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.

Miso Butter Salmon Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), preferably wild-caught
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
• For serving: Steamed broccoli and sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 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.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the miso butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. For a crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon before serving.
8. Serve with steamed broccoli and sliced avocado on the side if desired.

Why You Should Include Salmon in Your Diet.

Salmon isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, it’s excellent for 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!