You know those days when you’re staring into your fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? That was me last Tuesday. I had a beautiful piece of salmon, some leftover miso paste, and a stick of butter nearing its expiration date.
As I stood there, contemplating my options, my cat decided it was the perfect moment to weave between my legs, nearly sending me face-first into the refrigerator. And just like that, inspiration struck – miso butter salmon!
As I regained my balance (and my dignity), I couldn’t help but chuckle at the serendipity of it all. Who knew my mischievous feline would be the catalyst for a culinary adventure? With a grateful pat on my cat’s head, I remembered how much I loved the rich flavors of miso butter salmon, a dish that beautifully combines Japanese umami with the delicate taste of salmon.
I’m not going to lie, I have seen a similar recipe before somewhere, so the inspiration probably came from Insta or TikTok somewhere. But here is my version. The great thing is you can make it a low-carb meal and keto-friendly by just not adding the rice, simple!
Let’s Talk Ingredients: Why They Work
Salmon: I always try to use wild-caught salmon for its flavor and higher omega-3 content, but any good-quality salmon fillet will shine in this recipe. Salmon is a fantastic source of protein, vitamin D, and those all-important omega-3s that are great for your heart and brain.
Miso Paste: This is the secret ingredient that brings all the umami into this miso butter salmon recipe. White miso is milder and slightly sweet, which pairs beautifully with fish.
Butter: Because everything is better with a little butter, right? It adds richness and helps the miso caramelize on top of the salmon.
Mirin & Sake: These Japanese staples add a subtle sweetness and depth. If you don’t have sake, just add a splash more mirin or even a little rice vinegar.
Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar: These balance the salt and sweetness, making the glaze irresistible.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For a fresh, crunchy finish.
Broccoli & Avocado: I love serving this with steamed or roasted broccoli and a few slices of creamy avocado. The colors pop, and the flavors are so satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Miso Butter Salmon with Crispy Broccoli
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. I like to soften my butter ahead of time so it mixes easily with the miso. If you’re roasting broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Miso Butter
In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, miso paste, mirin, sake, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Taste it—if you want it a little sweeter, add a bit more sugar. If you like it saltier, a dash more soy sauce does the trick. This mixture should be thick and spreadable.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels (this helps the glaze stick and ensures crispy edges). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the salmon skin-side down and spread the miso butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Step 4: Bake (and Broil for Extra Crispiness)
Pop the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). If you’re making broccoli, spread it out on the same tray or a separate one. Roast the salmon for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. For that irresistible caramelized top, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing burns.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon. Serve with your crispy broccoli and a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess. I love how the miso butter melts into the broccoli, making every bite a little celebration.
Miso Butter Salmon With Crispy Broccoli.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 7 oz each, preferably wild-caught
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sake optional
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or 1/4 teaspoon of Stevia powder for sweetness you can also use sugar free maple syrup for a low carb version
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
- For serving: Steamed broccoli and sliced avocado optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, miso paste, mirin, sake, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. This is your miso butter mixture.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the miso butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- For a crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon before serving.
- Serve with steamed broccoli and sliced avocado on the side if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Miso Butter Salmon Every Time
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon keeps cooking after you take it out of the oven, so pull it out just as it turns opaque and flakes easily.
Broccoli Options: If you want extra crispy broccoli, roast it separately at a higher temp or even pop it in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 200°C. Just don’t crowd the pan!
No Miso? Try a mix of tahini and a splash of soy sauce for a different but still umami-rich glaze.
Make it a Meal: Serve with steamed rice, soba noodles, or a simple salad if you want to make it more filling.
Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s delicious cold over greens or reheated gently.
Why You Should Include Salmon in Your Diet.
Salmon isn’t just delicious; it’s very nutritious and satiating. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, it’s excellent for your heart health and brain function. It’s also a great source of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and selenium.
Including salmon in your diet at least once or twice a week can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even improve skin health. Plus, with recipes like this miso butter salmon paired with nutritious sides like broccoli and avocado, you’ll be looking forward to your weekly dose of health!
Why I Love This Miso Butter Salmon Recipe
What I adore about this recipe is how it manages to feel so special, yet it’s ready in just 20 minutes. The miso butter mixture is pure magic—salty, sweet, and umami-rich, it transforms simple salmon fillets into something you’d expect to find at a chic Japanese bistro. And let’s not forget the crispy broccoli on the side! There’s something so satisfying about those little roasted florets, especially when they soak up a bit of the miso butter from the pan.
This is my go-to when I want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser—my partner, who claims not to like fish, always asks for seconds. And if you’re cooking for one, the leftovers are just as good the next day (if you manage not to eat it all in one sitting).
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Switch Up the Veggies: Try this with asparagus, snap peas, or even thinly sliced carrots.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add a Grain: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or even a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of chili flakes to the miso butter for a little heat.
Meal Prep: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day—just add fresh greens and you’re set.
This miso butter salmon with crispy broccoli is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a random Tuesday. Next time you’re staring into your fridge, wondering what to make, remember this recipe. Who knows, maybe your pet will inspire your next dinner masterpiece too!
Happy cooking—and don’t forget to save a bite for yourself before everyone else digs in!
