Easy Salmon Stir Fry

When it comes to quick and easy dinners, stir-fries are always at the top of the list! But for some reason, most people don't think of fish when they think of stir-frying. It's usually chicken or beef! Hopefully, this salmon stir fry will change your mind.

Tender chunks of salmon cooked with fresh vegetables in the most delicious stir-fry sauce. Trust me, this stir-fry is so good. Serve it as-is, with steamed rice, or over a bed of noodles for a meal you will make again and again!

Want more Asian salmon recipes? You'll love these Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls, this Teriyaki Salmon, and Soy Honey Salmon!

Before You Get Started

Here are some important things you need to know before starting this recipe:

• Prep all your ingredients first: Stir fries come together quickly, so chop your veggies, cube the salmon, and measure your sauce ingredients before the heat hits the pan.
• Pat the salmon dry: This helps it sear properly without steaming and ensures a crispier texture.
• Use high-heat oil: Stick to oils with a high smoke point like coconut oil or avocado oil.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: This helps the salmon and veggies brown nicely instead of steaming.
• Double the sauce: If you're planning to serve it over grains or noodles, make extra sauce to keep things saucy.

2 Main Ingredients for an Authentic Stir Fry Recipe

Here are some vital ingredients for making stir fry at home, just like your favorite restaurant:

• Rice wine vinegar: If you're able to find mirin (Japanese rice wine), use this! Just reduce the overall honey or brown sugar.
• Sambal oelek: The heat provided by sambal (or Sriracha) complements salmon quite well. If you are sensitive to spice, leave this out.

Shortcuts: If you need to save time, simply swap in store-bought teriyaki sauce or stir-fry sauce. Additionally, you can use a bag of chopped Asian vegetables or stir-fry vegetables to save time chopping.

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry

Follow these easy steps to make this delicious stir-fry.

1. Make the Sauce

Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, then set it aside.

2. Cook the Salmon

In a hot skillet or wok, sear the salmon pieces until browned and cooked through. Set them aside while you prepare the vegetables.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add your chopped vegetables to the pan and cook until they're tender-crisp.

4. Finish the Stir Fry

Return the salmon to the pan and pour in the sauce. Gently stir everything together and serve right away with your favorite sides or garnishes.

Storage and Reheating

For any leftover teriyaki salmon stir fry, follow these simple storage and reheating instructions:

• Fridge: Once fully cooled, transfer the stir fry to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you've made rice or noodles, store these separately.
• Freezer: For anything longer than a few days, it should be frozen. Add the mixture to a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. I suggest storing it in single-serving containers so it's easier to thaw when you need more. Thaw the stir fry in the fridge overnight before warming it the next day.
• Reheat: Reheat the salmon stir fry in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, heat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, mixing in between.
• Leftovers: Add this salmon to these easy salmon rice bowls or salmon sushi bowls.

Variations

There are lots of ways to customize this recipe and make it your own.

• Swap the protein: You can use any protein you prefer in place of (or in addition to) the salmon. Shrimp, beef, chicken, or tofu are all great! Just note that the cooking time will vary.
• Change the veggies: Other options include broccoli, snow peas, green beans, bok choy, pak choi, water chestnuts, cabbage, baby corn, or mushrooms. Tip: Using frozen veggies will save you a ton of time!
• Use a different sauce: There are a variety of ways you can customize the sauce, depending on the flavor you're trying to achieve. Experiment with tamari, oyster sauce, hoisin, or sesame oil. Or try our homemade stir fry sauce.
• Extra spicy: For a little more spice, use additional sambal or Sriracha. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes, fresh serrano peppers, or Thai chilis.

Tips for Stir-Frying Salmon

For many people, this may be the first time they have ever stir-fried with salmon or fish. Since it is delicate, it's important to follow these tips for the best results.

• Buy wild salmon: If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon as it contains a higher density of vitamins and minerals. It also has the best taste and texture.
• Remove the skin: We find the dish tastes best with the skin removed, but you can keep it on if you would like. Most stores will remove the skin if you purchase the salmon at the seafood counter. Otherwise, use a sharp knife to carefully cut it away.
• Pat the salmon dry: Make sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Removing the excess moisture will allow it to cook properly on all sides.
• Prep the ingredients first: To prevent kitchen mishaps and burnt food, chop your vegetables and measure out the ingredients before starting to cook. This is so important with stir-fries since everything cooks extremely fast.
• Preheat: Before adding the salmon, make sure the oil is hot (it should appear thin and glossy). This prevents the salmon from sticking.
• Careful with the salmon: It's easy to break the salmon when you're stirring. Remember to handle it carefully to prevent it from falling apart!

What to Serve with Salmon Stir Fry

While we love this salmon stir fry on its own, it makes a great meal paired with options like these:

• Grains: Serve it on a bed of steamed white or brown rice, quinoa (red or white), or cilantro lime quinoa. Or turn it into a delicious Asian Rice Bowl.
• Noodles: Try soba noodles, ramen, udon, rice vermicelli, glass noodles, or shirataki noodles.
• Vegetables: For a healthy, lower-carb option, use zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, or cabbage rice.
• Garnishes: Include additional garnishes like toasted peanuts, cashews, almonds, chili oil, crispy fried shallots, or cilantro.