Appetizer Salmon Teriyaki

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
7 Min Read

Teriyaki Salmon Appetizer Recipe

This delicious appetizer combines the tenderness of salmon with the sweetness and umami touch of teriyaki sauce. It's perfect for starting a meal with a gourmet flavor that delights all seafood lovers, and it's also easy to prepare at home. Ideal as snacks for gatherings or as a tapa to share, this dish offers an exquisite pairing with fresh and light drinks.

Preparation time

Find out how much time you need to prepare this tasty appetizer and organize your kitchen:

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 15 minutes
  • Total: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the teriyaki sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (corn flour)
  • ½ cup water (divided)
  • ½ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons finely chopped ginger or ½ teaspoon powdered
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic or ¾ teaspoon powdered
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the salmon

  • 600 grams fresh salmon fillets (preferably with skin)

If you have difficulty finding tamari, you can substitute it with regular soy sauce; the key difference is that tamari is naturally gluten-free. For ginger and garlic, if you can't find fresh, powders work well but fresh retains better flavor for that gourmet touch in your tapas.

Utensils we will use

  • Frying pan or baking sheet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Marinating bowl
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cup or glass
  • Parchment paper for oven

Preparation

1. Prepare the teriyaki sauce

  1. Mix dry and liquid ingredients:
    • In a small pot, combine tamari, water (minus 1 ½ tablespoons), honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
    • Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
  2. In a small pot, combine tamari, water (minus 1 ½ tablespoons), honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
  3. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Prepare the cornstarch mixture:
    • Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 ½ tablespoons of water until a homogeneous mixture (slurry) is formed.
  5. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 ½ tablespoons of water until a homogeneous mixture (slurry) is formed.
  6. Cook the sauce:
    • Place the pot over medium heat and add the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly.
    • Let it simmer gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent.
    • Remove from heat and let cool slightly, the sauce will thicken even more.
  7. Place the pot over medium heat and add the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly.
  8. Let it simmer gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent.
  9. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, the sauce will thicken even more.

2. Prepare the salmon

  1. Cleaning and cutting:
    • Wash salmon fillets under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
    • If you prefer, leave the skin on for cooking, this will keep the salmon juicy. You can remove it after cooking if desired.
    • If you want to prepare bites, cut the salmon into cubes of approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch).
  2. Wash salmon fillets under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. If you prefer, leave the skin on for cooking, this will keep the salmon juicy. You can remove it after cooking if desired.
  4. If you want to prepare bites, cut the salmon into cubes of approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch).
  5. Marinate:
    • Place the salmon in a bowl and pour ¾ of the teriyaki sauce over it.
    • Toss gently to coat each piece well without breaking the fish.
    • Let it rest in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 hours to prevent the acids from breaking down the salmon's texture.
  6. Place the salmon in a bowl and pour ¾ of the teriyaki sauce over it.
  7. Toss gently to coat each piece well without breaking the fish.
  8. Let it rest in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 hours to prevent the acids from breaking down the salmon's texture.

3. Cook the teriyaki salmon appetizer

  1. Prepare the oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the salmon from sticking and to facilitate cleaning.
  2. Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
  3. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the salmon from sticking and to facilitate cleaning.
  4. Place the salmon:
    • Arrange the marinated fillets or cubes, making sure they don't touch to cook evenly.
  5. Arrange the marinated fillets or cubes, making sure they don't touch to cook evenly.
  6. Bake:
    • Cook fillets for 12-16 minutes or cubes for 10-13 minutes until the salmon looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Cook fillets for 12-16 minutes or cubes for 10-13 minutes until the salmon looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Finish:
    • During the last few minutes, brush with the remaining teriyaki sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
  9. During the last few minutes, brush with the remaining teriyaki sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor.

To finish and serve

Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. If the skin is present, remove it easily before serving. Offer this appetizer accompanied by extra sauce so that each guest can add to their liking. This dish goes very well with white rice, quinoa, or some fresh steamed vegetable, creating a perfect pairing with balanced and fresh flavors.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 227 kcal
  • Proteins: 25 g
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g

Values are approximate estimates per serving.


5 keys to make it perfect

  • Use fresh salmon: Avoid frozen salmon, as it loses texture and may not absorb the marinade well.
  • Respect the marinating time: Do not exceed 3-4 hours so as not to ruin the fish's texture.
  • Keep the skin on when cooking: Protects the salmon to keep it juicy and easy to handle.
  • Control the cooking: Salmon should be opaque and flake easily; 12-16 minutes in a hot oven are key.
  • Brush at the end: Apply teriyaki sauce just before removing for a shiny and flavorful finish.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This teriyaki salmon appetizer is ideal for sharing at family gatherings, dinners with friends, or as part of a variety of tapas at a celebration. Its mild and sweet flavor makes it versatile for any season, although it is particularly refreshing in spring and summer. Furthermore, it pairs excellently with light drinks and white wines, making the pairing simple and delicious.


Comparison table of Teriyaki Salmon Appetizer and similar recipes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Teriyaki Salmon AppetizerSalmon, teriyaki sauce, honeySweet and umami flavor, easy and quick to prepare
Citrus-glazed salmonSalmon, citrus, sweet glazeFresher and brighter citrus touch
Salmon with pumpkin seed and cocoa crustSalmon, seeds, cocoaCrispy texture and more complex flavor
Thai Shrimp CevicheShrimp, lime, chiliVery fresh and spicy, different type of seafood
Ceviche tostadas with soyCeviche, soy sauce, tostadaCrispy texture and similar umami flavor but different base
Cold tuna pieTuna, mayonnaise, gelatinCold and creamy presentation, suitable for buffet
Crab SalpicónCrab, vegetables, citrusMore fresh sauce and different seafood

Share your experience

Have you tried preparing this teriyaki salmon appetizer? Share how it turned out and what variations you made. Cooking is for sharing and experimenting. Tell us if you used any of our pairing suggestions or if you accompanied it with any gourmet snack different. Your tricks can inspire others!

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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