Dive into the world of umami-rich flavors with my Japanese Miso Salmon recipe! This fail-proof dish features succulent salmon marinated in a traditional Japanese miso marinade, then baked to perfection in the oven. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with juicy goodness, and guarantees to satisfy everyone who takes a bite!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
My Japanese Miso Salmon recipe is the best way to elevate salmon flavors to new heights! Marinating the salmon in miso for an extended period infuses it with rich, umami flavors, a method used in traditional Japanese cuisine found in dishes like in my Baked Teriyaki Yellowtail. And just like in my Miso Pork Belly and Garlic Miso Chicken Wings recipes, we use my proven miso marinade to marinate the salmon for over 24 hours until it is packed with umami-rich flavors, tender, and juicy!
This exact dish is served at many Japanese restaurants but I promise you can make it at home at a fraction of the cost, making it even more special! It’s a fail-proof way to prepare salmon, yielding tender, juicy fillets bursting with umami savory goodness. To take this baked salmon even further, you could pair it with my Spicy Miso Sauce for a fiery kick! Perfect as a main dish alongside a Japanese-inspired spread, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an easy yet incredibly delicious meal. Don’t wait any longer—experience the secrets of Japanese flavors in your own kitchen today!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Salmon – skinless and boneless salmon fillets.
- Miso – awase brown Miso works best.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Green Onion – fresh chopped green onion scallions.
🥢 Miso Note
You have three miso paste options: White Miso, which is mild and sweet; Red Miso, known for its robust and salty flavor; and Brown Miso, or Awase Miso, offering a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and umami. We recommend using Awase Miso for this marinade.
🍶 Mirin Note
While mirin is traditionally used to make miso marinade, we’ve considered that mirin might not be readily available in all areas. To accommodate this, the recipe modifies the ratio of Japanese sake and sweetener.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Silicon Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
Directions
Step 1 Begin by mixing miso paste, sweetener, and Japanese sake in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 Transfer this marinade into a ziplock bag, add the salmon fillet, and refrigerate for 24-96 hours.
💡 Marinating Pro Tip
For the best flavor and a distinctive brown tint, marinate your salmon for up to 96 Hours. This extended marination time allows the miso to fully penetrate the salmon, resulting in a rich umami flavor.
Step 3 When ready to cook, wash off the marinade, bake the salmon in the oven at 425°F for 8 minutes or until the meat easily flakes off with a fork.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
Bake the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal doneness.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
For serving, pair this dish with a Bowl of Rice of your choice.
Recipe Variations
You can make a Miso Black Cod by replacing the salmon with black cod, also known as sablefish. Additionally, the marinade works well with Chilean Seabass too! You also can skip the miso marinade and instead dry brine with salt to make my Japanese Baked Salmon!
Pairing Recommendations
Serve this recipe alongside a bowl of rice to complete the meal. Enhance the Japanese meal experience with Tofu Miso Soup or Clam Miso Soup. For hearty a side dish, try Japanese Pork Belly Salad, while Japanese Spinach Salad offers a lighter alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep miso marinated salmon?
Yes, you can definitely meal prep miso-marinated salmon. After marinating the salmon, freeze it along with the marinade. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the salmon in water and follow the recipe as usual.
How do I properly defrost frozen miso-marinated salmon before cooking?
To properly defrost frozen miso-marinated salmon before cooking, simply place the salmon, without removing it from the bag, in a bowl of room temperature water. Allow it to thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How long should I marinate the salmon in miso?
For the best flavors, we recommend marinating the salmon for a minimum of 24 hours. However, for optimal taste and depth of flavor, marinating it for up to 96 hours is recommended. This extended marination time allows the miso to fully penetrate the salmon.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Miso Salmon
Ingredients
- 1/2 lbs Salmon Fillet
- 2 tbsp Miso
- 2 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onion
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Pat dry salmon with a paper towel. Cut salmon into 1 inch thick slices and place into a ziplock bag.
- In a small bowl, combine miso, Japanese sake, soy sauce and sweetener. Mix well, pour marinade into ziplock bag and seal. You will need to marinate between 24 - 96 hours in a fridge.
- After marination, wash off excess marinade and pat salmon dry with paper towel.
- Place salmon on a silicone baking mat or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer salmon into the oven and cook at 425F for 8 minutes.
- Finely chop green onions and set aside.
- Once salmon is done, top with green onions.
Nutrition
