As I stood in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the irresistible fragrance wafting from the oven: sweet and savory notes of miso embracing tender salmon fillets. This quick and delightful dish is one of my favorite solutions for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Whether I’m winding down after a long day or wanting to impress friends, this 8-minute broiled miso salmon never disappoints.
The secret lies in the marinade—a blend of white miso, ginger, and a hint of sweetness that comes together effortlessly. With each bite, you’re treated to a glossy exterior that caramelizes beautifully, revealing a flaky interior practically designed to melt in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with a side of white rice and blistered veggies, making for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Trust me; this is one dish your taste buds will thank you for!
Why is this Broiled Miso Salmon a must-try?
Deliciously Quick: Ready in just 8 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Irresistible Flavors: The unique combination of miso, ginger, and sweetness offers a savory depth that will wow your taste buds.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with white rice and blistered veggies for a wholesome meal, or enjoy it over noodles for an exciting twist.
Impress Your Guests: This elegant yet simple meal is sure to leave a lasting impression at dinner parties!
Healthy and Nutritious: With around 37g of protein per serving, you’ll feel good about indulging in this satisfying dish.
Explore more creative ideas to enhance your dining experience!
Broiled Miso Salmon Ingredients
• Transform your weeknight meals with these delicious ingredients!
For the Marinade
- White Miso Paste – Adds a sweet, umami flavor; opt for yellow or red miso if you prefer a bolder taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes the salmon; feel free to substitute with maple syrup or honey for a twist.
- Mirin – Enhances depth and sweetness; if missing, sake or rice vinegar works as a good alternative.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides essential saltiness without overpowering; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil – Imparts nutty notes to the marinade; can be replaced with a neutral oil or omitted if needed.
- Ginger Paste – Brings freshness and a little spiciness; fresh ginger can also be grated or chopped for a strong flavor.
For the Salmon
- Salmon Fillets – The star of the show; whether you leave the skin on or remove it is up to your preference.
For Optional Garnishes
- Thinly Sliced Scallions – Adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
- Black and White Sesame Seeds – Enhances presentation and provides a delightful crunch.
- Cilantro – Offers a burst of flavor that brightens each bite.
Elevate your culinary experience with this delightful broiled miso salmon recipe!
How to Make Broiled Miso Salmon
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Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together white miso paste, granulated sugar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger paste until smooth and well combined.
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Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a resealable bag or container. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade for later, pour the rest over the salmon, seal, and marinate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
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Preheat the Broiler: Set your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, lightly greasing it to ensure easy cleanup after broiling.
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Broil the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Broil for 6-8 minutes, rotating halfway through, until lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
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Serve: Brush the salmon with the reserved marinade, then garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro to enhance flavor and presentation before serving hot.
Optional: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the salmon for extra brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Broiled Miso Salmon
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, ensuring a delicious meal ready for enjoyment later.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked salmon on a sheet pan first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen salmon in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring it retains its flaky texture.
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Serving Leftovers: Use leftover broiled miso salmon in salads, grain bowls, or warm wraps for a quick and flavorful meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Broiled Miso Salmon fillets are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time during the busy week! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just marinate the salmon fillets for 30 minutes on the day you plan to cook them. If you’re really pressed for time, you can marinate the salmon in the reserved marinade overnight to infuse even more flavor. When it’s time to serve, preheat your broiler and broil the salmon for 6-8 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). This way, you’ll have a delicious and impressive meal ready with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Broiled Miso Salmon
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Marinade Mastery: Make sure to marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, enhancing the sweet and savory profile.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Since broilers vary, keep a close eye on the salmon as it cooks. Remove it once the internal temperature reaches 120°F for perfectly tender broiled miso salmon.
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Clean Broiling Surface: Use a non-stick spray or oil to grease your baking sheet. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Garnishing Glories: Don’t skip the garnishes! Scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro not only elevate visual appeal but also add fresh flavors that complement the dish beautifully.
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Taste Testing: Adjust the sweetness in the marinade to your preference. If you love a bit more sweetness, feel free to add extra sugar or honey.
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Oven Safety: Ensure parchment paper lies flat and avoid overlapping the fish. For safety, you may prefer aluminum foil, which also makes cleanup easier.
What to Serve with Broiled Miso Salmon?
Create a delightful dining experience that complements the rich flavors of your salmon masterpiece!
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Fluffy White Rice: This classic pairing creates a soft, neutral base to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the salmon. Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce!
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Blistered Vegetables: Colorful shishito peppers or tender broccoli offer a pleasant crunch and a fresh counterpart to the silky texture of the fish, enhancing your meal with vibrant tastes.
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Simple Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad with a tangy dressing contrasts nicely with the richness of the salmon. It cleanses the palate and adds a crunch that’s hard to resist.
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Soba Noodles: Try serving your broiled miso salmon over tender soba noodles for a heartier twist. Toss with scallions and a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
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Sesame Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes, tossed in sesame oil, tie in beautifully with the nutty essence of your dish.
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Green Tea: A warm cup of this aromatic beverage serves as a soothing complement and helps to enhance the meal’s delicate flavors without overpowering them.
Embrace these pairings to create a beautiful meal that will leave a lasting impression!
Broiled Miso Salmon Variations
Customizing this delightful dish is easy and fun—let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
- Protein Swap: Substitute the salmon with fresh steelhead trout for a similar yet distinct flavor that brings a delightful twist to your meal.
- Veggie Infusion: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini to your broiling pan for a colorful, nutritious side that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Heat it Up: Drizzle Sriracha or a spicy mayo over the salmon just before serving for an extra kick that elevates each bite to new heights.
- Sweet Harmony: Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique, naturally sweet flair that enhances the caramelization process.
- Noodle Delight: Serve the broiled salmon over a bed of soba or udon noodles dressed in sesame oil for an exciting change of pace that makes the meal heartier.
- Citrusy Burst: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice right before serving adds a refreshing zing that brightens the dish and balances the rich flavors beautifully.
- Mediterranean Touch: Swap the soy sauce with balsamic vinegar for a lighter, tangy twist that surprises your taste buds with a fusion of flavors.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish fully gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious taste.
Explore these variations to discover new favorites and keep your meals exciting!
Broiled Miso Salmon Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right salmon fillets?
Absolutely! When selecting salmon fillets, look for bright, firm flesh that is moist and free from discolorations. The fillets should have a fresh, clean scent—not fishy. Skin can be left on for better flavor, but removing it is a personal choice. I often choose sustainably sourced salmon for the best taste and environmental impact.
What’s the best way to store leftover broiled miso salmon?
Very good question! After enjoying your salmon, make sure to let it cool to room temperature. Then, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This ensures that the flavors deepen while preserving the salmon’s lovely texture. If you’re not planning to eat it within that timeframe, consider freezing.
Can I freeze cooked miso salmon?
Absolutely! To freeze your broiled miso salmon, first, allow it to cool completely. Then, place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them individually until solid, about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer the frozen fillets to a freezer-safe container or bag and label them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What if I don’t have miso paste?
No problem! If you’re out of miso paste, you can create your own flavorful marinade by combining equal parts tahini with soy sauce and a bit of honey for sweetness. This substitution will capture a similar umami flavor that complements the salmon beautifully!
Is this recipe safe for pets?
It’s always best to be cautious! This broiled miso salmon contains soy sauce, which is high in sodium and not ideal for dogs or cats. If you want to share a bit of salmon with your furry friends, make sure to serve plain, unseasoned pieces without the marinade. Always consult with your veterinarian if unsure about specific ingredients!
How can I prevent my salmon from sticking to the baking sheet?
Great question! To avoid any sticking, I recommend using a good amount of non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing your baking sheet with olive oil or sesame oil. If you’re using parchment paper, make sure it lies flat against the sheet and that there are no folds. This will not only help prevent sticking but also make cleanup a breeze!
Deliciously Easy Broiled Miso Salmon in Just 8 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together white miso paste, granulated sugar, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger paste until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a resealable bag or container. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade for later, pour the rest over the salmon, seal, and marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your broiler to high, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, lightly greasing it.
- Broil the Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet, broil for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned and internal temperature reaches 120°F.
- Serve: Brush the salmon with reserved marinade, garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro before serving hot.