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Easy Crispy Miso Glazed Salmon Recipe Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

crispy miso glazed salmon - featured image

This easy crispy miso glazed salmon features golden, crunchy skin and a luscious, umami-rich glaze that is both sweet and savory. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet cooking rice wine; substitute with 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp water if unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 12 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil (for crisping salmon skin)
  • Fresh lime or lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Set aside. (Tip: If miso is thick, warm slightly to blend smoothly.)
  2. Pat salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and prevent sticking.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. (Tip: If skin sticks, cook a bit longer; do not force flipping.)
  5. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Spoon the miso glaze generously over the cooked salmon fillets, letting it warm and slightly caramelize for 1-2 minutes. Avoid burning the glaze; it should coat the salmon with a shiny, sticky finish.
  7. Remove salmon from pan, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and add a wedge of lime or lemon on the side. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegan, replace salmon with large tofu slabs and adjust cooking time. To get crispy skin, ensure salmon is very dry before cooking and use a good-quality skillet. Keep heat low when glazing to avoid burning. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leftovers keep well for 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: miso glazed salmon, crispy salmon skin, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, miso paste, umami salmon, quick salmon recipe