Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Skewers: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Name: Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Salmon Fillets (skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (adjust if using low-sodium teriyaki); 2 tablespoons Honey; 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil; 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 Green Onions (thinly sliced, for garnish); 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (for garnish); 10 -12 Wooden Skewers (soaked in water); Bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks (Optional Vegetables)

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option? These Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Skewers are the answer! This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce, all grilled to perfection on skewers. Perfect for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare.

A Taste of the East: Understanding Teriyaki and Salmon

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, involves glazing food with a soy sauce-based sauce and then grilling or broiling it. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and ginger. This combination creates a beautiful glossy finish and a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.

Salmon, a fatty fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, is a fantastic choice for teriyaki because its robust flavor stands up well to the strong sauce. The grilling process adds a smoky char, enhancing the overall taste experience. The origins of using salmon with teriyaki sauce are harder to pinpoint to a specific region or tradition, but the combination has become a popular and widely enjoyed culinary fusion worldwide.

These salmon skewers offer a wonderful blend of textures and tastes. The salmon is tender and flaky, the teriyaki sauce is sticky and flavorful, and the slight char from the grill adds a pleasant smoky note. Serve them with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon Fillets: 1.5 lbs, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
Teriyaki Sauce: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (if using low-sodium teriyaki, adjust accordingly)
Honey: 2 tablespoons (adds extra sweetness and helps with caramelization)
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Wooden Skewers: 10-12, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
Optional Vegetables: Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), red onion, pineapple chunks

Step-by-Step Instructions: Grilling Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Cut the salmon fillets into approximately 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This marinade will infuse the salmon with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Add the salmon cubes to the teriyaki marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful salmon.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated salmon cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers. If using vegetables, alternate salmon with bell pepper pieces, red onion wedges, or pineapple chunks. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Grill the Salmon Skewers

Place the salmon skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.

Step 7: Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)

During the last minute of grilling, brush the salmon skewers with additional teriyaki sauce for a glossy finish and extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the grilled salmon skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Perfect Salmon Skewers

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: For a truly authentic flavor, try making your own teriyaki sauce. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (optional), sugar, and ginger in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables on the skewers. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms are all excellent choices.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the grilled salmon skewers can add a bright and refreshing flavor.
Oven-Baked Option: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the salmon skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through.
Marinade Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the salmon for a few hours (up to 2 hours) will result in a deeper, more intense flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the salmon skewers with steamed rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad. They also pair well with grilled vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 350
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g

Conclusion: A Simple and Satisfying Meal

These Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The combination of tender salmon, sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and the smoky char from the grill is simply irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

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