Teriyaki Salmon

Ingredients

• 1½ lb salmon fillets
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mirin
• ¼ cup sake (cooking wine) (optional)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 clove garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tbsp water (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. If thickening, whisk cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add to the simmering sauce and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
3. Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the salmon, brush generously with the teriyaki sauce, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. Remove from oven, brush with more teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.