Miso-Lime Glazed Salmon
Vibrant fusion of Japanese umami and Mexican citrus in this effortless 30-minute dinner. Perfectly seared salmon is finished with a caramelized miso-lime glaze for a restaurant-quality crust and tender interior.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Why This Recipe Works
- 4 Salmon fillets (approx. 170g / 6oz each), skin-on
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- 2g (½ tsp) Sea salt
- 60g (4 tbsp) White miso paste (Shiro miso)
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Mirin
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Honey or agave nectar
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Fresh lime juice
- 5g (1 tsp) Lime zest
- 15g (¼ cup) Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- 1 Spring onion, thinly sliced
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon fillets (approx. 170g / 6oz each), skin-on
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- 2g (½ tsp) Sea salt
- 60g (4 tbsp) White miso paste (Shiro miso)
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Mirin
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Honey or agave nectar
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Fresh lime juice
- 5g (1 tsp) Lime zest
- 15g (¼ cup) Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- 1 Spring onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven Position the oven rack 15cm (6 inches) below the broiler element. Preheat the broiler to high. Line a shallow baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil.
- Whisk the Glaze In a small bowl, combine the white miso, mirin, honey, lime juice, and lime zest (plus the optional ancho chili powder). Whisk until the paste is completely smooth and pourable.
- Sear the Salmon (Optional but Recommended) Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with sea salt. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with the neutral oil. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 3 minutes until the skin is crisp. (Skip this step and place directly on the baking sheet for a faster “one-pan” method).
- Apply Glaze Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Spoon the miso-lime glaze generously over the top of each fillet, ensuring even coverage.
- Broil Place the tray under the broiler. Cook for 5–7 minutes. Watch closely: the miso contains sugar and will brown quickly. Remove once the glaze is bubbling and charred in spots, and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Garnish Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Transfer to plates and top with fresh cilantro and spring onions. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Cut broccoli florets small so they cook quickly
- Don’t brown the garlic — low heat keeps it sweet
- Splash of White Wine does wonders
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Save Pasta Water to thicken the sauce and flavor
Storage & Equipment
Substitution: If white miso is unavailable, yellow miso works well; avoid red miso as it is too salty for this delicate fusion.
Prep Shortcut: Whisk the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 150°C (300°F) oven to prevent the fish from becoming rubbery.
Serving Suggestion: Pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or a simple Mexican-style slaw with cabbage and vinegar.