The Best Miso Glazed Salmon Recipe – Easy & Authentic Japanese Flavor

This easy Japanese miso-glazed salmon recipe is sweet, savory, and ready in 30 minutes! Learn the secret to perfect caramelized miso salmon with step-by-step instructions. A healthy, restaurant-quality dish at home!

Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Miso Glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste (Shiro Miso)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ½ clove garlic, minced (optional)
• For the Salmon:
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6-8 ounces each), skin on or off
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Non-stick skillet or oven-safe skillet
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:

Step 1: Prepare the Miso Glaze

• In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, mirin, sake (or white wine), soy sauce, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic (if using).

• Whisk or stir well until the glaze is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon (Stovetop Method)

• Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin) in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown and the flesh is partially cooked. If using skinless fillets, cook for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on one side.
• Flip the salmon fillets carefully with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Miso Glaze

• Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the miso glaze over the salmon fillets.
• Let the salmon cook in the glaze for another 3-5 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze from the pan. The glaze will thicken and caramelize, coating the salmon beautifully. Cook until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Serve

• Carefully transfer the miso-glazed salmon fillets to plates. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the salmon.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes like grilled vegetables or a simple salad.

Optional Oven Method (for a more hands-off approach):

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 to prepare the glaze and salmon.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Heat the vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the salmon skin-side down (if using) for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Flip the salmon and pour the miso glaze over the top.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
6. You can optionally broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning) to get a more caramelized glaze.
7. Garnish and serve as described above.

💡 Next-Level Tips

✔ For extra shine: Brush with honey-mirin mix (1:1) before serving.
✔ No sake? Substitute dry vermouth or skip it.
✔ Crispy skin secret: Press fillets with a spatula while searing.

🍶 Pairing Suggestions

Drink: Junmai sake or green tea
Side: Garlic sautéed spinach (ohitashi style)

Enjoy your delicious homemade Japanese Miso Glazed Salmon!

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