This miso garlic butter salmon recipe pan-sears salmon fillets, then glazes them in a rich, savory miso-garlic butter sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. This easy 20-minute salmon dinner puts miso paste, one of this year’s most-stocked trending pantry ingredients, to excellent use in a dish that comes together on a weeknight.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Miso Garlic Butter Salmon
- This miso garlic butter salmon recipe delivers deep, savory flavor in about 20 minutes.
- Miso paste adds umami that regular butter sauces can’t match.
- One skillet, minimal cleanup, and genuinely restaurant-quality results.
- A great way to use up a jar of miso paste beyond just soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sliced green onion
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How to Make Miso Garlic Butter Salmon
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon skin-side down for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the miso paste, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the miso butter sauce over the top, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until glazed.
- Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Miso Garlic Butter Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry before searing for this miso garlic butter salmon recipe so it develops a good crust.
- Whisk the miso paste thoroughly into the butter to avoid clumps in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the salmon — pull it from the heat when it flakes easily but is still moist in the center.
- White miso paste is milder and works especially well here; red miso can be used for a bolder flavor.
Variations to Try
- Serve over rice with steamed bok choy for a complete meal.
- Add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for extra depth.
- Use the same glaze on chicken thighs if salmon isn’t available.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of miso works best for this recipe?
White miso paste is milder and slightly sweet, making it a great match for this butter sauce, though red miso can be used for a bolder, saltier flavor.
Can I make miso garlic butter salmon ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, since salmon is at its best right after cooking, but the miso butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated.
What should I serve with miso salmon?
Steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a simple cucumber salad all pair well with the rich, savory glaze.
Where can I buy miso paste?
Miso paste is available at most Asian grocery stores and in the international aisle of many major supermarkets.