Lemony Miso Butter Salmon

This miso butter salmon with lemon is one SUPER easy recipe that may quickly become your go-to salmon dish. With a short ingredient list, easy prep, and big flavor, there’s nothing not to love!

WHAT’S NEW?

Where does the time go? Soccer season has come to a close and the girls start tennis (Piper) and volleyball (Shea) this week. Work has been incredibly busy for Mark and I and we turned in before 10pm on Friday night. We needed the recharge before the busy weekend of sports and all things Halloween. 

Ever since Mark’s vote for an increased focus on cooked meals at home during the week, I’ve been focused on finding quick and easy recipes. Shea was the one who requested salmon, but they both devoured these salmon fillets. This Lemon Miso Butter Salmon pairs great with basic sides and is on the table in no time!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Weeknight Warrior: Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy salmon recipe comes in clutch for the busiest of evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: With 3 simple ingredients in tasty lemon, rich butter, and miso with is umami flavors, this baked salmon recipe is a great new way to enjoy to enjoy salmon.
• Simple Ingredients: Short ingredient lists and super quick prep make for happy cooks!

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Butter: Use an unsalted butter as there is lots of sodium coming from the sauce ingredients. Use more or less butter to your liking.
• Miso Paste: This fermented soy bean paste comes in several varieties that are often categorized and named based on coloration. White miso paste is mildly sweet and salty and makes for a versatile “starter” miso. That said, yellow miso or red miso paste are also commonly found (mainstream retailers and Asian grocery stores alike) and will work well. In a pinch, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos as a substitute for miso. 
• Lemon: A bit of fresh lemon juice and zest are used in this recipe to give a pop of citrus flavor. Feel free to use more, less, or another citrus, such as lime.
• Salmon: Skin-on salmon filets that are a uniform thickness to ensure that salmon cooks evenly are what I tend to choose. I prefer to have the salmon cut into individual portions (roughly 4 ounces) so that I can brush the lemon miso butter sauce on the sides as well as the top of the salmon. 

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• If you’re not confident in cooking fish, an instant-read thermometer can be a big help! Insert the probe into the thickest portion of the fish and cook until an internal temperature of 145 degrees F is achieved.
• Bake for just 1-2 minutes longer before retesting the internal temperature of the fish to avoid over-cooking.
• Feel free to add additional ingredients and flavors such as fresh garlic or freshly ground black pepper, or even fresh dill, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions as a garnish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Serve with brown rice, cauliflower rice, teriyaki green beans, steamed broccoli, or any other combination of side dishes you can dream up!

FAQ 

I’ve never cooked with miso before. What can I make with any leftover miso?

Sauces, marinades, dressings, and soups are a great place to start with miso as a key ingredient.

This miso butter sauce sounds amazing…but, I don’t love salmon. What other proteins can I swap in?

Good question! Anything from another fish variety (cod, tilapia, halibut, orange roughy, etc) to pork tenderloin to chicken breasts or thighs would work well. Even vegetarian proteins, such as tofu would work well.

Can this recipe be made on the stovetop instead of baking in the oven?

To make in a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon to the skillet skin side UP and cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing the to medium heat. Flip the salmon to be skin side down and then brush the top and sides with the miso butter sauce. Cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon (cooking time will vary).

Can this recipe be made in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spread the miso sauce evenly over the flesh of the salmon. Place skin side down in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes.

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• This recipe is very low in carbohydrate (<1 gram per serving)
• Naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free. Easily made dairy-free
• Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D; it is often touted as a “superfood”, even!

 Love seafood meals? The best! Enjoy!

• 20-Minute Seafood Pasta
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Fish Florentine
• Blackened Swordfish with Spicy Remoulade
• Blackened Fish Tacos
• Almond Crusted Honey Dijon Salmon
• Air Fryer Basil-Parmesan Crusted Salmon
• Spicy Fish Tacos Bowls with Mango Pico
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

Be well,