Easy Miso Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The miso glaze adds deep umami flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
• It’s quick to prepare—ready in about 20 minutes.
• The salmon turns out moist and flaky with a beautiful golden glaze.
• It’s healthy, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or a light, elegant dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• White miso paste
• Soy sauce
• Mirin (or rice vinegar + sugar as a substitute)
• Honey or brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Fresh ginger (grated)
• Garlic (minced)
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
2. Marinate the salmon. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over them, coating each piece well. Let marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Preheat the oven or broiler. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Cook the salmon. Remove salmon from the marinade (reserve a little for brushing). Place skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or broil for 6–8 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and slightly caramelized on top.
5. Finish and serve. Brush with reserved marinade, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 15–30 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–40 minutes

Variations

• Use red miso for a deeper, more robust flavor, or yellow miso for a milder taste.
• Add a touch of chili paste or sriracha for a spicy version.
• Grill the salmon instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it refined sugar-free.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

What type of miso should I use?

White miso (shiro miso) is mild and slightly sweet, making it perfect for this recipe.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

How long should I marinate the salmon?

At least 15 minutes is enough for flavor, but 30 minutes to 2 hours will enhance it even more.

Can I cook the salmon in a pan?

Yes. Sear over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and caramelized.

What side dishes go well with miso salmon?

Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens, miso soup, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The flesh should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use another type of fish?

Absolutely. Cod, halibut, trout, or sea bass all work well with this miso glaze.

Can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes. It’s naturally dairy-free, and you can use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Why did my salmon burn under the broiler?

The miso and honey can caramelize quickly. Keep a close eye and move the rack farther from the heat if needed.

Conclusion

Easy Miso Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful recipe that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine. With its savory-sweet glaze and tender, flaky texture, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Easy Miso Salmon

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Easy Miso Salmon is a Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender, flaky salmon fillets glazed in a savory-sweet miso marinade. The miso, soy sauce, and honey blend creates a rich umami flavor with a caramelized finish — perfect for a quick, healthy, and elegant meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking or Broiling
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin (or 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
2. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Coat evenly and let marinate for 15–30 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Remove salmon from the marinade, reserving a small amount for brushing. Place the fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or broil for 6–8 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and slightly caramelized on top.
6. Brush with reserved marinade, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with lemon or lime wedges.

Notes

• White miso (shiro miso) provides a mild and balanced flavor, while red miso adds a deeper umami taste.
• Keep an eye on the salmon while broiling — the glaze can burn quickly due to the honey.
• For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Marinate for at least 15 minutes for flavor; up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
• Reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg