Description
This Miso Salmon Recipe is a simple, healthy dish featuring salmon marinated in a savory miso glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
1. Salmon
When choosing salmon for this recipe, it’s important to consider both flavor and sustainability. Wild-caught salmon is generally more flavorful and has a firmer texture than farm-raised salmon. It also tends to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in contaminants like PCBs. If sustainability is important to you, look for salmon that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or another similar organization.
2. Miso Paste
Miso paste is a staple in Japanese cooking and comes in several varieties, including white (shiro), yellow, and red (aka). White miso is the mildest and sweetest, making it the perfect choice for this recipe. Its light flavor complements the salmon without overpowering it, allowing the fish’s natural richness to shine through.
3. Mirin
Mirin is a sweet rice wine that adds a subtle sweetness and acidity to the marinade. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with rice vinegar and a little sugar to achieve a similar flavor. Mirin is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes, so having it in your pantry can also open up possibilities for recipes like the Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pork Cutlets, which also benefits from the delicate sweetness of mirin.
4. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds the necessary saltiness and depth to balance the sweetness of the marinade. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt content of your dish. Soy sauce is another pantry staple that’s used in a variety of recipes, including our Cincinnati Chili Recipe, where it adds a rich, savory flavor.
5. Honey or Maple Syrup
A little sweetness helps to balance the umami flavors of the miso and soy sauce. Honey or maple syrup can both be used in this recipe, with honey adding a more floral sweetness and maple syrup contributing a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Either works well, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
6. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a must for adding a nutty depth to the marinade. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for the most intense flavor. Just a small amount goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
7. Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger are staples in Asian cuisine, adding aromatic and slightly spicy notes to the marinade. Using fresh, minced garlic and ginger ensures that these flavors come through brightly in the finished dish. These ingredients also feature prominently in other recipes like our Cowboy Butter Recipe, where their bold flavors help create a zesty dipping sauce.
8. Rice Vinegar
A touch of rice vinegar adds acidity to the marinade, helping to cut through the richness of the salmon and balance the sweetness of the honey or maple syrup. You can also use seasoned rice vinegar, which includes a bit of sugar and salt, for added depth of flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste the marinade to ensure it has a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Adjust as needed by adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each fillet is evenly coated. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. Marinating for too long can start to “cook” the fish, resulting in a mushy texture.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, remove the salmon from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the fish to cook more evenly. Preheat your oven, grill, or stovetop depending on your preferred cooking method.
Notes
The exact nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese, Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg