This miso salmon is fresh fish fillets soaked in a flavorful marinade, then broiled to perfection and topped with sesame seeds. A unique and delicious main course option that takes just minutes to put together!
When I’m looking for fresh ways to serve up salmon, I turn to family favorites such as honey glazed salmon, broiled salmon and this flavorful miso salmon.
My favorite Japanese restaurant serves the best miso salmon, I end up ordering it every time I go! I’ve since learned to make this dish at home, and it’s actually quite simple to prepare.
How do you make miso salmon?
Start by whisking together a marinade of miso paste, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and fresh ginger. Place the salmon in the marinade, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Preheat the broiler, then place the salmon fillets on a pan. Spoon any remaining marinade over the top of the fish. Broil until the salmon is just cooked through. Add a topping of sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve and enjoy.
What is miso made of?
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds a rich and savory flavor to dishes. It is a commonly used ingredient in Japanese cooking. Miso comes in different varieties and is typically found in tubs in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. My store carries miso in the dairy area. This recipe calls for white miso paste, which is typically quite easy to find and has a smooth, mild flavor.
Tips for the perfect dish
- I like to use fresh salmon whenever possible as I find the flavor and texture is better than frozen. When it’s available, I choose wild caught king or sockeye salmon. I’ve also made this recipe with Atlantic salmon with good results.
- This recipe calls for mirin, which is a sweet Japanese rice wine that’s designed for cooking with. You can find mirin in the international foods aisle of most major grocery stores or in local Asian markets.
- Serve your salmon over steamed rice with a green vegetable on the side such as green beans, broccoli or spinach. I typically use sushi grade white or brown rice.
- This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat any leftovers in the oven in a covered pan at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
Miso salmon flavor variations
This recipe is great as-is, but you can absolutely add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Fish: While this recipe is typically made with salmon, you can substitute another firm fish such as swordfish, halibut and Chilean sea bass.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add some quick cooking veggies to the sheet pan such as snow peas, asparagus, zucchini or bell peppers.
- Flavorings: You can add other ingredients to the sauce such as sriracha and minced garlic or swap out the mirin for sake.
Is salmon healthy?
Salmon is great addition to any healthy diet because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids thought to help reduce blood pressure, lessen inflammation and help protect against cancer.
Salmon is also full of nutrients including protein as well as vitamins A, B and D, selenium, potassium and phosphorus. This combination of nutrients and vitamins is thought to support brain function, immunity and strong bones. So go ahead, enjoy that succulent salmon fillet with zero guilt!
Miso salmon is a must-try recipe that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. While this dish is easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight, it’s also elegant enough to serve to company!
More salmon recipes to savor
- Salmon with Avocado Salsa
- Grilled Garlic and Herb Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Greek Salmon Salad
- Marinated Salmon
Miso Salmon Video
Miso Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds salmon cut into 4 fillets
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1/4 cup mirin can also use sake
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds black, white or both
- 2 tablespoons green onions thinly sliced
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the miso, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the salmon fillets to the bowl and spoon the marinade over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the broiler. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Arrange the salmon fillets on the sheet pan and spoon any excess marinade over the top.
- Broil for 8-10 minutes or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Mary says
Just loved the miso and salmon combination! This recipe is a real winner.
Monica says
I could eat bowls of this sauce!! I actually use the red miso paste and it’s a bit saltier but delicious! I add a bit of fresh lemon juice for some brightness. I love the ease of prep and it has turned out beautifully every time! Thanks so much for a GREAT recipe!!
Kelley Baxter says
This is such a delicious recipe!
Nicole says
Moven has hi, medoum and low broil option??
Also full oven or center?
What is the best here?
Sara says
I put the pan on the top rack and it’s fine to broil on medium!
Sarah says
Can you bake this at like 425 degrees?
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!
Jeannie says
Yum. Similar to a recipe I’ve been using for years, I will use this one along with my old one for a little variety… Plus I added a little bit of lemon juice and fresh minced garlic. Thank you for some new fresh ideas! Delicious, I did not marinate, I only broiled with a little bit of avocado oil and salt and pepper on the salmon and then added the glaze sauce at the end for just a few more minutes under the broiler.
Debbie says
My new favorite salmon recipe! Flavorful , moist and delicious!
Ali says
So good and so easy! Love it! Is there an alternative to brown sugar?
Sara says
You could use honey or maple syrup!
Vicky says
Is the broiler on hi or lo
Sara says
I broil on high, just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Valentina says
This is my go-to miso salmon recipe is so easy to make and GREAT for dinner!
April says
I love miso! The flavors work so well with the salmon – I loved everything about this!
Jennifer says
This salmon came out perfectly! I think it might be our new favorite way to eat salmon! LOVED it!
Kevin says
This salmon looks great! I have to grab a few things and then boom we have dinner!
Amanda Livesay says
Miso is my favorite so I knew I’d love this! It turned out perfectly.
Beth says
This is so delicious and flavorful! My daughter and I loved this recipe! Can’t wait to make this again!
Catalina says
Salmon! It’s my favorite! I should try your recipe! I am always looking for something new!
Cathy says
Yum! This salmon has the best flavor!
Sandra says
I loved it! So easy to make and so tasty!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This miso salmon is couldn’t look any more perfect!