Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Noodles
A sweet and savory salmon fillet served on a bed of nutty sesame-infused noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Serves: 2–4
Introduction
If you’re looking for a healthy yet satisfying dinner that’s loaded with flavor and comes together quickly, this Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Noodles will become your new favorite. The sticky, homemade teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully over pan-seared or oven-baked salmon, while the noodles are tossed in a simple sesame-soy dressing for a perfect complement.
This is the ideal weekday dinner that tastes like takeout but is healthier, customizable, and packed with Omega-3s, fiber, and bold flavor.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Salmon:
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2–4 salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 6 oz / 170g each)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp mirin (or extra honey if unavailable)
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1 tsp fresh grated ginger
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
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1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
For the Sesame Noodles:
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8 oz (225g) noodles (soba, ramen, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
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1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tsp chili oil or Sriracha (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Add-ins:
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Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
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Julienned carrots or cucumber
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Chopped peanuts or cashews
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Pickled ginger or radishes
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Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
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In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, garlic, and ginger.
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Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
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Mix cornstarch with water and whisk into the sauce.
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Simmer until thickened (1–2 minutes), then remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil if using.
This sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
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Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
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In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, neutral oil, and honey.
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Toss the noodles with the sauce and sesame seeds. Add green onions and any optional veggies.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Option A: Pan-Seared
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season salmon lightly with salt and pepper.
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Sear salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes.
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Pour teriyaki sauce over the salmon and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes, spooning over to glaze.
Option B: Oven-Baked
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place salmon on a lined baking tray. Brush generously with teriyaki sauce.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, brushing once more halfway through, until cooked through and glossy.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
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Divide sesame noodles between plates or bowls.
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Top each with a glazed salmon fillet.
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil if desired.
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Serve with steamed greens or a wedge of lime.
Storage Tips
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Salmon: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Best reheated gently.
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Noodles: Can be served cold or reheated. Store separately from the salmon for best texture.
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Freezing: Not recommended for fully assembled dish; salmon can be frozen separately before saucing.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550–650 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–50 g |
| Sugars | 8–12 g |
| Fat | 25–30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | ~900 mg |
Values vary depending on noodle type, sauce quantity, and added toppings.
Variations
| Variation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Vegan Option | Swap salmon for tofu or tempeh; use maple syrup in sauce |
| Gluten-Free | Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles |
| Low-Carb | Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles |
| Air Fryer Salmon | Air fry salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 min, glaze afterward |
| Spicy Miso Twist | Add 1 tsp miso paste and chili flakes to the teriyaki sauce |
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Noodles is a flavor-packed dish that brings together Japanese-inspired glaze and classic noodle simplicity. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve to guests. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, along with the creamy salmon and chewy noodles, makes this recipe a reliable favorite.