Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon is an irresistible fusion of rich, tender salmon and a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, offering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and elegance-ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
What Is Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon
Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon is a delectable dish where succulent salmon fillets are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that is bursting with umami and sweetness. Ramsay’s recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors, incorporating soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, which caramelize beautifully over the fish as it cooks.
The result is a tender, flavorful fish with a glossy finish that looks and tastes like something you’d expect at a high-end restaurant. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe elevates salmon to new heights with minimal ingredients.
Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Ingredients Needed

To recreate Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference, but skin-on adds extra crispiness)
- Soy sauce (the base of the teriyaki sauce, adds saltiness and depth)
- Honey (for sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce)
- Fresh ginger (provides a warm, slightly spicy note)
- Garlic cloves (for aromatic richness)
- Rice vinegar (adds acidity to balance the sweet and salty)
- Sesame oil (optional but recommended for a toasted, nutty flavor)
- Green onions (for garnish and a burst of freshness)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish to add texture and visual appeal)
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this dish:
- Frying pan or skillet (non-stick works best for easy flipping of the salmon)
- Small bowl (for mixing the teriyaki sauce)
- Whisk (for blending the sauce ingredients together)
- Tongs (to flip the salmon without breaking it)
- Measuring spoons (to ensure accurate sauce ingredients)
- Knife and cutting board (for mincing the garlic and ginger)
- Serving plate (for plating your gorgeous dish!)
How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
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Prepare The Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This forms the teriyaki base that will coat your salmon. If you like a more intense flavor, let the sauce sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook The Salmon
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, season your salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add a small amount of oil to the pan once it’s hot. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-4 minutes until it’s cooked through but still moist inside.
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Glaze The Salmon
Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, pour the teriyaki sauce over the fish in the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, turning the salmon once or twice so it gets evenly coated in the glossy glaze.
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Serve
Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Expert Tips

- For crispy skin: If you’re using skin-on salmon, make sure to cook it skin-side down first for 3-4 minutes to get the skin extra crispy. This gives your dish an added crunch and a stunning texture contrast with the soft fish.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
- Balance the sauce: If you like your teriyaki sauce to be more tangy, increase the amount of rice vinegar. For a sweeter sauce, add more honey. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the fish to make sure it’s to your liking.
- Add a little heat: For some extra zing, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Perfect sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. If you want to stay authentic, serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables or bok choy.
Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon is an exceptional way to enjoy salmon, marrying rich, tender fish with a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this dish is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Its balance of flavors, from the umami soy sauce to the sweetness of honey, makes it a standout dinner option that can impress guests or satisfy a craving for something special. Try it tonight for a meal that’s sure to elevate your culinary repertoire!.
Easy Recipe Variations For Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon
Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. If you’re looking to explore some variations, there are several ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun and easy recipe variations:
- Add Spice with Sriracha Teriyaki Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha sauce into the teriyaki marinade. This adds a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy to the dish, while still maintaining the original umami flavor of the teriyaki sauce.
- Miso Glazed Teriyaki Salmon: For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of white or red miso paste to the teriyaki sauce. The miso paste deepens the savory flavors, creating a complex umami base that pairs beautifully with the fish.
- Honey and Lime Teriyaki Salmon: Switch things up by adding a bit of honey for an extra touch of sweetness, and squeeze fresh lime juice into the marinade. The honey will give the sauce a thicker, syrup-like consistency, while the lime adds a refreshing citrusy twist.
- Citrus Infused Teriyaki Salmon: For a zesty and refreshing variation, infuse the teriyaki sauce with orange or grapefruit zest. The citrus notes complement the rich flavor of the salmon and brighten up the dish, making it perfect for spring or summer meals.
- Grilled Teriyaki Salmon: For a smoky flavor, take the teriyaki salmon to the grill. Simply follow the original recipe, but instead of pan-searing, place the salmon fillets on a preheated grill. This will add a beautiful charred texture to the outside, with the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze giving it a perfect glaze.
- Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds and Scallions: Top your cooked salmon with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced scallions. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the scallions provide a burst of freshness that enhances the overall dish.
- Vegetarian Teriyaki ‘Salmon’: If you’re looking for a plant-based variation, swap out the salmon for a firm tofu or tempeh steak. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same teriyaki sauce and pan-fry it until crispy. You’ll have a vegetarian-friendly version that retains the savory-sweet flavors of the dish.
These simple yet effective variations will not only elevate your dish but also give you the flexibility to tailor the flavors to your preferences!
