for this easy Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- 4–6 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 2 tbsp light oil (grape seed or olive)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup store bought or homemade teriyaki sauce
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- optional sesame seeds to garnish
🍶 Simple Teriyaki Salmon Marinade
- In a large resealable bag or rice bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, sprinkle sugar, and diced red bell pepper.
- Add salmon fillets and chill for 1–2 hours in refrigerator to let the flavors soak in.
🔥 How to Cook Your Teriyaki Salmon
You can prepare these salmon filets several ways — on a baking sheet in the oven, stovetop, or grill — depending on your preference:
🔥 Grilled on Cedar Planks (My Favorite!)
- Prep and soak cedar planks in water for at least 12 hours before grilling.
- Place salmon on plank(s) and grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook about 5 minutes or until salmon is flaky and cooked through.
🍳 Pan Seared or Oven Baked
- For a pan sear: heat a skillet and cook salmon skin side down until golden, flipping once.
- For baking: preheat oven to 400 °F and bake 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Serve your teriyaki salmon with fresh sides like:
- Mixed green salad with mirin vinaigrette
- Spinach orzo
- Steamed rice and green onion
- Roasted vegetables glazed with maple syrup
This dish pairs beautifully with light white wine or a citrusy mocktail.
⭐ Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook: Salmon should be moist and flaky, not dry.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Try cedar plank grilling for smoky, restaurant-style results.
Easy Macaroni Grill-Inspired Teriyaki Salmon
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy teriyaki salmon tastes just like the restaurant favorite. Tender salmon fillets are marinated in a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, then baked, grilled, or pan-seared and finished with extra sauce spooned over the top for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
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4–6 salmon fillets
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2 tbsp oil (olive or grapeseed)
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2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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1 cup teriyaki sauce
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½ cup balsamic vinegar
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½ cup honey
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1 tsp sugar (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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½ cup diced red bell pepper
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Sesame seeds & fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the Marinade: In a bowl or large bag, whisk together teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, sugar, and diced red bell pepper.
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Marinate: Add salmon and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
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Cook:
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Bake: Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
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Grill: Grill on cedar planks over medium-high heat until flaky.
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Pan-Sear: Cook in a hot skillet until golden, flipping once.
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Finish: Spoon extra warm glaze over the salmon before serving.
Notes
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Don’t overcook — salmon should flake easily but stay moist
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Warm the glaze slightly before pouring for the best shine
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Marinate longer for deeper flavor
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Marinate Time: 1-2 HOURS
- Cook Time: 12-15 MINUTES
- Category: MAIN DISH | SEAFOOD
- Method: GRILL | STOVETOP | BAKE
- Cuisine: ASIAN INSPIRED
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy teriyaki salmon is:
- Restaurant-inspired and homemade friendly
- Healthy & high in protein
- Great for date night or casual dinners
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake teriyaki salmon instead of grilling it?
Yes! Teriyaki salmon bakes beautifully. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For extra flavor, spoon more teriyaki glaze over the top during the last few minutes of baking.
How do I keep teriyaki salmon from drying out?
The key is not overcooking. Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium or 145°F if you prefer it fully cooked. Brushing or spooning extra glaze over the salmon helps lock in moisture.
Can I make this teriyaki salmon ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of salmon works best for this recipe?
Fresh Atlantic salmon or sockeye salmon both work well. Look for fillets that are bright in color, firm, and evenly thick so they cook evenly.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely. A good-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce works great for convenience. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for a few minutes before spooning it over the salmon.
Is this teriyaki salmon healthy?
Yes! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Using homemade or low-sodium teriyaki sauce helps control sugar and sodium, making this a nutritious weeknight dinner.
What should I serve with teriyaki salmon?
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Brown rice or quinoa
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- A simple green salad
Can I store leftovers?
Leftover teriyaki salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Final Thoughts
This macaroni grill inspired teriyaki salmon is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. With its rich glaze and tender texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without the fuss.
