Name: Miso Glazed Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6-8 oz each); 1 teaspoon honey (for glaze-in the directions); green onions for garnish; toasted sesame seeds for garnish; 1/4 cup white miso; 2 tablespoons japanese rice wine/mirin; 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil; 1 teaspoon asian chili sauce, more or less to taste (like sambal oelek)

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Baked Miso Salmon is a dish that’s rich in umami flavor and captivates your taste buds with its perfectly balanced sweetness and tanginess. The recipe showcases skin-on salmon fillets marinated in a delectable blend of white miso, mirin, and a touch of honey, creating a glaze that’s both luxurious and comforting. When baked, the salmon becomes incredibly tender and flaky, with each bite bursting with delightful flavors that remind you of your favorite sushi restaurant, but so much easier to whip up at home.

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I vividly remember the first time I made Baked Miso Salmon for a cozy dinner with friends. The air filled with a savory aroma as the salmon baked in the oven. Everyone was curious and excited about the origins of the dish, yet pleased when they took their first bites. Not only is this recipe straightforward, but it also makes a beautiful presentation, making it a go-to for gatherings or a simple weeknight treat. I can’t wait for you to try this fantastic dish in your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Miso Glazed Salmon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Miso Glazed Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of miso and honey creates a sweet-savory glaze that brings the salmon to life.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors and glossy glaze make for an impressive dish that’s sure to wow your guests.
Flexible Serving: Great for a weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or even meal prep for the week!
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 skin-on salmon fillets (6-8 oz each): Salmon is the star of the show, and its natural richness complements the miso glaze beautifully. Look for high-quality, fresh fillets.
1 teaspoon honey: Used to sweeten the marinade and balance the savory elements. Feel free to adjust to taste.
Green onions: These add a fresh crunch as a garnish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Toasted sesame seeds: A must-have for a nutty finish and added texture; they also make the dish visually appealing.
1/4 cup white miso: This fermented soybean paste adds depth and a savory umami flavor, essential in Japanese cuisine.
2 tablespoons Japanese rice wine/mirin: Adds sweetness and acidity. If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute with a mix of dry sherry and sugar.
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce: This enhances the overall flavor while keeping the saltiness in check; opt for low-sodium if you prefer less sodium.
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that brightens the glaze.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: A little sweetness helps round out the dish and complements the salty miso.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil: Infuses the salmon with a slightly aromatic nuttiness. You can switch this for canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce (like sambal oelek): Adds spiciness! Adjust the amount according to your taste preference, or omit it for a mild dish.

How to Make Miso Glazed Salmon

Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso, Japanese rice wine (mirin), reduced sodium soy sauce, unseasoned rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame seed oil, and Asian chili sauce until well combined. This mixture will serve as both the marinade and glaze.
Prepare the Glaze: Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a separate bowl. To this, add 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of honey, mixing thoroughly. This glaze will be brushed onto the salmon before serving.
Marinate Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down in a shallow dish (like a 9×9 baking dish). Brush the marinade generously on top and sides of each fillet. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for 1-inch thick fillets, or closer to 3-4 hours for thicker cuts. Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for the last 30 minutes of marinating.
Prepare Baking Pan: Line a small baking sheet or a large pan with aluminum foil. Transfer the marinated salmon to the pan, ensuring there’s at least 1 inch of space between fillets to allow even cooking. Gently wipe off any excess marinade; if left on, it may burn during baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of one salmon fillet. Bake the salmon uncovered for 8-10 minutes (8 minutes for 1-inch fillets, 10 minutes for thicker ones). When it becomes flaky and registers between 125-130 degrees F at the deepest point, it is ready.
Glaze and Garnish: Brush the baked salmon with the reserved glaze before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Miso Glazed Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the salmon in a freezer-safe container, where it will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, then heat for about 15 minutes, until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly upon reheating, so consider refreshing with a drizzle of sesame oil or some additional glaze for an extra punch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Over-Marinating: While marinating is essential, letting the salmon sit too long in miso can overpower its delicate flavor. Stick to the recommended time for best results.
Patience with Temperature: Bring your salmon fillets to room temperature before baking; this helps in cooking evenly and avoiding a cold center.
Invest in a Probe Thermometer: Ensuring perfection is easy with a digital probe. Remove the salmon once it reaches the desired temperature for a perfect tender finish.
Customize the Heat: Want more spice? Add a touch more chili sauce or even some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Make Ahead: Pre-marinate the salmon a day in advance and store it in the fridge; this will enhance the flavors further while saving you time on busy days.

Make the most of Baked Miso Salmon and elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s packed with flavor yet effortless in execution. Whether you’re preparing a fancy dinner for guests or just want something delicious for yourself, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Once you’ve given it a whirl, don’t hesitate to tweak the flavors to your liking—experiment might lead you to your new favorite dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the miso?

Absolutely! While white miso is recommended for its mild flavor, you can use yellow or even red miso. Just be aware that red miso is stronger and saltier, so you might want to adjust the quantity.

What should I serve with Miso Glazed Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a comforting side, try a miso soup or a warm quinoa dish—anything that compliments the umami flavors of the salmon.

Can I cook the salmon on the grill?

Yes! If you prefer grilling, follow the same marination process and then grill the salmon over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Baked Miso Salmon is perfect for meal prep. Just store individual portions in containers for quick lunches or dinners, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain texture!

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