Name: Miso Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 Salmon fillets (6 oz each); 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); Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional); Steamed rice (optional); Steamed vegetables (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 71 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with umami and luxury yet feels incredibly comforting, the Miso Butter Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful salmon creation combines the rich silkiness of butter with the deep, savory notes of miso paste, accented by fresh ginger and garlic for a truly memorable meal. Whether you bake it in the oven or air fry it for a quicker fix, every bite offers a beautiful balance of flavor and texture that will make this dish a fast favorite in your cooking repertoire. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four thick rectangular pieces of salmon fillet are laid out vertically on a white marble cutting board. Each fillet is topped with a thick, uneven layer of light yellow creamy mixture with visible small green herbs and white chunks spread roughly across the surface. The creamy layer is textured with soft ridges and swirls, slightly spilling over the edges of the salmon in some places. The white marble cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden edge visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for the Miso Butter Salmon Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component brings its own special touch, ensuring the dish is bursting with flavor, beautifully textured, and visually appealing.

Salmon fillets (4, 6 oz each): Opt for fresh, skin-on fillets for the best flavor and presentation.
Unsalted butter (6 tbsp, softened): Acts as the luscious base that carries the miso’s savory goodness.
White miso paste (3 tbsp): Adds umami depth and a subtle sweetness that elevates the salmon.
Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the saltiness with a gentle caramelized hint once cooked.
Fresh ginger (2 tsp, grated): Provides a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness.
Garlic (1-2 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic warmth and subtle spice.
Green onions (2 tbsp, thinly sliced): Adds freshness and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Miso Butter Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter Mixture

Start by combining the softened unsalted butter with the white miso paste, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions in a medium-size bowl. Use a spatula to mash everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy spread. This miso butter is the heart of the dish, imparting rich flavor and a hint of sweetness that makes the salmon irresistibly good.

Step 2: Coat the Salmon Fillets

Generously spread the miso butter mixture over each salmon fillet using a butter knife or offset spatula, making sure the entire surface is covered. This step ensures every bite is coated in that luxurious layer of flavor that melts into the fish as it cooks.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°. Place the coated salmon fillets into a large skillet or baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon turns opaque and is nearly cooked through. For that irresistible caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil on high and broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning while the miso butter forms a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Air Fryer Alternative

If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°. Line the basket with parchment paper or foil to catch drips, then place your miso butter-covered salmon inside. Cook for 9-10 minutes without turning. The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly and keeps it moist while perfectly caramelizing the miso butter on top.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Carefully transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining miso butter from the bowl over the top for an extra punch of savory richness. Add a final sprinkle of green onions and toasted sesame seeds to enhance flavor and presentation. Now your Miso Butter Salmon Recipe is perfectly ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon Recipe

The image shows several pieces of cooked salmon fillets in a dark pan. Each fillet has a golden brown crust with darker charred spots and is sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. Bright green sliced scallions are scattered on top of the salmon and around the pan, adding a fresh contrast to the rich color of the fish. The surface of the pan has some glossy oil and bits of cooked seasoning, highlighting the texture of a well-cooked dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes! A scattering of thinly sliced green onions adds freshness and a mild sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the rich miso butter. Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch and an appealing visual contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this flavorful salmon with light, complementary sides to let it shine. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is ideal to soak up every bit of that delectable miso butter. For veggies, think tender steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or even a bright cucumber salad to balance out the richness with some crisp, fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy experience. Serving the salmon atop a bed of lightly dressed greens or placing the fillets on individual plates garnished with edible flowers can elevate your meal further. For casual occasions, a rustic wooden board with assorted vegetables and a small dipping dish of miso butter sauce makes for a stunning family-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Miso Butter Salmon Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the best flavor, keep the salmon separate from any additional garnishes or sides and add those fresh when reheating.

Freezing

While fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe, you can freeze cooked portions by wrapping each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen miso butter salmon keeps well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers without drying out the salmon, reheat gently in a low oven at 275° for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. If short on time, microwave on low power in 30-second bursts, checking carefully. Avoid high heat to keep the fish moist and maintain that delicious miso butter glaze.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for the Miso Butter Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon works wonderfully due to its rich texture, other firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass can also be delicious with the miso butter. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of fish.

Is it possible to make the miso butter ahead of time?

Yes, the miso butter mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld even more, making the final dish taste even richer and more complex.

What if I don’t have an air fryer or oven, can I pan-sear the salmon?

Certainly! Pan-searing the miso butter salmon is a great option. Cook the salmon skin-side down over medium heat until crispy, then flip and add spoonfuls of the miso butter over the top, allowing it to melt and glaze the fish beautifully.

How spicy is the Miso Butter Salmon Recipe?

This recipe is very mild and leans more toward savory and slightly sweet flavors. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to spice things up.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the miso butter?

Definitely! The brown sugar balances the salty miso, but you can increase or decrease it according to your preference. A touch more brown sugar will add caramel notes, while using less will emphasize the savory miso and butter flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Miso Butter Salmon Recipe is a truly comforting and rewarding experience that brings bold flavors and a touch of elegance to your dinner table. It’s a recipe that feels special yet comes together easily, perfect for both weeknights and entertaining guests. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this dish becomes a beloved favorite for so many home cooks.