Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry

Introduction

Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with crisp vegetables, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal that’s quick to make but tastes like it came from a restaurant. The stir fry method ensures the salmon stays juicy while the vegetables retain their crispness, making every bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, colorful, and packed with nutrients. The tender, flaky salmon absorbs the teriyaki glaze beautifully, and the fresh vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant colors. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. I also appreciate that it’s a one-pan meal, minimizing cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it perfectly balances the richness of salmon with the freshness of vegetables and the umami of teriyaki sauce. It’s healthy yet satisfying, making it suitable for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a quick lunch. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors makes it irresistible, and it’s a great way to get more omega-3s and vegetables into your diet.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Calories per serving: ~400 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian / Japanese-inspired
• Course: Main Dish / Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger to make teriyaki sauce.
2. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Sear salmon pieces until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic, onion, and carrots until tender-crisp.
5. Add broccoli and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
6. Return salmon to the pan and pour teriyaki sauce over it.
7. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles; garnish with sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Teriyaki Sauce
   • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and optional minced ginger. Set aside.
2. Cook Salmon
   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add salmon pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
   • Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables
   • In the same skillet, add remaining oil.
   • Sauté garlic and onion for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add carrots and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
   • Add broccoli and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Combine Salmon and Sauce
   • Return salmon to the skillet with vegetables.
   • Pour teriyaki sauce over salmon and vegetables.
5. Thicken Sauce
   • Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the salmon and vegetables.
6. Final Touches
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added freshness.
• Can also be enjoyed as a low-carb meal without rice.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking salmon to maintain a tender, flaky texture.
• Use high heat for stir-frying to keep vegetables crisp.
• For extra flavor, add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
• You can make teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Variations

1. Spicy Teriyaki: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha.
2. Mixed Veggie: Include snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
3. Honey Garlic: Swap ginger for extra garlic and increase honey slightly.
4. Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust sweetness to taste.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked stir fry in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave; add a splash of water to loosen sauce if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for sauce
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   • Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best texture.
2. Can I use pre-cooked salmon?
   • Yes, add it at the very end to avoid overcooking.
3. Can this be made gluten-free?
   • Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
4. Can I prepare vegetables ahead of time?
   • Yes, chop vegetables and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
5. How can I make it more flavorful?
   • Add minced garlic and ginger generously, and drizzle sesame oil just before serving.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and nutritious dish that combines tender salmon, crisp vegetables, and a rich, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 30 minutes. Bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color, this stir fry is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a dish everyone will love.