Miso Butter Salmon

Get ready to fall in love with this Miso Butter Salmon! This dish is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet, with that deliciously flaky salmon taking center stage. The combination of rich miso, buttery goodness, and tender salmon creates a flavor explosion that feels luxurious yet simple. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party, but is easy enough for a quick weeknight meal. The miso butter glaze caramelizes beautifully while the salmon cooks, giving you that perfect balance of crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth flakes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love Miso Butter Salmon

Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite:

• Rich and Flavorful: The miso and butter create a deep, umami-packed glaze that elevates the salmon to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes!
• Healthier Yet Indulgent: Salmon is packed with omega-3s and healthy fats, while the buttery miso glaze adds the perfect indulgent touch without being too heavy.
• Customizable: If you want to add extra zing, try sprinkling some sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top for a little crunch and fresh flavor.
• Impress Your Guests: The glaze is gorgeous and glossy, making this dish perfect for impressing friends or family when they come over for dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Miso Butter Salmon:

For the Miso Butter Glaze:

• Butter: The base of the glaze, bringing richness and creaminess.
• White Miso Paste: Adds that essential umami flavor with a touch of sweetness. You could also use red miso for a more robust flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and depth to the glaze.
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance out the savory miso and soy.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic minced or grated for that lovely, fragrant depth.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the butter.
• Sesame Oil: Adds an earthy, nutty flavor to the glaze (optional but highly recommended).

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, depending on your preference. Skin-on fillets will give you crispy edges, which is a nice texture contrast.
• Olive Oil: For searing the salmon to perfection.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the salmon before cooking.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the good part—making this delicious Miso Butter Salmon!

1. Prepare the Miso Butter Glaze

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the white miso paste and stir to combine. Next, whisk in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil (if using). Stir everything together until it forms a smooth glaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through but still moist and tender in the middle.

4. Glaze the Salmon

Once the salmon is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Spoon the miso butter glaze generously over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat each piece well. Let the glaze simmer for a minute or so, allowing the flavors to meld and the salmon to soak up the goodness.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer to plates. Drizzle with extra glaze and garnish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of this dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon

This salmon is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to make it even more of a showstopper:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle fragrance of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the umami-rich salmon.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Try sautéing spinach, bok choy, or green beans for a light, healthy side that complements the richness of the salmon.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the salty, savory flavors of the miso butter.
• Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled cucumbers or radishes can provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the salmon.

Additional Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure if the salmon is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C) in the center.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the miso butter glaze or drizzle with a bit of sriracha.
• Substitute the Fish: This glaze would work wonderfully with other fish like cod or halibut if you’re looking to switch things up.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover salmon, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It makes an excellent addition to salads, tacos, or bowls the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use red miso instead of white miso?
A1: Yes! Red miso has a stronger flavor and is a little more intense, but it’ll still work wonderfully for the glaze. Adjust the sweetness to balance the stronger taste if needed.

Q2: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
A2: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once it’s done, drizzle the miso butter glaze over the top.

Q3: Can I use a non-dairy butter for this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy option like coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, being careful not to overcook it.

Q5: Can I double the glaze?
A5: Definitely! If you want extra glaze for serving or drizzling over rice, doubling the glaze recipe is a great idea.

Conclusion

This Miso Butter Salmon is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and buttery goodness. With just a few ingredients, you can transform salmon into a restaurant-quality meal that’s both rich and light, satisfying and fresh. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and simplicity. Get ready to savor each tender, crispy bite of this miso-glazed perfection—you won’t want to stop at just one serving!

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