Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This miso salmon recipe is simple to prepare and delivers big on flavor. The miso glaze brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the salmon, making it both savory and slightly sweet. The marinade enhances the natural taste of the fish while adding richness from the miso, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to serve with various side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, miso salmon is a delicious and satisfying option.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
¼ cup white miso paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

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

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
Active time: 15 minutes

Variations

Miso paste: You can experiment with different types of miso paste, such as red or yellow miso, to adjust the flavor. Red miso will create a stronger, more intense flavor, while yellow miso is milder.
Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Add garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the marinade for extra flavor.
Grill option: Instead of baking, you can also grill the salmon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon for about 4–5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover miso salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, though the texture may not be as crispy as when it’s baked.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Can I substitute the white miso paste with another type?

Yes, you can use red or yellow miso paste, but the flavor profile will change. Red miso is stronger, while yellow miso is milder.

3. How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the salmon the night before and cook it when you’re ready to eat.

5. Is miso salmon healthy?

Yes, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and miso paste offers probiotics and adds flavor without extra fat. Just be mindful of the soy sauce, as it can be high in sodium.

6. Can I cook this on the stovetop?

While this recipe is best baked, you can also cook the salmon in a skillet. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the fillets for 3–4 minutes per side.

7. Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?

Yes, this miso marinade works well with other fish such as trout, cod, or even tuna. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can roast or sauté vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas and serve them alongside the salmon for a complete meal.

9. Can I freeze leftover miso salmon?

It’s not recommended to freeze cooked salmon, as the texture may suffer when reheated. However, you can freeze the marinated salmon before cooking and thaw it before baking or grilling.

10. What should I serve with miso salmon?

Miso salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or asparagus.

Conclusion

Miso salmon is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner. The miso glaze adds a rich umami flavor that complements the natural taste of the salmon, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. With minimal prep time and delicious results, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

Miso Salmon

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This Miso Salmon recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors. Featuring a miso-based marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar, it enhances the natural richness of the salmon. Baked or broiled to caramelized perfection, this easy miso-glazed salmon is a weeknight winner or an impressive meal for guests. Serve with rice and vegetables for a balanced, flavorful dinner.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

1/4 cup white miso paste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them. Coat evenly.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
Remove salmon from marinade and place on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
(Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for caramelization.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Try red or yellow miso for different flavor intensities.
Add chili paste or minced garlic to the marinade for variety.
For a grilled version, cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side on a preheated grill.
Serve with jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh green salad.