Q1: Can I substitute regular soy sauce if I don't have gluten-free tamari?

If you need to maintain the gluten-free nature of this recipe, you must use gluten-free tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, as regular soy sauce contains wheat. As specified in Step 2, the tamari is a key ingredient in the teriyaki sauce base. If gluten isn't a concern for you, regular soy sauce will work as a 1:1 substitution and will provide a similar salty, umami flavor. Keep in mind that tamari tends to be slightly less salty and more mellow than regular soy sauce, so you may want to taste and adjust the sauce if needed.

Q2: How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked and not overdone?

According to Step 6, the salmon should bake for 12-15 minutes at 400°F and is done when it flakes easily with a fork. To check doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist slightly—the salmon should separate into flakes and appear opaque throughout, with an internal temperature of 145°F. The timing will vary based on the thickness of your fillets, so thinner pieces (around 1 inch) will be ready closer to 12 minutes, while thicker fillets (1.5 inches) may need the full 15 minutes. It's better to check a minute or two early to avoid overcooking, as salmon can become dry if left in too long.

Q3: What can I use instead of honey to make this recipe refined sugar-free or vegan?

The honey in Step 2 provides sweetness and helps create the characteristic glossy teriyaki sauce. For a vegan alternative, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts (3 tablespoons), which will provide similar sweetness and viscosity. Coconut sugar dissolved in a tablespoon of water also works well for a refined sugar-free option. Keep in mind that maple syrup will add a subtle maple flavor to the teriyaki sauce, while agave is more neutral. Whichever sweetener you choose, make sure it dissolves completely when whisking with the other sauce ingredients.

Q4: I don't have a basting brush—what else can I use to apply the teriyaki sauce?

While the Equipment list includes a basting brush for Steps 5 and 8, there are several alternatives that work just as well. You can use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce over the salmon fillets, ensuring even coverage. A small silicone spatula also works effectively for spreading the sauce. Alternatively, you can place the sauce in a small zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle it over the salmon, then use your fingers (wearing food-safe gloves) to spread it evenly. Any of these methods will help you achieve the glossy, flavorful coating the recipe calls for.

Teriyaki Salmon & Broccoli Sheet-Pan Meal

This Teriyaki Salmon & Broccoli Sheet-Pan Meal transforms weeknight dinner into something special with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Inspired by Japanese teriyaki cooking techniques, this recipe features a homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky-sweet glaze that coats tender salmon fillets and crisp-tender broccoli florets. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together on one pan, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

The teriyaki sauce in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, made with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring those following a gluten-free diet can enjoy authentic teriyaki flavor without compromise. The sauce combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes with ingredients like rice vinegar, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic. As the salmon roasts, its natural oils mingle with the teriyaki glaze, creating an irresistibly glossy coating.

Roasting broccoli alongside the salmon not only saves time but also allows the vegetable to absorb the delicious teriyaki flavors while developing crispy, caramelized edges. The high heat of the oven ensures the salmon remains moist and flaky inside while developing a beautiful caramelized exterior. This complete meal delivers restaurant-quality results with the convenience of home cooking.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this sheet-pan dinner is ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal that's as satisfying as it is healthy. The combination of omega-3-rich salmon, fiber-packed broccoli, and the bold flavors of teriyaki makes this a dinner the whole family will request again and again.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

28 minutes

None servings

385 calories

Fat 16.00g

Carbs 22.00g

Protein 38.00g

Ingredients

4 pieces	salmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
4 cups	broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup	gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
3 tbsp	honey
2 tbsp	rice vinegar
1 tbsp	fresh ginger, grated or minced
3 cloves	garlic, minced
1 tsp	sesame oil
1 tsp	cornstarch
2 tbsp	avocado oil or olive oil
1 tbsp	sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
2 stalks	green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
1/2 tsp	salt
1/4 tsp	black pepper

Equipment

Parchment paper

Whisk

paper towels

small mixing bowl

measuring cups and spoons

basting brush

grater

small saucepan

large sheet pan

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Ideal anti-inflammatory meal featuring omega-3-rich salmon, antioxidant-packed broccoli, and anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and garlic. The recipe emphasizes whole foods that combat inflammation naturally.

Clean Eating

Perfectly matches clean eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh salmon, broccoli, and homemade teriyaki sauce using natural, recognizable components.

Gluten-Free Diet

Completely gluten-free recipe using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this flavorful dish without worry.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Excellent heart-healthy choice featuring omega-3-rich salmon, abundant vegetables, and cooking methods that minimize added fats while maximizing nutritional value.

Ketogenic Diet

Excellent keto option with high-fat salmon, minimal carbs from broccoli, and healthy fats from avocado oil. The recipe provides a perfect macronutrient balance with approximately 70% fat, 25% protein, and under 5g net carbs per serving.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Mediterranean Diet principles, featuring fatty fish rich in omega-3s, olive oil, and abundant vegetables. The focus on salmon, broccoli, and heart-healthy cooking methods emphasizes the diet's core nutritional guidelines.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2 min

In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free tamari, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

2 min

Place the broccoli florets on one half of the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly.

1 min

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the other half of the sheet pan, leaving space between each fillet. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the salmon.

1 min

Brush about half of the teriyaki sauce generously over the salmon fillets, reserving the remaining sauce for later. Also drizzle a small amount over the broccoli.

1 min

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the broccoli is tender with slightly crispy edges.

15 min

3 min

While the salmon and broccoli are baking, pour the reserved teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Remove the sheet pan from the oven and brush the salmon with the thickened teriyaki sauce for an extra glossy finish.

1 min

Transfer the salmon and broccoli to serving plates. Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

1 min

Serve immediately with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite gluten-free grain.

Teriyaki Salmon & Broccoli Sheet-Pan Meal

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Heart-Healthy Diet

Ketogenic Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute regular soy sauce if I don't have gluten-free tamari?

Q2: How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked and not overdone?

Q3: What can I use instead of honey to make this recipe refined sugar-free or vegan?

Q4: I don't have a basting brush—what else can I use to apply the teriyaki sauce?