Miso Glazed Salmon

Introduction

Dive into a quick and flavorful dinner recipe with this miso salmon dish. Perfect for weeknights, it’s packed with umami and comes together in no time, making it an ultimate go-to for food lovers. This easy recipe combines tender salmon with a beautifully balanced miso glaze, offering a savory and slightly sweet taste that will surely delight everyone at the table.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For making this miso salmon, you will need the following ingredients:
– Salmon filets, 4 pieces of about 6 ounces each
– White miso paste, 3 tablespoons
– Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
– Honey, 2 tablespoons
– Mirin, 1 tablespoon
– Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon
– Freshly grated ginger, 1 teaspoon
– Garlic, 1 clove minced

Prep Time

Preparing this miso salmon is both easy and efficient. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, making it ideal when you’re short on time but still want a healthy and delicious meal.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time

Cook time for the miso salmon is another quick 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring your meal is ready in a flash.

Total Time

From start to finish, you’ll only need a total of 20 to 25 minutes to get this meal on the table.

Yield

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a chance to have leftovers for lunch.
“`html

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the miso marinade

In a small mixing bowl, combine white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate the salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place the fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the miso marinade over the salmon, ensuring the fillets are evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. If using aluminum foil, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 4: Remove excess marinade

Take the marinated salmon out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Wipe off any excess marinade from the top of the fillets with a spoon or paper towel to prevent burning during cooking. Do not rinse the marinade off.

Step 5: Bake the salmon

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.

Step 6: Broil for a caramelized finish (optional)

If desired, turn on your oven’s broiler during the last 1-2 minutes of baking to caramelize the top of the fillets. Keep a close eye on the salmon to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Note 1: Choosing the salmon

Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best results. Skin-on fillets are preferred to help keep the fish moist during cooking.

Note 2: Marination time

While the minimum marination time is 30 minutes, allowing the salmon to marinate for an hour will give the dish an even richer flavor. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the texture can become mushy.

Note 3: Prevent burning

The miso marinade contains sugar, which can easily burn under high heat. Wipe off excess marinade as instructed, and keep an eye on the salmon while baking or broiling.

Note 4: Oven temperature

If your oven runs hot, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to avoid overcooking the salmon.

Note 5: Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.

Note 6: Serving suggestions

Pair the miso salmon with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
“`

Cook Techniques

How to Make Miso Glaze

To make the miso glaze, whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, and sesame oil. The mixture creates a beautifully balanced sweet-savory glaze.

Broiling Miso Salmon

Preheat the broiler to high. Place the salmon filets on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush generously with the miso glaze. Broil for about 5-7 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes and the salmon is cooked through.

Baking Miso Salmon

For a more evenly cooked dish, bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F. Brush the filets with the glaze, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Serving the Salmon

Serve the miso-glazed salmon with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or a squeeze of fresh lime for added flavor.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of miso paste?

Yes, you can substitute white miso paste with yellow or red miso paste. However, red miso has a stronger, more assertive flavor, so adjust the quantity to taste.

How long can I store leftover miso salmon?

Leftover miso salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the miso glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Marinate the salmon in the glaze and cook just before serving for best results.

What sides pair well with miso salmon?

Steamed jasmine rice, roasted or stir-fried vegetables, a light citrus salad, or even soba noodles are excellent sides to serve alongside miso-glazed salmon.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin?

It’s up to personal preference. The skin can be left on during cooking as it helps retain moisture. If desired, it can easily be removed after cooking.

Is there an alternative to broiling the salmon?

If broiling is not an option, you can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until it’s cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.

Conclusion

Miso salmon is a flavorful and quick recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The miso marinade brings out rich umami flavors while ensuring the fish becomes tender and flaky. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Miso Glazed Chicken

Use the same miso marinade for chicken, either grilled or baked, for another umami-packed protein option.

Sesame Miso Shrimp

Swap salmon for shrimp when craving seafood with a miso glaze. Pair it with rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

Miso Vegetable Stir-Fry

Incorporate the flavors of miso into a vegetable stir-fry, combining bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms for a tasty side or main dish.

Miso Glazed Eggplant

Brush the miso marinade onto sliced eggplant and roast until tender, creating a delicious vegetarian option.

Ginger Miso Noodles

Toss your favorite noodles with a miso-ginger sauce and add salmon or veggies for a filling and savory dish.