Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts rich, savory, and refreshing, then this Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is your answer. Picture tender salmon fillets coated in a luscious miso butter glaze, with a zesty salsa verde made from fresh scallions to bring everything to life. The salty umami from the miso, combined with the bright, tangy salsa, creates a flavor experience that feels both indulgent and light. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and here’s why you’re going to fall for it:

Bold and Balanced Flavors

The rich, umami-packed miso butter on the salmon is perfectly complemented by the vibrant, zesty scallion salsa verde. The combination of savory, salty, and fresh herbs is what makes this dish sing.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, you can have this beautiful meal on your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something fancy but without all the fuss.

Light but Satisfying

The miso butter adds a creamy richness, but the fresh salsa verde keeps the dish feeling light and fresh. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied without being weighed down.

Impressive Presentation

The sizzled scallions and vibrant salsa verde not only add fantastic flavor but also make this dish look gorgeous on the plate. It’s definitely a showstopper for dinner parties or special occasions.

Customizable

You can adjust the level of miso, garlic, and even spice in the salsa verde to fit your tastes. Want it spicier? Add a touch of chili flakes. Prefer a milder version? Just reduce the garlic or skip the chili altogether!

Ingredients

This recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this incredible dish to life:

Salmon Fillets

The star of the show! Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets are perfect for this dish, but you can use skinless fillets if you prefer. The fish should be tender and flaky when cooked.

Miso Paste

The rich, umami flavor from the miso paste is key to creating that luscious, savory butter sauce for the salmon.

Butter

Melted butter combines with the miso paste to create a creamy glaze for the salmon, adding richness and depth to the dish.

Garlic

A bit of garlic, sautéed in the butter, adds that irresistible savory aroma and flavor.

Scallions (Green Onions)

The scallions are the star of the salsa verde! Their freshness and mild onion flavor make them perfect for this bright and tangy sauce.

Olive Oil

Used to cook the salmon and to sizzle the scallions for the salsa verde.

Fresh Herbs (Cilantro and Parsley)

A mix of fresh cilantro and parsley brings an herbal brightness to the salsa verde, balancing the richness of the salmon.

Lemon

A splash of lemon juice adds that needed acidity to the salsa verde, making it zing with freshness.

Red Chili Flakes (Optional)

For a little kick of heat, red chili flakes are optional but highly recommended to bring a nice contrast to the rich butter and miso.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and get cooking! This dish is simple to prepare, and it’s full of flavor at every step.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on the thickness), or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Miso Butter Glaze

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the miso paste and minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter is smooth. The miso will dissolve into the butter, creating a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the glaze warm.

Step 3: Make the Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

In a small pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften and sizzle. You want them to get a little char and flavor but not burn.

Once the scallions are softened, transfer them to a bowl and add the fresh cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of red chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The salsa should be fresh, zesty, and slightly tangy from the lemon.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Place the salmon fillets on plates, spoon the warm miso butter glaze over the fish, and top with the sizzled scallion salsa verde. Serve immediately while the dish is hot.

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

Over Rice

Serve the salmon and salsa over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sushi rice. The rice will absorb all that delicious miso butter sauce.

With Roasted Vegetables

Pair this salmon with some roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

With Noodles

For a more filling meal, serve the salmon alongside some soba noodles or rice noodles. Toss the noodles with a little of the miso butter sauce to complement the fish.

A Simple Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish and keep the meal feeling fresh.

Additional Tips

Use a Non-Stick Pan

Using a non-stick pan helps prevent the salmon from sticking and ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, just make sure to oil the skillet well.

Adjust the Garlic

If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount used in the miso butter glaze or the salsa verde. The flavor will still be fantastic!

Make the Salsa Verde Ahead of Time

You can make the salsa verde a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop and meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Experiment with Different Herbs

While cilantro and parsley are classic in salsa verde, you can play around with other herbs like basil or mint for a different twist.

Add Heat

If you want to spice things up, add more chili flakes to the salsa verde or even a sliced fresh chili to the miso butter glaze.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?

A1: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other fish like trout, halibut, or even cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.

Q2: Can I make the salsa verde ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the salsa verde a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Q3: Can I use white miso instead of red miso?

A3: Yes, white miso can be used, though it will have a milder flavor. Red miso adds a bit more depth and richness, but either will work well in this recipe.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A4: You can make a dairy-free version by substituting the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. The miso paste will still give you that rich, umami flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, and be sure to add a little extra olive oil or butter to keep the dish moist.

Q6: Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

A6: Yes, skinless salmon fillets will work just as well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as skinless fillets can be a little more delicate.

Q7: How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

A7: Salmon is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and is opaque all the way through. It should still be moist, but not raw in the center.

Q8: How spicy is this dish?

A8: The dish has a mild heat from the optional chili flakes in the salsa verde. If you like things spicier, you can always add more chili or fresh sliced chilis to the sauce.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables to the salsa verde?

A9: Yes! You can add other fresh vegetables like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or even avocado to give the salsa verde a different texture and flavor.

Q10: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A10: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to fully thaw it before cooking, and make sure it’s cooked through properly.

Conclusion

Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. The miso butter glaze gives the salmon a rich, umami flavor, while the fresh salsa verde adds a vibrant, zesty contrast. It’s a perfect combination of rich and light, savory and fresh, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every bite!

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