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Easy Crispy Miso Glazed Salmon

easy crispy miso glazed salmon - featured image

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy perfection with a savory-sweet miso glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces skin-on salmon fillet (preferably wild-caught)
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (or 1 teaspoon honey plus a splash of rice vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Thinly sliced fresh scallions for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Neutral oil with high smoke point (e.g., grapeseed or vegetable oil) for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin side.
  3. Spread a thin, even layer of the miso glaze over the flesh side of each salmon fillet, avoiding the skin.
  4. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add a teaspoon of neutral oil.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds through.
  6. Flip the fillets carefully and cook the glaze side for another 2-3 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the salmon is cooked through but still moist.
  7. Transfer the salmon to a plate and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin completely dry before cooking to ensure crispiness. Apply glaze only on the flesh side to avoid soggy skin. Use medium-high heat and avoid moving the fish too soon. If glaze burns, reduce heat or add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam. Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly. For extra crispiness, finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: miso glazed salmon, crispy salmon skin, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pan-seared salmon, umami salmon