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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Favorites

    Miso Butter Salmon (3 easy methods)

    Modified: Oct 9, 2023 · Published: Jan 28, 2023 · by MaryAnne · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Stop what you're doing and make this miso butter salmon for dinner tonight. It's a full-flavored, rich, savory, and easy (ready in 25 minutes) recipe that makes an effortless weeknight dinner despite looking elegant and impressive.

    three fillets of miso butter salmon on a white platter with roasted broccoli.

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    Regular readers will notice that I'm eating a lot of salmon lately [see: gochujang salmon, spinach stuffed salmon, and mustard dill salmon]. It's easy, healthy, delicious, and if you buy frozen salmon, it's quite affordable!

    In this miso butter salmon recipe, tender & flaky salmon gets basted with rich miso butter, giving it deep umami flavor that is irresistible.

    Instructions are provided for pan-frying, baking, and using an air fryer, so you can choose which is best for you.

    Use any leftover miso butter on chicken, fish, or pork; or drizzle it on veggies, pasta, or stir-fry for mouth-watering flavor!

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why This Salmon is the Best
    • 💬 What is Miso?
    • 🐟 Ingredient Notes
    • 📝 Variations & Substitutions
    • 🔪 How to Make Miso Butter Salmon
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🍚 How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍽 Related Recipes
    • Miso Butter Salmon

    ⭐️ Why This Salmon is the Best

    • Tender and flaky salmon is basted with butter miso sauce, lending it bold umami flavor
    • Quick & easy salmon recipe that's ready in 25 minutes
    • Salmon dish that's high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients, and low-carb
    • Satisfying weeknight dinner that looks elegant & impressive
    • Three cooking options are provided (pan-fried, oven-baked, and air fryer)
    • Use the miso butter on chicken, fish, or pork; or drizzle it on vegetables, pasta, or stir-fry

    💬 What is Miso?

    A staple in Japanese cuisine, miso is made from fermented soybeans and brings rich umami flavor (salty and funky!) to a variety of dishes. The paste is typically a mixture of soybeans, a grain (like rice or barley), and salt.

    Depending on the variety, miso can be light and sweeter (because of a shorter fermentation time) - which is usually sold as white miso - or dark red and much stronger in flavor, sold as red miso.

    🐟 Ingredient Notes

    recipe ingredients arranged on a table.
    • Salmon fillets - Purchase a center-cut whole fillet of salmon or pre-sliced 4-6 ounce pieces that are of similar size so they cook evenly; you can use skin-on or skinless salmon, but keeping the skin on adds flavor and ensures tender fillets. You can always remove it before serving!
    • Unsalted butter - Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your cooking.
    • Yellow or white miso paste - A Japanese ingredient made from fermented soybeans, grains, and salt. It provides deep umami flavor and has many health benefits.
    • Granulated sugar - We need sweetness to balance out the deeply savory and tangy flavor, so don't skip it!
    • Rice wine vinegar - You can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for similar results.
    • Low-sodium soy sauce - I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce, which lets you control the amount of sodium in your cooking.
    • Scallions - Adds a bit of a spicy kick
    • Toasted sesame seeds - These are completely optional, but they lend the salmon a slightly nutty flavor and give it a delicate crunch.

    📝 Variations & Substitutions

    For baked salmon

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Transfer salmon fillets to a lightly greased baking dish and brush half of miso butter mixture on top of salmon.

    Bake for 10-15 minutes (depending on how large your fillets are), until salmon is cooked through with an opaque center. Salmon thickness varies, but aim for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch of thickness.

    You could also use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. at the thickest part of the fillet.

    In air fryer

    Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F. Brush half of the miso butter mixture on top of salmon fillets, and place them in the air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until salmon is cooked through with an opaque center.

    Make gluten-free

    Substitute tamari for the soy sauce to make a gluten-free version. Additionally, check to see if your brand of miso contains fermented wheat or barley, which contain gluten.

    🔪 How to Make Miso Butter Salmon

    In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, miso paste, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. (Your butter may curdle if your soy sauce is cold, but that's ok.)

    miso butter in a small white bowl with a spoon.

    Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt & black pepper.

    white hand patting salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of miso butter over medium heat. Add salmon, skin-side up, to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes.

    four salmon fillets added to a hot skillet, skin side up.

    Flip salmon and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil for 5 minutes to let it rest.

    salmon cooking in a large skillet with a fish spatula.

    Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if using. Remaining miso butter can be drizzled on top of fillets for added flavor. Serve with rice, noodles, and/or vegetables.

    two pieces of salmon with miso butter and chopsticks in a bowl.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Don't overbake (if baking in oven). Salmon thickness varies, but aim for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. You could also use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. at the thickest part of the fillet.
    • Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: After completely cooled, transfer salmon to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight.
    • How to reheat: Cover loosely with foil and place salmon in a preheated 300 degree F. oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through. For more reheating methods, read my post on how to reheat salmon!
    • Use a fish spatula to easily flip the salmon.
    • Pat salmon dry. Be sure to pat dry your salmon fillets before seasoning to get a nice crust when cooking.
    • Make ahead: Miso butter can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
    • Let it rest. After finished cooking, let your salmon rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be absorbed into the meat and not run all over your plate.

    🍚 How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon

    Salmon with miso butter is a rich and decadent meal, while still quick and easy. I love it paired with rice and some sort of roasted vegetable. Here are some additional suggestions:

    • Grains. Serve it over your favorite grain, like rice, quinoa, barley, or farro
    • Vegetables. Get your daily intake of veggies by serving it with your favorite vegetable or a light side salad, like apple cucumber salad
    • Bread. Pair your salmon and miso with sourdough discard focaccia, dinner rolls, or biscuits
    • Noodles. Serve salmon over a bed of soba noodles or udon noodles
    salmon with miso, broccoli, and rice in a bowl.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    What is miso butter made of?

    Miso butter is a full-flavored sauce consisting of unsalted butter, miso paste, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar.

    Should you cook salmon with oil or butter?

    Salmon can be cooked with either oil or butter. It really depends on the flavor you are going for. Also, butter can burn much easier than oil, so keep that in mind when you are deciding which way to go.

    What is miso salmon made of?

    Miso salmon is an easy, healthy, and full-flavored dish that makes a great anytime meal. It consists of basting salmon with a miso butter sauce consisting of butter, miso, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sugar.

    Why is miso so healthy?

    Miso is thought to provide numerous health benefits: it's nutrient-rich and a good source of manganese and vitamin K; and it's a fermented condiment, which has been shown to improve digestion and gut health, and can promote the growth of probiotics.

    🍽 Related Recipes

    • platter of gochujang salmon with roasted broccoli.
      Gochujang Salmon (3 easy methods)
    • salmon with creamy mustard dill sauce on a plate with roasted asparagus.
      Creamy Mustard Dill Salmon
    • asian brussels sprouts in a white bowl with chopsticks next to a gray napkin
      Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
    • Homemade miso sauce in a small white cup resting on a gray plate.
      All-Purpose Miso Sauce (Glaze and Marinade)

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get a FREE e-book of 15 Healthy Weeknight Recipes, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox every week!

    three fillets of miso salmon on a white platter with roasted broccoli.

    Miso Butter Salmon

    Author: MaryAnne
    Stop what you're doing and make this miso butter salmon for dinner tonight. It's a delicious and easy (ready in 25 minutes) recipe that makes an effortless weeknight dinner despite looking elegant.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Resting Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Japanese
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 387 kcal

    Equipment

    • large skillet
    • small bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    • 4 Tablespoons yellow or white miso paste
    • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
    • 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
    • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
    • 4 salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
    • pinch of salt & black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, miso paste, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. (Your butter may curdle if your soy sauce is cold, but that's ok.)
    • Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt & black pepper.
    • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of miso butter over medium heat. Add salmon, skin-side up, to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes.
    • Flip salmon and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil for 5 minutes to let it rest.
    • Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if using. Remaining miso butter can be drizzled on top of fillets for added flavor. Serve with rice, noodles, and/or vegetables.

    Notes

      • Don't overbake (if baking in oven). Salmon thickness varies, but aim for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. You could also use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. at the thickest part of the fillet.
      • Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
      • How to reheat: Cover loosely with foil and place salmon in a preheated 300 degree F. oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
      • Pat salmon dry. Be sure to pat dry your salmon fillets before seasoning to get a nice crust when cooking.
      • Let it rest. After finished cooking, let your salmon rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be absorbed into the meat and not run all over your plate.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 37gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 917mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 492IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barb

      January 28, 2023 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe sounds delicious and looks easy to prepare!

      Reply
    2. Caitlin

      January 11, 2024 at 4:32 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • MaryAnne

        January 16, 2024 at 2:46 pm

        Thanks, Caitlin! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Hi! I’m MaryAnne, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Gastronotherapy, where I bring vibrant, delicious, and thoughtfully crafted mainly vegetarian and vegan (flexitarian) recipes to life. While my focus leans toward wholesome, nourishing dishes, my love for dessert ensures that indulgence always has a place at the table!

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