Name: Miso Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons white miso paste; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); Lime wedges for serving

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Salmon is already a delicious and healthy fish, but when you add a rich, umami-packed miso glaze, it takes things to a whole new level! This miso salmon recipe is quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of sweet and savory miso with tender, flaky salmon creates a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

If you’ve never cooked with miso before, don’t worry! Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds depth and a touch of sweetness to dishes. It pairs beautifully with salmon, creating a caramelized, slightly crispy glaze when baked or broiled. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile—you can serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a well-balanced meal.

With just a few pantry staples and fresh salmon, you’ll have an easy yet impressive dish ready in no time. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a dinner guest, this miso salmon is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Miso Salmon

Quick and easy – You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Healthy and nutritious – Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while miso adds probiotics and essential nutrients.
Bold, delicious flavors – The sweet and savory miso glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, umami-packed dish.

Perfect for meal prep – Make extra and enjoy leftovers over rice or in a salad the next day!

Ingredients

For the Miso Glaze

3 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (Optional)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Lime wedges for serving

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these basic kitchen tools:

Baking sheet – If you’re baking or broiling the salmon, a lined baking sheet makes cleanup easy.
Small mixing bowl – To whisk together the miso glaze.

Brush or spoon – For spreading the glaze evenly over the salmon.
Knife and cutting board – To prep the salmon and garnishes.
Measuring spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Grater or microplane – To grate fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you plan to broil the salmon at the end for a caramelized finish, set your oven rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Miso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the glaze stick better. Lightly season with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind that miso and soy sauce already add some saltiness.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

Brush or spoon the miso glaze generously over each salmon fillet, covering the top and sides. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for well-done.

Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish (Optional)

For a caramelized glaze, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use fresh salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon will give you the best results. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Don’t overbake – Salmon continues to cook after being removed from the oven. To keep it moist, take it out a little before it reaches your desired doneness.
Customize the glaze – If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra umami, a splash of fish sauce works well.
Pair it with sides – Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or a crisp Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.

Try different cooking methods – You can also grill or pan-sear the salmon if you prefer a crispy, charred exterior.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality miso salmon at home!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to customize the recipe, here are some easy swaps and variations:

Miso Paste: White miso is mild and slightly sweet, but you can use yellow miso (a little stronger) or red miso (bolder and saltier).
Soy Sauce: Swap for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Brown sugar or agave syrup can be used instead.

Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works in a pinch.
Sesame Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil can be substituted, though sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.

Variations

Spicy Miso Salmon: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Crispy Pan-Seared Miso Salmon: Instead of baking, sear the salmon in a hot pan with a little oil for 3–4 minutes per side.
Miso-Glazed Salmon Bowls: Serve over rice with avocado, cucumber, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra miso sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This miso salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Rice or Quinoa: A simple, neutral base that soaks up the miso glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bok choy for a balanced meal.

Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing adds freshness.
Miso Soup: A comforting side that complements the umami flavors of the salmon.
Noodles: Serve with soba or udon noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce for an easy side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 8–10 minutes to prevent drying out.

Stovetop: Heat in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Microwave: Heat in short 20-second bursts, covered with a damp paper towel, to avoid overcooking.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the salmon in the miso glaze for up to 12 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.

2. What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Wild-caught salmon (like sockeye or king salmon) has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon works too. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.

3. Can I grill miso salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra glaze for a charred finish.

4. Is miso paste healthy?
Yes! Miso is a fermented food that’s rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

5. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before applying the glaze.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to enjoy this easy, flavorful miso salmon! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Miso Salmon Recipe

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Small mixing bowl

Brush or spoon
Knife and Cutting Board
Measuring spoons

Grater or Microplane