Easy Miso Salmon

This Easy Miso Salmon is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something fast, healthy, and deeply flavorful. With just 7 simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, it delivers buttery, flaky salmon coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze. It’s become a regular in my dinner rotation, especially on nights when I want minimal effort with maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this dish is both weeknight-friendly and elegant enough for company. It uses wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like omega-3-rich salmon and gut-friendly miso paste. The glaze comes together in seconds and transforms simple fish into a flavor-packed meal. Plus, the clean-up is easy, especially when I line the baking sheet with parchment.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (I prefer Atlantic or King salmon for their richness)
• Shiro miso (white miso paste)
• Soy sauce
• Honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar (or mirin, sake, or dry sherry as substitutes)
• Water (to thin the glaze slightly)
• Salt (for seasoning)

Directions

1. Prep the Salmon:
   I let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while I preheat the oven to 425ºF. Then I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the fillets skin-side down. I gently blot them with paper towels to remove excess moisture and sprinkle a pinch of salt on top.
2. Make the Miso Glaze:
   In a small bowl, I whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. I add a tablespoon of water to thin it slightly and mix again until the glaze is silky and spreadable.
3. Glaze the Salmon:
   I brush the miso glaze generously over each fillet, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Bake:
   I bake the salmon for about 12–14 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the glaze has caramelized slightly on top.
5. Serve:
   I plate the salmon hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions, usually over rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

When I’m out of white miso, I use brown miso for a deeper, earthier flavor. I’ve also swapped honey with maple syrup for a vegan twist. For more heat, I sometimes add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze. It’s also easy to grill or air-fry the salmon instead of baking—both methods work beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave it briefly at low power. I avoid overcooking during reheating to preserve the flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I use frozen fillets often. I thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat them dry before glazing.

What kind of miso should I buy?

I look for white (shiro) miso for this recipe. It’s mild and slightly sweet, perfect for glazes and dressings.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?

Definitely. I air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes. The glaze caramelizes nicely and the fish stays tender.

What should I serve with miso salmon?

I like it with jasmine rice, soba noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy. A cucumber salad also pairs really well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. I use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure my miso paste is certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Miso Salmon is a flavor-packed dish I can count on when time is tight but I still want something satisfying. It’s quick, nourishing, and full of umami-rich goodness. I love how the glaze clings to the salmon and bakes into a glossy coating that’s both sweet and savory. It’s my go-to when I want a healthy, no-fuss meal that still feels special.

Easy Miso Salmon

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This Easy Miso Salmon is a fast, flavorful recipe featuring flaky salmon coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze. Ready in under 20 minutes with only 7 ingredients, it’s a healthy, weeknight-friendly meal that feels restaurant-quality.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets (Atlantic or King salmon preferred)
• Shiro miso (white miso paste)
• Soy sauce
• Honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar (or mirin, sake, or dry sherry)
• Water (to thin the glaze)
• Salt (for seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place salmon skin-side down. Blot dry and season with salt.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add a tablespoon of water to thin and mix until smooth.
3. Brush glaze generously over each salmon fillet.
4. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
5. Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or scallions, over rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

• Use brown miso for a stronger, earthier flavor.
• Maple syrup makes a great vegan alternative to honey.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
• Grill or air fry instead of baking for variation—both methods work well.
• To make gluten-free, use tamari and a certified gluten-free miso paste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg