This Grilled Teriyaki Salmon is cooked on the grill and brushed with a savory teriyaki glaze for a healthy, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest, most flavorful fish you can serve. It needs minimal seasoning to shine — a little oil, salt and pepper, and a bright teriyaki glaze bring out its natural richness.
For an easy weeknight meal, pair this salmon with a simple rice side or a quick fried rice made on a griddle. Grilling concentrates the fish’s flavor and adds a pleasant smoky note, especially when you cook outdoors on a pellet or gas grill.
Grilling salmon is fast and low-mess, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying dinner with family.
What’s the best way to cook salmon?
A pellet grill is excellent because it’s easy to control and adds a subtle wood-fired flavor, but you can use any grill or the oven if necessary. The important part is controlling temperature and avoiding overcooking so the salmon stays moist and flaky.
Tips for perfect grilled salmon
Use nonstick foil or a grill mat
Nonstick foil makes cleanup easier and keeps delicate fillets from sticking. If you only have regular foil, lightly oil it first. Grill mats are another great option for preventing sticking and catching drips.
Use a good thermometer
Watch the salmon carefully while it cooks. The fork test—gently twisting a fork into the fillet to see if it flakes—is useful, but a reliable instant-read thermometer removes guesswork. Aim for an internal temperature of about 140–145°F for a tender, fully cooked fillet.
Cooking time depends on fillet thickness, so check the temperature rather than relying solely on minutes. Thicker filets may need a few extra minutes; thin pieces cook very quickly.
What kind of salmon is best for grilling?
Wild-caught salmon is the top choice when available, but responsibly farmed salmon is still a nutritious alternative if wild fish aren’t accessible. Look for fillets with firm, uniformly pink flesh and a fresh, briny smell rather than a strong “fishy” odor. Freshness and careful cooking are the keys to great texture and flavor.
What should I serve with this salmon?
Asian-inspired sides pair beautifully with teriyaki salmon. Steamed rice, basmati made in an Instant Pot, or a quick fried rice are natural choices. For lighter options, try a crisp tossed salad, vinegar-based coleslaw, or a broccoli salad.
Warm crusty bread and a simple green salad also work well if you want a lighter, homestyle meal.
Keep sides simple and fast to preserve the ease of this grilled entrée—delicious, healthy dinners don’t need to be complicated.
Recommended Easy Salmon Recipes
If you enjoy salmon, here are a few more easy preparations to try: Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad, Smoked Salmon Dip, Sriracha Salmon Stuffed Mushrooms, Traeger Smoked Salmon, Lemon Pepper Smoked Salmon, and Traeger Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon — Recipe
Yield: 4 servings
This straightforward recipe features a savory teriyaki glaze and cooks quickly on the grill. It’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon fillet
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced into pats
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (about 200°C).
- Make a shallow nonstick foil tray or use a grill mat and place the salmon on top.
- Drizzle the fillet with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt, then dot the top with pats of butter.
- Put the foil tray on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill at 400°F for 8 minutes.
- Open the lid and brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce. Continue to brush every 5 minutes with additional sauce until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F and flakes easily.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with your chosen sides.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 296 • Total Fat: 25g • Saturated Fat: 10g • Unsaturated Fat: 14g • Cholesterol: 66mg • Sodium: 1179mg • Carbohydrates: 3g • Sugar: 3g • Protein: 14g
Nutrition estimates are approximate. Consult a trusted source if you need precise values for dietary tracking.