Name: Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (about 180g / 6.3 oz each); Black pepper, to taste; Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional); Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); 2 tablespoons miso paste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ tablespoon ginger, grated; ½ tablespoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 86 reviews

If you love salmon but want to elevate it to something truly special without a complicated process, then the Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances the creamy, rich butter with that unmistakable savory tang of miso, layering flavors that melt into the tender salmon to create a restaurant-quality dinner you can whip up fast. It’s simple yet sophisticated, making it ideal for busy weeknights or any moment you crave bold Asian-inspired tastes with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sitting on a white marble surface holds several ingredients gathered in small piles. There is a thick, dark brown sauce pooling at the bottom, on top of which sits creamy yellow butter, a small heap of light beige chopped ginger, finely chopped pale purple shallots, and a small amount of dark green dried herbs. The ingredients are arranged closely but not mixed, showing distinct colors and textures against the glass and marble background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a brilliant example of how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create a flavor-packed experience. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the umami depth of miso paste, the natural sweetness from honey, or the warm nuttiness of sesame oil, every single ingredient builds toward a perfectly balanced dish.

2 salmon fillets, about 180g / 6.3 oz each: Fresh, firm fillets are best to ensure juicy, flaky results.
Black pepper, to taste: Adds a simple spice that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
Green onions, chopped (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color.
Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted for a slight crunch and toasty flavor boost as a garnish.
2 tablespoons miso paste: Your secret weapon for that deep, savory umami that makes this dish unforgettable.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature: Brings richness and creaminess that melds beautifully with miso.
1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness perfectly.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: A splash of salty depth that ties the flavors together.
1 clove garlic, minced: For a fragrant, savory punch.
½ tablespoon ginger, grated: Lifts the dish with a fresh, zesty warmth.
½ tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma that complements the butter and fish wonderfully.
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note and visual appeal.

How to Make Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter

The magic starts here. In a mixing bowl, combine miso paste, softened unsalted butter, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and dried parsley if you’re using it. Stir until everything becomes a smooth, creamy mixture. This miso butter is the flavor powerhouse that will coat and enhance your salmon beautifully.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, this gives you time to pat the salmon dry and prep your fillets for marination.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming inside the oven. Season lightly with black pepper, then place the fillets in an oven-safe dish. Spread a generous layer of the miso butter all over each piece. Pop the salmon into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to an hour. This chilling step firms up the miso butter coating, ensuring it doesn’t melt away too soon in the oven and that flavors have time to meld.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Slide the dish into your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You want the salmon to cook just until it flakes easily when gently poked with a fork. This method guarantees a tender, moist interior wrapped in a luscious miso butter glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest briefly. Then, sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if you like. These simple touches bring freshness and an inviting crunch to your dish before serving.

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe

A single piece of cooked salmon with a golden-brown crust sits in the center of a round white plate, its flaky texture visible on the sides. The salmon is sprinkled with small pieces of green onion and black sesame seeds, adding bits of green and black color on top. Around the salmon, there are a few scattered herb leaves and small bits of chopped green onions on the plain white plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, elegant background to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, you can experiment with a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a scattering of finely sliced red chili for heat and color contrast. These garnishes add brightness to the buttery, savory profile.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every bit of that delightful miso butter glaze. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, bok choy, or broccolini add texture, color, and a fresh balance to the richness of the salmon.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your miso butter salmon on a bed of lightly dressed arugula or spinach for an elevated salad plate. Alternatively, place it atop a bowl of ramen or soba noodles tossed in a simple soy-sesame dressing for a satisfying twist on an Asian-inspired bowl meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—which might be hard to avoid—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 days, maintaining much of the flavor and texture when properly chilled.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon can sometimes affect texture, but if needed, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. For best taste and quality, use within one month. Defrost slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your salmon gently in a low oven (around 275°F / 135°C) until just heated through. This helps the miso butter stay luscious and prevents the fish from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible for better texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for the Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic here because of its rich texture, you can try this miso butter glaze on cod, halibut, or even trout. Just adjust cooking times based on the fish thickness.

Is it necessary to marinate the salmon for one hour?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors penetrate and the butter to firm up, which improves the dish considerably. If you’re in a rush, 30 minutes works, but longer is better when you can spare the time.

Can I make the miso butter mixture in advance?

Yes! The miso butter can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes your preparation even quicker when it’s time to cook.

What type of miso paste should I use?

White miso (shiro miso) is usually preferred for its milder, sweeter flavor, which balances well with butter and honey. However, red miso can also work if you want a deeper umami punch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe reheats well and stays flavorful, making it a great option for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease, you have to try the Miso Butter Salmon (10-Minute Prep!) Recipe. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a comforting, flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to impress both your family and guests. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find yourself making this buttery, savory salmon your new weeknight staple.