Hey there food enthusiasts!
As the seasons change and our cravings shift towards lighter but still flavorful meals, I find myself reaching back into the treasure chest of international cuisine. This time around, my culinary compass has pointed me East, towards the land of the rising sun – Japan.
We’ve all had those days, haven’t we? Life with four little munchkins running around makes for a busy household, and sometimes, between the school runs and bedtime stories, I need something that’s uncomplicated but bursts with those umami flavors that our family loves. So, roll up your sleeves, because today we’re diving straight into one of our favorites: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Sesame Greens!
Now, when it comes to salmon, it’s all about the balance – the soft, buttery texture of the fish paired with that sweet, sticky glaze is pure perfection. And I’m all about including a good helping of greens. Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but let’s be honest, sneaking in extra veggies wherever possible is a win in a family household!
This dish is simple enough to whip up on a weekday but has that special-feel that makes it worthy of a weekend dinner party. Picture this: beautifully pan-fried salmon fillets, basted in a homemade teriyaki glaze that clings to the fish with a determined glaze-y ambition, served up alongside a heap of sautéed greens that have been kissed with sesame oil and garlic. It’s a dish that promises to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures that, my friends, will serenade your palate.
What’s magical about the teriyaki glazed salmon is how those Japanese flavors bring a simple dish to new heights. The glaze itself – a mingling of soy sauce, mirin, honey, and a bit of ginger and garlic – creates a caramelized crust on the salmon that’s just phenomenal. And we all know that when you’ve got a great piece of fish, it does half the work for you.
As for the greens – feel free to use whatever you’ve got on hand. I love a bright mix of broccoli, green beans, and snap peas, but this is a dish that plays well with versatility, so mix it up depending on what’s lurking in your fridge.
The act of bringing this dish to the table feels like a little celebration, and as the aroma wafts through the kitchen, it’s a call to arms for the family to take their places at the table. And, dear readers, if you could see their faces as they take that first bite – now, that’s worth every second spent at the stove.
So give this teriyaki glazed salmon with sautéed sesame greens a go, and let your taste buds voyage to the bustling streets of Tokyo from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a dish that brings together the whole family and even encourages the kiddos to eat their greens without a fuss – now that’s what I call a successful meal!
Until our next culinary adventure, keep those pans sizzling and your hearts warmed by the joy of cooking. Catch you next time, fellow flavor seekers!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Teriyaki Glaze:
– 100ml soy sauce
– 50ml mirin
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Sautéed Sesame Greens:
– 500g mixed green vegetables (such as broccoli, green beans, and snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for garnish:
– Spring onions, thinly sliced
– Fresh coriander, chopped
– 1 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Method
1. Preheat your pan over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Add the vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes or until the desired doneness is reached. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. For the teriyaki glaze, combine the soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey dissolves and the sauce is well combined. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the teriyaki glaze, reserving some for serving.
5. Return the pan to the stove and heat over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and once hot, add the sliced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, for about 1 minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic.
6. Add the mixed green vegetables to the pan and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
7. Serve the teriyaki glazed salmon with the side of sautéed sesame greens. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the salmon and garnish with sliced spring onions, chopped coriander, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if desired.
