This is the easiest teriyaki salmon made with authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce. Bake in the oven or cook in an air-fryer for easier cleanup. The salmon and sauce are cooked together allowing the flavor of the sauce to infuse into the fish.
Make the sauce - Combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust sugar based on preference.
2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake
Create an open packet for the salmon using heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lightly grease with vegetable oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Place salmon in the foil and pour teriyaki sauce all over. Fold the edges of the foil, covering the sauce on the sides, but don't seal it completely. Make sure the flesh of the fish is still exposed.
Cook salmon for 8 to 9 minutes in an air-fryer or 12-5 minutes in an oven until cooked. Check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork. It is done when it's opaque, firm, flaky yet silky.
Serve - Transfer cooked salmon to a plate, and spoon over with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle with scallions/spring onions while still warm. Serve with rice and enjoy!
Notes
Sake - substitute with water or broth if not available.
Cooking time - The cooking time for salmon can vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. For a standard 1-inch thick salmon fillet, cook for about 8 to 10 minutes in an air-fryer and 12 to 15 minutes in the oven.