Easy Side Dishes for Teriyaki Salmon: 20+ Perfect Selections
Searching for easy side dishes for teriyaki salmon? I’ve got you covered!
As someone who loves cooking Asian-inspired meals, I know how important it is to pair this sweet and savory fish with the right sides.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, these side dishes will make your teriyaki salmon shine.
From fluffy rice to crunchy vegetables, I’ll share my favorite combinations that’ll make your mouth water.
You’ll find options for every taste, from traditional Japanese sides to modern twists that’ll surprise your taste buds.
What is Teriyaki Salmon?
Teriyaki salmon combines tender fish with a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
I love how the sauce caramelizes on the salmon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
You’ll find this dish in Japanese restaurants, but it’s also super easy to make at home.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Salmon?
Your teriyaki salmon deserves amazing sides! I’ll show you everything from fluffy rice and noodles to crispy vegetables and refreshing salads.
These sides will turn your salmon into a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at your table.
Best Starches to Serve with Teriyaki Salmon
These filling sides soak up all that yummy teriyaki sauce. I’ve picked options that’ll make your meal more satisfying while complementing the salmon’s flavors.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture and subtle floral aroma make this rice perfect with teriyaki salmon. I love how it soaks up the sauce like a flavor sponge. You’ll appreciate its light, clean taste that doesn’t overshadow the fish.
- Brown Rice: This nutty whole grain brings extra nutrition to your teriyaki salmon meal! The chewy texture and earthy flavor match the sweet teriyaki sauce. Brown rice adds fiber and makes the meal more filling.
- Quinoa: This protein-packed grain brings a delightful nutty crunch to your plate. I’ve found that quinoa’s subtle flavor lets the teriyaki shine while adding a healthy twist. The tiny pearls catch the sauce in their spiral grooves, creating perfect little flavor bombs.
- Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into something magical! I mix it with colorful vegetables, eggs, and a touch of soy sauce. The crispy bits contrast beautifully with the tender salmon. My secret? Using day-old rice makes it perfectly crispy. For more Asian-inspired sides, check out our side dishes for fried rice.
- Cold Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles are my go-to for summer meals. Their nutty flavor and cool temperature provide a refreshing contrast to warm teriyaki salmon. I love tossing them with sesame oil and green onions.
- Coconut Rice: This tropical twist on plain rice adds a subtle sweetness that complements teriyaki sauce perfectly. I cook the rice in coconut milk with a pinch of salt, creating a creamy, aromatic base.
Refreshing Salads to Pair with Teriyaki Salmon
Want to add some crunch and freshness to your teriyaki salmon? These light and vibrant salads bring the perfect balance to your meal.
- Japanese Cucumber Salad( Sunomono): This Japanese-style cucumber salad is my summer favorite! The thin cucumber slices swim in a tangy rice vinegar dressing that cuts through the rich salmon perfectly.
- Asian Slaw: You’ll love how this colorful slaw brings life to your plate! I mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers with a zesty sesame dressing. The crunchy texture makes every bite exciting.
- Namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad): This pickled salad is my secret weapon for balancing rich dishes. The crisp daikon and sweet carrots get a quick pickle in rice vinegar, creating a refreshing bite.
- Cold Ramen Salad: Perfect for hot summer days! Chilled ramen noodles tossed with cucumber, scallions, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli sprouts, and a tangy sesame dressing create a refreshing side. The bouncy noodles add a fun texture to your salmon meal.
- Spinach Ohitashi: This simple Japanese spinach salad might look basic, but it packs a flavor punch! The blanched spinach soaks up a savory soy sauce dressing, creating the perfect green side.
- Edamame Salad: Here’s a protein-packed salad that’s both nutritious and delicious! I toss steamed edamame with corn, bell peppers, and a light Asian vinaigrette. The bright green pods add beautiful color to your plate.
- Japanese Potato Salad: This isn’t your typical potato salad! The Japanese version is creamy, slightly tangy, and loaded with crunchy vegetables. I mix tender potatoes with cucumber, carrots, and a touch of Japanese mayo. Want more potato inspiration? Check out our potato side dishes for steak.
Vegetable Sides that Complement Teriyaki Salmon
Looking for nutritious veggie sides that perfectly match your teriyaki salmon? These colorful vegetables add both nutrition and amazing flavors to your meal.
- Sauteed Bok Choy: This leafy green is my weeknight hero! A quick sauté with garlic and a splash of sesame oil brings out its natural sweetness. The stems stay crispy while the leaves become silky smooth.
- Roasted Broccoli: This roasted side dish complements salmon with its crisp texture and bright green hue. A light salt sprinkle or teriyaki sauce drizzle enhances its natural flavor profile.
- Grilled Asparagus: The smoky char from grilling makes these green spears irresistible! I brush them with a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil before grilling. The crispy tips are my favorite part.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: This colorful medley brings the rainbow to your plate! I mix broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers for different textures and flavors. A quick stir-fry keeps them crisp-tender. Looking for more stir-fry combinations? Explore our side dishes for chicken curry.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These orange beauties turn wonderfully caramelized in the oven. I cut them into cubes, toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roast until they’re tender inside and crispy outside.
- Miso Soup: This warming soup brings comfort to your meal! The savory broth with soft tofu and seaweed complements the sweet teriyaki perfectly. I love how it cleanses the palate between bites. For more soup pairing ideas, visit our category of soups and stews.
- Roasted Miso Cauliflower: Transform plain cauliflower into something extraordinary! The miso paste adds deep umami flavor, while roasting creates crispy, golden edges. It’s a game-changer side dish.
Unique Side Dishes for Teriyaki Salmon
Want to make your teriyaki salmon dinner extra special? These creative sides will take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
- Vegetable Rolled Omelet (Tamagoyaki): This Japanese-style omelet is both pretty and tasty! I roll thin layers of seasoned eggs with spinach and carrots for a colorful side dish. For more Japanese-inspired sides, visit our what to serve with sushi.
- Vegetable Tempura: Light, crispy, and totally addictive! I love battering sweet potatoes, mushrooms, Kabocha squash, and bell peppers in tempura and frying them until golden. The airy crunch is perfect with tender salmon.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: Here’s a deconstructed version of your favorite appetizer! I mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and ground pork with egg roll seasonings. It’s all the flavor without the deep frying.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet meets smoky on this tropical side! The heat caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, creating an amazing flavor that complements teriyaki perfectly.
- Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms: These umami-packed mushrooms are a game-changer! A quick sauté with butter and soy sauce brings out their rich, meaty flavor. They’re perfect for soaking up extra teriyaki sauce.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect side dishes for teriyaki salmon doesn’t have to be complicated.
From traditional Japanese pairings to modern fusion options, these sides enhance the sweet and savory flavors of your teriyaki salmon.
Whether you prefer light and refreshing salads, hearty vegetables, or filling starches, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect meal combination.
Remember, the best pairings are ones that bring balance to your plate while satisfying your personal preferences.
Get creative and enjoy exploring these delicious combinations!
