Keto Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds Recipe
A restaurant-quality, Asian-inspired keto dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Key Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 32g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Measuring tools
- (Pro tip: A fish spatula is helpful, but a regular spatula works fine)
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Keto Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tamari sauce or coconut aminos (60ml)
- 3 tablespoons keto brown sugar substitute (45g)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Method
-
- Remove salmon from fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
- Make the sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients except xanthan gum in a saucepan.
- Simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- If using xanthan gum, whisk in and simmer 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat.
- Prepare salmon:
- Pat fillets dry thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- For stovetop cooking:
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon skin-side down.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
- (Or) For oven cooking:
- Preheat to 400°F/200°C.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- During the final 2 minutes:
- Brush generously with teriyaki sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with green onions.
Crucial Tips
- Don’t overcook! Salmon should be just barely opaque.
- Internal temp should reach 145°F/63°C.
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Pat salmon completely dry for better searing.
Storage & Prep
- Store leftovers for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently at 300°F/150°C.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored for 1 week.
- Don’t freeze cooked salmon.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking (results in dry salmon).
- Not letting salmon come to room temperature.
- Sauce too thin? Add more xanthan gum if needed.
Variations
- Swap salmon for chicken thighs.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
- Use tofu for a vegetarian version.
This recipe hits all the right notes for a keto-friendly Asian dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The sauce is the real star – thick, glossy, and perfectly balanced without any sugar.