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
When you’ve cooked a delicious batch of Teriyaki Salmon, it’s essential to store the leftovers properly to maintain the flavor, texture, and freshness. Here are some best practices to help you store your leftovers:
- Cool it Quickly: Before storing the leftovers, allow the salmon to cool down at room temperature for no more than two hours. This prevents bacterial growth. To speed up the cooling process, you can slice the salmon into smaller portions.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store the cooled salmon in an airtight container. This will keep it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. Choose a container that’s just the right size for your leftovers to minimize air exposure.
- Refrigeration: Teriyaki salmon should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 2 to 3 days. After that, the freshness and quality may degrade. Be sure to store it on the middle shelf of the fridge, where the temperature remains most consistent.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your Teriyaki Salmon, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each portion of the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label it with the date, and use it within 1-2 months for the best flavor.
- Reheating: When reheating Teriyaki Salmon, it’s important to avoid overcooking it, as the delicate texture of the fish can become dry. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop on low heat, adding a bit of teriyaki sauce or a splash of water to keep the salmon moist. Microwaving is not ideal, as it tends to overheat the fish unevenly.
- Avoid Storing Sauce Separately: If you’ve got leftover teriyaki sauce, it’s a good idea to store it separately from the salmon to avoid sogginess. Keep it in a small airtight container in the fridge, and you can drizzle it over the salmon when ready to serve.
Properly storing your Teriyaki Salmon ensures that you can enjoy those leftovers as much as the first meal, with minimal loss of quality!
What Goes Well With Teriyaki Salmon?
Teriyaki Salmon is rich, flavorful, and quite satisfying on its own. However, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal and create a more balanced dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing with any teriyaki dish, jasmine rice provides a delicate, fragrant base that complements the rich flavor of the salmon. The slightly sticky rice also soaks up the sauce, making every bite more flavorful.
- Grilled Vegetables: Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini make for perfect grilled or sautéed side dishes. Their slight char enhances the flavor of the salmon while adding some texture contrast.
- Edamame Beans: These tender, salted soybeans are a wonderful, healthy accompaniment to Teriyaki Salmon. They provide a nice balance with their light, refreshing flavor that doesn’t compete with the main dish.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-based dressing works well with the rich flavors of Teriyaki Salmon. The acidity and crunchiness of the slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the savory-sweet salmon.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adding a bit of pickled ginger or pickled cucumber on the side can cleanse the palate between bites of salmon, adding both sharpness and zest to each mouthful.
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale: For a healthy and nutritious addition, sautéed leafy greens like spinach or kale with garlic and a drizzle of soy sauce are a fantastic pairing. The earthiness of the greens pairs well with the umami flavors of the teriyaki.
- Coconut Rice: If you’re feeling adventurous, coconut rice with its subtle sweetness and creamy texture makes a fantastic base for Teriyaki Salmon. The slight coconut flavor complements the sweet and savory sauce on the fish.
- Crispy Potatoes: For a more indulgent side, crispy roasted potatoes with a sprinkle of sea salt or garlic work well alongside Teriyaki Salmon. Their crispiness and savory taste provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the salmon.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
To make Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon, you’ll need the following ingredients: salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and spring onions. These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze for the salmon.
How Do I Prepare The Teriyaki Sauce For The Salmon?
To prepare the teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon For Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s important to thaw it properly first. For best results, thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave. Ensure that the salmon is fully thawed before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.
How Long Should I Cook The Salmon For Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon Recipe?
Cooking time for the salmon depends on the thickness of the fillets. Typically, you should cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat in a pan.
The fish should be golden on the outside while remaining slightly translucent in the center. Always check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C).
Can I Grill The Salmon Instead Of Pan-frying It?
Yes, grilling the salmon is a great alternative!
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Brush the salmon with the teriyaki sauce during grilling for extra flavor.
What Can I Serve With Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light Asian-style salad. You can also serve it with noodles or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal.
Is Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?
The traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. However, you can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I Prepare The Teriyaki Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time. Simply cook the sauce as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it up slightly before using it to glaze the salmon.
What Type Of Salmon Is Best For Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
For the best results, use fresh, skin-on salmon fillets. Salmon varieties such as King, Sockeye, or Coho are ideal due to their rich flavor and texture. Skin-on fillets will also help the salmon stay moist during cooking.
Can I Make A Healthier Version Of Gordon Ramsay’s Teriyaki Salmon?
Yes, to make a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce to lower the salt content and use less sesame oil for a lighter option.