There is something truly extraordinary about the combination of rich, savory miso butter and the fresh, zesty punch of sizzled scallion salsa verde, which makes this Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe an absolute showstopper. The buttery miso glaze gently caramelizes in the oven, creating a luscious, flavorful crust on the salmon while keeping it melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Meanwhile, the vibrant salsa verde brings brightness and a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the supple fish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe strikes the ideal balance of elegance and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. The salmon is the star, while the miso butter glaze provides a savory, umami-rich coating, and the salsa verde adds vibrant herbal freshness and a hint of spice.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on): Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste: Adds gentle umami and depth without overpowering the delicate fish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, creamy base for the miso glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the buttery richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Offers a touch of sweetness to caramelize the glaze beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Contributes saltiness and savory complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a delicate nutty aroma and flavor.
- 6 scallions (thinly sliced): Their sizzle brings a slightly charred, sweet-onion bite to the salsa verde.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Introduces fresh, citrusy notes to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Adds an earthy, grassy contrast.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Gives a subtle pungency that anchors the salsa.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Provides warmth and zing to the salsa verde.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers a mild kick to awaken the palate.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A luscious base for gently sautéing the scallions and blending the herbs.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Continues the salsa’s acidity to balance richness.
- Salt to taste: Enhances and rounds all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter Glaze and Roast the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, softened butter, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil until you achieve a smooth, luscious glaze. Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure the glaze sticks perfectly and place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. Generously spread the miso butter blend over the tops of the salmon, covering every bit with that umami-rich goodness. Roast in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the salmon is opaque and flakes effortlessly when tested with a fork. This step is where magic happens — the miso butter bakes into a flavorful crust that keeps the fish moist and tender inside.
Step 2: Sizzle the Scallions for the Salsa Verde
While the salmon is roasting, turn your attention to the salsa verde. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the thinly sliced scallions. Listen closely — you’ll hear the satisfying sizzle as the scallions begin to golden and soften, their natural sweetness intensifying. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are just starting to caramelize but still have a lovely fresh crunch. This sizzling step elevates the salsa with warm, smoky depth.
Step 3: Combine the Salsa Verde Ingredients
Once your scallions are perfectly sizzled, transfer the skillet off the heat and quickly stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. The heat from the scallions gently wilts the herbs and melds all the vibrant flavors together into a bright, fragrant salsa that complements the richness of the salmon in every bite.
Step 4: Serve With Style
As soon as the salmon is out of the oven and perfectly roasted, spoon the warm scallion salsa verde generously over the top. The contrast between the buttery, savory fish and the fresh, spicy-green salsa is heavenly. It’s best enjoyed immediately, while flavors and textures are at their peak.
How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or additional fresh herbs such as micro cilantro or thinly sliced scallions can add a delightful finishing touch. A wedge of fresh lime on the side will bring a bright acidic note that complements the umami-rich salmon beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs like a dream with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the miso butter and salsa verde. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, bok choy, or snap peas bring a lovely crunch and earthy balance to the plate, completing a nourishing and elegant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual presentation, serve the salmon flaked over a bed of mixed greens and quinoa, drizzled with the salsa verde for a vibrant salad bowl. If you’re entertaining, arrange the fillets on a large platter topped with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and salsa verde separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon can be kept for up to two days, while the salsa keeps well for about three days, retaining its bright flavors.
Freezing
For freezing, it’s best to freeze the salmon by itself without the salsa verde, as the fresh herbs can lose their texture when thawed. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Reheating
Gently reheat the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) or covered in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Warm the salsa verde separately at room temperature or lightly in a skillet to maintain the freshness and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use brown miso instead of white miso in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown miso offers a heartier, deeper flavor that will enrich the glaze, though it’s a bit stronger than white miso, so you might want to start with a little less and adjust to taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I prepare the salsa verde in advance?
Yes, making the salsa verde ahead of time saves prep during cooking. Keep it refrigerated and add the warm, sizzled scallions just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Look for the salmon to be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork but still moist inside. Overcooking can dry it out, so checking around the 10-minute mark is ideal.
Can I substitute the scallion salsa verde with other herbs?
Feel free to experiment! Fresh basil, mint, or even tarragon can create interesting flavor twists, though the original scallion, cilantro, and parsley combo gives the perfect balance for this dish.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe is like treating yourself to a gourmet meal with minimal effort. The marriage of silky miso-infused butter and the lively, herbal salsa makes every forkful a true delight. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen to impress family and friends or simply to savor on a cozy night in.
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Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a flavorful and elegant main course that combines the rich umami of miso and butter with a fresh, zesty salsa verde. The salmon is roasted to perfection with a luscious miso butter glaze, while the bright and aromatic scallion salsa adds a delightful contrast, making it an ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Miso Butter
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde
- 6 scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the miso butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, softened unsalted butter, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare the salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. Spread the miso butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Roast the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the salmon for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Make the scallion salsa verde: While the salmon is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced scallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they sizzle and begin to turn golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine salsa ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt to the skillet with the scallions. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done roasting, spoon the warm scallion salsa verde over each fillet. Serve immediately, enjoying the complex layers of flavor.
Notes
- You can use brown miso instead of white miso for a richer, more intense flavor profile.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prepare the salsa verde in advance to save time when cooking the salmon.
