Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 2 lbs salmon filets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ground ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
Thickening Slurry and Garnish
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) mixed with 1 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ground ginger. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely and all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon filets in a large bowl or a ziplock bag and pour half of the marinade over the fish. Ensure the filets are evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to a high temperature between 450-500°F (232-260°C). Grease the grill grates with a nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon filets on the grill skin side up, or on either side if skinless. Close the grill lid, discard the marinade used for soaking. Cook for 7-8 minutes without moving.
- Flip the Salmon: Carefully use a fish spatula to flip the filets. The fish should release easily from the grill; if it sticks, allow it to cook a few more minutes before flipping. After flipping, grill for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Thicken the Marinade: Pour the remaining half of the marinade into a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until it bubbles. Stir in the arrowroot slurry and continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Glaze and Garnish: Brush the thickened teriyaki glaze generously over the grilled salmon. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for at least 1 hour helps develop deeper flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent curing the fish.
- If you don't have arrowroot powder, corn starch works as a thickening substitute.
- Check the grill temperature regularly to maintain the ideal cooking range for perfect salmon.
- Letting the salmon rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender.
- This recipe works well with skin-on or skinless salmon filets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Low Fat