Easy Pan Fried Salmon Teriyaki (15 minute dinner!)

This pan-fried salmon teriyaki recipe is the perfect easy weeknight dinner when you want something fast, flavorful, and not too heavy. What I love about this One Pan Meal is that it comes together by cooking on the stovetop, which is especially clutch when warmer weather hits and you don’t want to heat up your kitchen by turning on the oven.

I’ve always been a baked salmon person, but pan frying salmon is surprisingly fast and foolproof. This version is made with teriyaki sauce, ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs well with just about any vegetable you have on hand.

If you like this dish, you should try my Sheet‑Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, Spicy Salmon Poke, or my Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl.

Why You Will Love This Dinner

• Easy cooking: One pan and minimal prep
• Healthy ingredients: High-protein, low carb, and made with a lighter teriyaki sauce
• Versatile meal: Works with rice, cauliflower rice, or simple veggies

Ingredients for this Pan Fried Teriyaki Salmon

• Atlantic salmon filets (skin on) – Rich, flavorful, and pan fry quickly with crispy skin
• Teriyaki sauce – Adds sweet-savory flavor (use a low-sugar option to keep this meal lighter)
• Avocado oil – Great for pan frying thanks to its high smoke point
• Green onion (optional) – Adds freshness and color right before serving

Substitutions and Variations

• Use salmon without skin if preferred (reduce cook time slightly)
• Swap avocado oil for olive oil or sesame oil
• Use soy sauce & honey if you don’t have teriyaki on hand
• Add grated ginger or garlic to the marinade for extra flavor

How to cook Teriyaki Salmon in a pan

1. Place the salmon filets skin-side up in a shallow bowl.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon and marinate for about 15 minutes.
3. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the salmon to the pan, skin-side up, and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through.
6. Serve with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Tips and Notes

• Let excess marinade drip off before adding salmon to the pan
• Don’t move the salmon while it cooks, this helps it sear nicely
• Cook time will vary based on thickness, so keep an eye on it

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Asian Broccoli (Roasted from Frozen)
• Pair with cauliflower rice or jasmine rice
• Add to a simple salad for a lighter dinner

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals.

Tips:
Add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to prevent drying out.

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