Print

Easy Japanese Miso Salmon

Easy Japanese Miso Salmon

This Easy Japanese Miso Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the savory umami richness of white miso paste with tender, flaky salmon fillets. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights and simple meal planning. The marinade blends miso, sake, mirin, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to create a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully when baked or grilled. Served with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, this healthy and nutritious dish pairs perfectly with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a satisfying Japanese-inspired dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)

Marinade

  • 3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Finishing

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, sake, mirin, soy sauce, honey, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. This mixture will create the flavorful glaze that wraps the salmon in umami goodness.
  2. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Allow the salmon to soak in the flavors for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than an hour to prevent the miso from overpowering the fish.
  3. Preheat your oven or grill: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high. Cooking at this temperature will give the salmon a beautifully caramelized finish without drying it out.
  4. Cook the salmon: Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet or grill rack skin-side down. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra moisture and flavor.
  5. Finish and serve: Once cooked, drizzle a little sesame oil over the salmon. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides. The glaze should be shiny and slightly sticky, complementing the flaky texture of the fish perfectly.

Notes

  • Marinate just right: Keep marinating time under an hour to avoid overpowering your salmon with saltiness.
  • Skin on for crispiness: Leaving the skin on improves the texture and helps hold the fillet together during cooking.
  • Use fresh salmon: Fresh fillets will deliver the best flavor and texture in this simple recipe.
  • Don’t overcook: Salmon can dry out quickly, so watch closely and remove as soon as it flakes.
  • Glaze twice: Brush extra marinade halfway through cooking for a luscious, layered flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: miso salmon, japanese salmon recipe, miso glaze, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe, gluten free salmon, easy japanese recipe, salmon marinade