Easy Miso Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: The miso marinade comes together in minutes, and the salmon cooks quickly, making this a great weeknight meal.
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of miso, soy sauce, and ginger gives the salmon a deep umami flavor with a hint of sweetness from the mirin.
• Healthy and Light: Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and this recipe is a great way to enjoy this nutritious fish with minimal added ingredients.
• Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Ingredients

• 1-1.5 lbs salmon
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste (shiro miso)
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
• 1 teaspoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and freshly grated ginger. Stir until the miso paste is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

2. Marinate the Salmon

1. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it is well-coated.
2. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time. If marinating longer, keep the salmon in the fridge.

3. Cook the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill or stovetop pan.
2. If baking, place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
3. If pan-searing, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Garnish and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven or pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (if baking)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: You can substitute the salmon with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Marinate and cook the same way.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a small amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Miso Variety: Experiment with different types of miso, such as red miso or mixed miso, for a deeper or more intense flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-12 minutes to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, but this may affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of miso for this recipe?

Yes, you can use red miso or mixed miso, but white miso is recommended for a lighter, milder flavor that complements the salmon without overpowering it.

Can I cook the salmon on the grill?

Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side. Be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Can I marinate the salmon overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight will enhance the flavor, but be sure not to over-marinate, as the miso can start to overpower the fish.

What can I serve with miso salmon?

Miso salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or even a crisp cucumber salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe with skin-on salmon?

Yes, skin-on salmon works well. You can either bake or sear the salmon skin-side down for crispy skin.

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop without an oven?

Yes, you can pan-sear the salmon in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but be sure to thaw it thoroughly before marinating and cooking.

What is mirin, and can I substitute it?

Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine and a small amount of honey or maple syrup.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Easy Miso Salmon is a flavorful and simple dish that brings the umami-packed richness of miso and the delicate flavors of salmon together. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or preparing a more elaborate dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Easy Miso Salmon

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Miso Salmon recipe combines the savory flavors of miso, soy sauce, and ginger to create a rich and flavorful dish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this healthy and light recipe showcases the nutritional benefits of heart-healthy salmon. Try this simple, delicious dish with rice or vegetables for a balanced meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1–1.5 lbs salmon

1 tablespoon white miso paste (shiro miso)

1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)

1 teaspoon mirin

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

• Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and freshly grated ginger until smooth.

• Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over the fish. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes). Refrigerate if marinating longer.

• Cook the Salmon:

  • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

  • Pan-searing: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or vegetables.

Notes

• For a vegan version, substitute salmon with firm tofu or tempeh.

• For extra heat, add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

• Mirin can be substituted with white wine and honey or maple syrup.

• Store leftover salmon in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve moisture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese