Miso Butter Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and absolutely delicious, let me introduce you to my Miso Butter Salmon recipe. This dish is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The salmon comes out tender with a slightly charred exterior, thanks to the miso butter that melts over the top as it cooks. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

One of the things I adore about this Miso Butter Salmon is how quickly it comes together. In less than 40 minutes, you can have a meal that feels elevated but is oh-so-easy to prepare. Plus, it’s nutritious and can be served alongside your favorite sides for a complete dinner experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking—perfect for those hectic evenings!
• Flavor-packed: With the combination of miso, butter, ginger, and garlic, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish. The sweetness from the brown sugar balances perfectly with the salty miso.
• Versatile servings: Pair it with steamed rice or veggies for a wholesome meal that fits any occasion.
• Meal prep friendly: Cook extra salmon for lunch leftovers! It reheats well and remains tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful Miso Butter Salmon, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome. You likely already have many of them in your pantry! Let’s gather what we need:

For the Miso Butter

• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 tbsp White miso paste
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tsp Fresh ginger (grated)
• 1-2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Green onions (sliced thin)

For the Salmon

• 4 Salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Variations

This Miso Butter Salmon recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, this miso butter works wonderfully with other fish like trout or cod.
• Add more veggies: Toss some asparagus or broccoli into your baking dish for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your miso butter mixture.
• Try different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil instead of green onions for a unique twist.

How to Make Miso Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter

In a medium-size bowl, combine softened butter with white miso paste, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Use a spatula to mash these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. This step is important because blending these flavors creates that rich umami taste you’ll love in every bite.

Step 2: Apply the Miso Butter

Take your salmon fillets and place them on a baking sheet or air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Equally divide the miso butter mixture on top of each fillet. Use a butter knife or offset spatula to spread it evenly over each piece of salmon. Ensuring an even layer helps the flavors infuse during cooking.

Step 3: Bake in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets in a large skillet or baking dish and bake for about 12-15 minutes until they’re opaque and nearly cooked through. Then switch to broil for another minute or two to caramelize the tops lightly. Broiling adds beautiful color and enhances that delightful sweet-savory flavor.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil before placing your salmon fillets inside. Cook them without turning for about 9-10 minutes until they are perfectly flaky and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Once cooked, carefully transfer your salmon onto a platter. Drizzle any remaining miso butter over the top for extra flavor! Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Now sit back, relax, and savor every bite of this Miso Butter Salmon!

Pro Tips for Making Miso Butter Salmon

Cooking this delicious miso butter salmon is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh salmon and quality miso paste make a world of difference in flavor. They enhance the overall taste of your dish and provide that rich umami experience.

• Don’t overcook the salmon: The key to flaky salmon is cooking it just until it’s opaque. Overcooking can lead to dry fish, so keep an eye on it during baking or air frying.

• Customize the miso butter: Feel free to experiment with different types of miso (like red or yellow) or add herbs like cilantro for a unique twist. This allows you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences!

• Make ahead for convenience: You can prepare the miso butter in advance and store it in the fridge. This not only saves time but also lets the flavors meld beautifully before cooking.

• Serve immediately: Miso butter salmon tastes best right after it’s cooked. Enjoying it fresh ensures that you experience all its delightful textures and flavors.

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon

Presenting your miso butter salmon beautifully will make dinner feel extra special! Here are some ideas on how to plate and serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring crunch and nutty notes, enhancing both texture and taste.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing the savory elements with a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory miso sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Roasted broccoli: Tender-crisp roasted broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients, while its slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet miso butter.
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich flavors of the salmon.
• Sauteed bok choy: Quick-cooked bok choy offers a wonderful texture and mild flavor, making it an excellent complement to this Asian-inspired dish.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a meal that’s not just tasty but also visually appealing. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This miso butter salmon recipe is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover salmon in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped salmon in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes at medium power, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making miso butter salmon!

Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon for miso butter?

Absolutely! Miso butter works beautifully with other fish like trout or cod. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

How do I make miso butter salmon crispy?

For a crispy finish, broil the salmon for a couple of minutes after baking. This will create a delightful caramelization on top while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

Is miso butter salmon healthy?

Yes! Miso butter salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats from the salmon, plus beneficial nutrients from the miso and ginger. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Can I prepare miso butter in advance?

Definitely! You can mix up the miso butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften at room temperature before spreading it on your salmon fillets.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this wonderful miso butter salmon! Its sweet-savory flavors and simple preparation make it truly special, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!