No matter what you do with it, salmon tastes great. But miso glaze makes it even better. But broil it with a simple sweet/salty/umami miso glaze it’s a huge win. This is a huge improvement, even for someone like me whose favorite salmon recipe is lemon and olive oil.
Also, in case you didn’t know, salmon is one of the healthiest animal proteins you can eat. That’s why I have salmon recipes for everything from creamy lemon dill salmon and dreamy Finnish salmon soup to fun salmon sushi bowls and a crispy latke with smoked salmon. Today’s recipe? It wins the prize for the glossiest, most tempting salmon ever ~.
Miso glazed salmon has become a popular dish in recent years, combining the umami flavor of miso with the rich taste of salmon But what exactly is miso glazed salmon made of? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the components of this delicious recipe
An Overview of Miso Glazed Salmon
Miso glazed salmon is a fusion of Japanese and western culinary traditions It typically consists of salmon fillets that have been coated with a sweet, salty, and umami-rich marinade made from miso paste, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, and other aromatics.
The fillets are then broiled or baked with the glaze until the exterior develops a beautifully lacquered, caramelized crust. The miso glaze infuses the salmon with complex savory flavors while keeping the interior moist and flaky. It’s an easy yet impressive dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The Main Ingredients
Miso glazed salmon contains just a few main ingredients:
Salmon
Salmon fillets are the star of the show. Look for fresh wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho. Make sure the fillets don’t have any fishy or sour aromas. The flesh should be firm and resilient when pressed. Popular cuts like center-cut fillets work very well.
Miso Paste
This fermented soybean paste adds a rich, salty umami punch to the glaze. Miso comes in a range of varieties but white (shiro) miso is ideal for salmon since it has a mellower, sweeter flavor.
Mirin
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine used frequently in Asian cooking. It’s thick like syrup and has a little sweetness that balances out the salty flavors. Not being able to find it? Use dry sherry or white wine with a pinch of sugar instead.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce adds more umami savoriness. Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your taste preferences.
Sake
Rice wine gives the glaze complexity. Dry sake works best. If you don’t have sake, dry sherry makes a fine substitute.
Sweetener
A little brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup adds a light sweetness to round out the tastes.
Ginger and Garlic
Ginger and garlic provide aromatic flavor. Grated fresh ginger is best, but powdered ginger will work too.
Steps to Make Miso Glazed Salmon
Making miso glazed salmon is simple. Here’s a basic overview of the easy process:
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Make the miso glaze by combining the miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, sake, sweetener, ginger, garlic, and any other flavorings in a small saucepan. Whisk together and cook over medium heat until smooth and combined.
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Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish. Reserve some of the glaze to use later as a finishing sauce. Brush the fillets evenly with the remaining glaze.
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Allow the fillets to marinate for 15-20 minutes if time permits. This allows the glaze to really penetrate the fish.
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Meanwhile, preheat your oven or toaster oven broiler on high heat.
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Cook the salmon under the broiler for 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Brush again with glaze halfway through cooking.
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When done, the fish should have an opaque, lightly charred exterior while still being moist inside.
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Serve the salmon drizzled with the reserved glaze for added flavor. Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or chopped parsley.
And that’s all there is to it! With just a few ingredients and basic techniques, you can make this restaurant-quality miso glazed salmon at home any night of the week. The complex sweet and salty glaze takes salmon to new heights.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basics, there are many fun ways to modify miso glazed salmon to suit your tastes:
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Use red or brown rice miso paste for a deeper, rich umami flavor.
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Add lime juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
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Mix in sriracha or chili paste for some heat.
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Stir in sesame oil for nutty aroma.
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Finish with cracked black pepper and chopped cilantro.
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Switch up the protein with cod, tuna, chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.
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Roast Brussels sprouts or broccoli with leftover glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Miso glazed salmon pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Sautéed bok choy or baby spinach
- Roasted sweet potatoes or broccoli
- Quinoa salad or grain bowl
- Soba noodle salad with shredded carrots and cucumbers
A simple green salad or edamame sprinkled with sesame seeds also makes an easy accompaniment. Miso glazed salmon makes for a well-rounded meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover miso glazed salmon will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The glazed exterior may lose its crispiness but the flavor remains.
To reheat, place the salmon on a parchment lined plate and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 300°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
You can also flake the leftovers into a salad, rice bowl, or stir fry. Extra glaze will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks – use it to season vegetables, chicken, or fish.
A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
With its savory-sweet glazed crust and moist flaky interior, miso salmon is an elegant yet easy dinner choice that never disappoints. Now that you know what it’s made of, you can whisk up this appetizing dish anytime the craving strikes. Just a few pantry ingredients stand between you and restaurant-caliber salmon enjoyed from the comfort of home. Give this favorite recipe a try soon and get ready to add it to your regular rotation.
how to know when your salmon is done
How long you broil salmon will depend on things like how cold it is, how thick it is, etc. You have two choices for determining doneness:
- Get a fork ready; the fish should flake easily when pricked with it. If it resists, cook it a bit longer.
- Put the instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. The USDA says that fish should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145F. Bon Apetit says 120F is ideal. I go somewhere in between with 130-35F.
miso glazed salmon ~ is it authentic Japanese?
miso-glazed salmon, while inspired by Japanese ingredients and flavors, isn’t considered a traditionally authentic Japanese dish. Miso paste and salmon are both very important in Japanese food, but this way of combining them isn’t often done in Japanese home cooking.
In the late 20th century, chefs mixed Western cooking methods with Asian flavors to make fusion cuisine like miso-glazed salmon. Basically it’s a delicious fusion dish that reflects cultural exchange and culinary creativity.
How To Make MISO GLAZED SALMON
FAQ
What is miso salmon made of?
What is miso glaze made of?
What is miso marinade made of?
Is miso spicy?
How do you marinate salmon in miso sauce?
Season Salmon: Salt and pepper the salmon. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl add the miso paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Wisk together until smooth. Reserve 1 tablespoon of marinade. Marinade: In a medium sized bowl add the salmon and the sauce. Let it marinade for 1-3 hours. Cook Salmon: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
How do you make miso salmon?
Here’s an outline of how to make miso salmon: Step 1: Whisk the miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Sriracha and kosher salt together in a small bowl until smooth (the miso may have a few lumps depending on its texture, which is okay). Step 2: Preheat the broiler to high.
What is Miso glazed salmon?
Miso-glazed salmon is a late 20th century example of fusion cuisine, where chefs combined Western cooking techniques with Asian flavors. Basically it’s a delicious fusion dish that reflects cultural exchange and culinary creativity. Whisk together the marinade to combine everything well.
How do you cook Miso glazed salmon?
Place the salmon in a broiler safe pan and broil on the middle rack of your oven for about 7-10 minutes, or until done. Heat the reserved marinade in a small sauce pan. Brush the cooked salmon with the glaze and serve your miso glazed salmon topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onion.