Miso Ginger Salmon Sesame Cucumber (Printable)
Savory miso-glazed salmon with crisp cucumber sesame salad
# List of ingredients:
→ Salmon & Marinade
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
02 - 2 tablespoons white miso paste
03 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon mirin (or honey as substitute)
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
09 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
→ Sesame Cucumber Salad
10 - 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
11 - 2 teaspoons salt (for draining cucumbers)
12 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
15 - 1 teaspoon honey
16 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
18 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
→ Garnish
19 - Extra toasted sesame seeds
20 - Fresh cilantro or shiso leaves (optional)
21 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic until smooth and fully incorporated.
02 - Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring all fillets are well coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator).
03 - Toss the cucumber slices with salt in a colander and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey. Add the drained cucumbers, sesame seeds, chili flakes (if using), and spring onions. Toss to combine and set aside.
05 - Preheat the oven broiler (grill function) to high, or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
06 - Place the marinated salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet or grill pan. Broil or grill for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and caramelized on top.
07 - Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired, alongside the sesame cucumber salad and lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The miso ginger glaze creates this incredible umami-rich caramelization that makes restaurant-quality salmon totally achievable at home
- That crisp cucumber salad cuts through the richness perfectly, making every bite feel balanced and bright
02 -
- The broiler works faster than you think, so check the salmon after 6 minutes, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side
- Really patting those cucumbers dry after salting makes all the difference between a watery salad and one that is perfectly crisp and refreshing
03 -
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this gluten-free, just make sure your miso is certified GF too
- That extra minute of watching the broiler is worth it, the glaze goes from perfect to burned faster than you would expect