Glazed Miso Salmon Recipe

Quick Miso Salmon Recipe: A Tasty Asian-Inspired Delight

Succulent salmon meets umami magic in this mouthwatering miso salmon recipe that promises to revolutionize your seafood game.

The rich, complex flavors of fermented soybean paste dance perfectly with tender fish fillets.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes that will transport you straight to Japan.

Marinating the salmon in a vibrant miso glaze infuses every flake with deep, nuanced taste.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressive date nights.

Vibrant, simple, and absolutely delectable, this dish proves that gourmet cooking can be both accessible and incredibly satisfying.

You’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation immediately.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Go into Miso Salmon

For Marinade Base:
  • White Miso Paste: Delivers rich, deep umami flavor with complex fermented notes, choose organic or traditional Japanese varieties for authentic taste.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances saltiness and enhances caramelization, opt for fine-grain type for smooth blending.
  • Mirin: Adds subtle sweetness and glossy finish, select authentic Japanese cooking mirin for genuine flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth and saltiness, look for low-sodium options if watching salt intake.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty aroma and underlying complexity, choose toasted variety for more intense flavor.
  • Ginger Paste: Brings zesty, warming undertone and aids digestion, select fresh or refrigerated versions for maximum potency.
For Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Delivers rich omega-3 fatty acids, select fresh, wild-caught salmon with firm, bright flesh and minimal odor.
For Garnish:
  • Scallions, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro: Add freshness, texture, and visual appeal, choose vibrant green scallions and fragrant cilantro for best results.

Tools to Make Flavorful Miso Salmon

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for whisking miso marinade ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients until well combined.
  • Large Tupperware or Ziplock bag: Ideal for marinating salmon evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for measuring marinade ingredients accurately.
  • Broiler-safe sheet pan: Crucial for cooking salmon under high heat.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent parchment from burning.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying remaining marinade before serving.
  • Knife: Useful for slicing scallions and garnishing.

Cooking Instructions for Miso Salmon Fillets

  • Miso Magic Blend

A flavor explosion starts with mixing white miso paste, sugar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger paste in a bowl until smooth and glossy.

  • Salmon Soaking

Submerge salmon fillets in marinade, keeping a small portion aside for later. Let the fish soak up delicious flavors for half an hour in a sealed container.

  • Broiler Brilliance

Crank up the broiler to high heat. Prep a parchment-lined sheet pan with cooking spray. Position salmon skin-side down, letting excess marinade drip away. Slide into the broiler and cook for 6-8 minutes, giving the pan a quick spin halfway through. Watch for a perfect 120°F internal temperature.

  • Final Flourish

Lovingly brush remaining marinade over the salmon. Scatter fresh scallions, sprinkle sesame seeds, and shower with cilantro. Serve immediately for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips to Get That Perfect Miso Glaze

  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of togarashi spice to the marinade for an extra kick of Asian-inspired zestiness.
  • Try this marinade with other fatty fish like arctic char, black cod, or even large shrimp for delicious protein alternatives that absorb flavors beautifully.
  • Marinate salmon up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor penetration, storing covered in the refrigerator to enhance the dish's complexity and save time during busy weeknights.
  • Replace fresh herbs with thinly sliced cucumber, pickled ginger, or a drizzle of spicy mayo to create exciting texture and flavor contrasts that elevate the final presentation.

How to Serve Miso Salmon for Any Meal

  • Coastal Asian Fusion Plate: Arrange salmon over steamed jasmine rice with pickled cucumber slices and extra marinade drizzled around the plate for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Bright Garden Companions: Pair salmon with a light mixed green salad featuring edamame, radish slivers, and a zingy ginger-sesame vinaigrette to complement the rich fish flavor.
  • Colorful Weekend Brunch: Transform the salmon into a stunning open-faced sandwich on toasted sourdough with quick-pickled red onions, fresh microgreens, and a dollop of wasabi cream for added excitement.
  • Elegant Family-Style Spread: Create a shared platter with the miso salmon centerpiece surrounded by roasted baby bok choy, crispy seaweed chips, and small bowls of extra marinade for dipping.

Smart Storage Tips for Miso Salmon

  • Smart Meal Prep: Marinate salmon up to 24 hours ahead in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for maximum flavor absorption and convenience.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep cooked salmon in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness by placing in the coldest part of the refrigerator away from other strong-smelling foods.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture and texture.
  • Leftover Transformation: Flake cold miso salmon into salads, mix into rice bowls, or use as a topping for mixed greens for a quick and delicious next-day meal that prevents food waste.
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Glazed Miso Salmon Recipe

Glazed Miso Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Miso salmon delivers a harmonious blend of Japanese flavors with succulent fish. Rich umami notes and caramelized glaze create an elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with each perfectly prepared bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz or 170 g), skin on or off
  • ¼ cup white miso paste
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup or honey)
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari, if gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp ginger paste (or fresh chopped ginger)
  • scallions, thinly sliced
  • black and white sesame seeds
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk white miso paste, granulated sugar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger paste in a mixing bowl until a harmonious, silky blend emerges.
  2. Salmon Infusion: Submerge salmon fillets in the marinade within a container, reserving a small portion for later. Ensure complete flavor coverage, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration.
  3. Broiler Preparation: Preheat broiler to maximum intensity. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent adhesion.
  4. Precision Cooking: Arrange marinated salmon skin-side down, removing excess marinade. Position under the broiler, rotating midway to guarantee uniform caramelization. Cook for 6-8 minutes until salmon reaches 120°F, developing a rich, golden exterior.
  5. Finishing Touches: Delicately brush salmon with reserved marinade for an additional flavor dimension. Plate and embellish with thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves, creating a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate with Precision: Coat salmon thoroughly but avoid drowning the fish; excess marinade can burn quickly under high broiler heat.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature, aiming for 120°F for perfectly tender, medium-rare texture.
  • Broiler Placement: Position oven rack close to broiler element for optimal caramelization, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Flavor Boost: Reserve marinade before touching raw fish for safe, final flavor brushing after cooking, adding an extra punch of umami and shine.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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