Japanese Miso Glazed Salmon

Transform your weeknight dinner with this Japanese Miso Glazed Salmon, a perfect addition to your collection of asian dinner recipes. This dish is incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to become a family favorite.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions:

• Salmon Fillets: Use skin-on or skinless. Cod or halibut are good alternatives.
• Miso Paste: White or yellow miso works best. Red miso is stronger; use less.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is preferred. Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are fine substitutes.
• Sesame Oil: Essential for flavor. Use a good quality toasted sesame oil.
• Fresh Ginger: Powdered ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh offers superior flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

For the Miso Glaze:

• ¼ cup white or yellow miso paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

How Much Time Will You Need?

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 20-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies with portion size and ingredients)
• Tools Needed: Shallow dish or zip-top bag, baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, small whisk.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Miso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. This creates your delicious asian dinner recipes marinade.

2. Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the miso glaze over the salmon, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Do not marinate for too long, as the miso can “cook” the fish.

3. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

4. Bake the Salmon

Arrange the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. You can discard any leftover marinade or brush a little extra onto the salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze should be beautifully caramelized.

5. Serve and Garnish

Carefully transfer the cooked salmon to plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a complete asian dinner recipes experience.

Variation Ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a bit of heat.
• Broil Finish: For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Different Fish: This glaze works wonderfully with cod, halibut, or even thick-cut tuna steaks.
• Vegetable Boost: Roast some broccoli florets or asparagus alongside the salmon on the same baking sheet.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftover Japanese Miso Glazed Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or in a preheated oven at a lower temperature (around 275°F/135°C) until just heated through to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the miso glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• What should I serve with this salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure your miso paste is also certified gluten-free.

• Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can pan-sear the salmon. Heat a tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and finish in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

• Why shouldn’t I marinate the salmon for too long?

Miso is a fermented product that can chemically “cook” or denature the fish if left to marinate for an extended period, resulting in a tougher texture.

• What kind of miso paste should I use?

White (Shiro) or yellow (Shinshu) miso are generally recommended for their milder, sweeter flavors which complement salmon well.