Ingredients
For the Miso Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste (shiro miso)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice mix of rice vinegar and a bit of honey)
- 1 tablespoon sake (or substitute with rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Miso Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
2. Marinate the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
3. Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method!)
Option 1: Broiling (Best for Caramelization!)
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon skin-side down.
- Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the top is caramelized and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Option 2: Pan-Seared (For a Crispy Finish!)
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it.
- Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 3: Baking (Easy Hands-Off Method!)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles with a side of vegetables.
Notes
How to Serve Miso Salmon
✔ With Steamed Rice – The classic pairing, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
✔ With Miso Soup & Pickles – A traditional Japanese-style meal.
✔ With Stir-Fried or Roasted Vegetables – Try bok choy, asparagus, or shiitake mushrooms.
✔ In a Poke Bowl – Slice it up and serve with sushi rice, avocado, and edamame.
✔ With Soba or Udon Noodles – Toss the noodles with sesame oil and soy sauce for extra flavor.