Ww Grilled Salmon With Teriyaki Sauce – 4 Points
My grandmother, a woman of quiet elegance and unwavering determination, was a master of simple, flavorful meals. I remember summers spent at her house, the air thick with the scent of grilling salmon and the sweet tang of teriyaki. She always said that the best dishes were the ones that nourished both body and soul, and this grilled salmon, light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, always felt like a warm hug. This recipe, though from a cookbook, reminds me of her dedication to delicious, wholesome cooking.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Type: Weight Watchers friendly, Gluten-Free (check soy sauce)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 (16 ounce) skinless salmon fillet (1 inch thick)
- Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Shallow Dish
- Grill or Grill Basket
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
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In a shallow dish, combine the dry sherry, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder, pepper, and ground ginger. Stir well until the brown sugar is dissolved.
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Place the skinless salmon fillet in the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the dish tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, resulting in a more delicious final product.
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Prepare your grill. Coat the grill rack with cooking spray. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup easier. The grill should be over medium-hot coals, aiming for a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a gas grill, setting it to medium-high heat. If you are using a grill basket, make sure to coat the basket with cooking spray as well.
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Remove the salmon fillet from the marinade, being careful to let any excess drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade in the shallow dish for later use.
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Place the salmon fillet on the prepared grill rack (or in the grill basket). If using a grill basket, ensure the fish is evenly distributed.
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Grill the salmon, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet and the heat of your grill. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish flakes easily and appears opaque, it is ready. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry and less flavorful.
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Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it carefully to a serving platter. Keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
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Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat.
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Boil the marinade for 5 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Keep a close eye on the sauce as it boils, as it can easily burn if left unattended. A good way to test if the sauce is ready is to coat the back of a spoon with the marinade; if it clings to the spoon and doesn’t immediately run off, it’s thick enough.
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Spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce generously over the grilled salmon.
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Serve the grilled salmon immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- To prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill rack is clean and well-oiled. You can also place the salmon on a piece of cedar plank for added flavor and to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar to the marinade.
- For a richer flavor, try using a high-quality aged soy sauce.
- If the teriyaki sauce becomes too thick while boiling, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Marinating the salmon for longer than 30 minutes (up to a few hours) will result in a more flavorful and tender fish.
- Be sure to monitor the grill temperature throughout the cooking process. If the grill becomes too hot, move the salmon to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily.
- For a beautiful presentation, garnish the salmon with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this grilled salmon immediately while it’s still warm and juicy. It pairs wonderfully with a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa, a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, and a crisp mixed green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding some fresh fruit for dessert, such as sliced pineapple or mango.
Leftover grilled salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or oven until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as it can become dry. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the salmon.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 182.4 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 45 g | 25% |
| Total Fat | 5.1 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 52.6 mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 619.1 mg | 25% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.9 g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 3.8 g | N/A |
| Protein | 24.4 g | 48% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Teriyaki: Incorporate the zest and juice of an orange or lemon into the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Maple Teriyaki: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.
- Herbed Salmon: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro to the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
- Different Fish: While this recipe is designed for salmon, it can also be used with other types of fish such as tuna, cod, or sea bass. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 30 minutes?
A: Yes, you can marinate the salmon for up to a few hours for a more intense flavor, but avoid marinating it overnight as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the fish.
Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
A: Absolutely! Freshly grated ginger will add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the marinade. Use about 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger.
Q: How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. You can also use cooking spray or place the salmon on a cedar plank.
Q: Can I bake this salmon instead of grilling it?
A: Yes, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
This Ww Grilled Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce is a delightful combination of simplicity and exquisite flavor. The ease of preparation and the lightness of the dish make it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the wonderful harmony of flavors for yourself. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and let me know how it turns out. This is a dish that’s meant to be shared and enjoyed, so gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and savor the taste of summer!