Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a deliciously bold dish that combines the rich umami flavor of miso butter with tender, perfectly cooked salmon. The miso butter sauce is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, infusing the salmon with incredible flavor. The sizzled scallion salsa verde, with its fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and a bit of heat, adds a vibrant, zesty contrast to the richness of the salmon. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it both comforting and exciting to eat.
I first made this Miso Butter Salmon when I was craving something rich and flavorful but also wanted to try something new, and it quickly became a favorite. The salmon was perfectly cooked and absorbed all the savory, buttery miso sauce, while the scallion salsa verde added a fresh, zesty kick. What I love most about this recipe is how it feels like a restaurant-quality meal, yet it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
What’s great about Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or a bed of greens for a complete meal. You can also adjust the heat and tanginess of the salsa verde to suit your taste, or even swap the salmon for another fish like trout or cod. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and fresh twist!
Perfect for:
- Dinner parties
- Special occasions
- Weeknight meals
- Seafood lovers
- Miso and butter fans
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde will become your go-to seafood dish:
- Flavor Explosion: The savory, creamy miso butter pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy salsa verde.
- Perfectly Seared Salmon: The salmon is crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
- Fresh Salsa Verde: The salsa adds a burst of freshness and vibrancy to balance the richness of the salmon.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with omega-3-rich salmon and fresh herbs, this dish is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
- Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time, you’ll have a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes.
- Restaurant-Worthy Presentation: The colorful salsa verde and beautifully seared salmon look as stunning as they taste.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The miso butter sauce can be used for other proteins like chicken or tofu.
- Make-Ahead Salsa Verde: You can prepare the salsa ahead of time to save on cooking time.
- Low-Carb Option: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following low-carb or keto diets.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 35g
Ingredients
For the Miso Butter Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Scallion Salsa Verde:
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Miso Paste: Adds a rich, umami flavor that perfectly complements the buttery salmon.
- Fresh Scallions: Bring a mild onion flavor that’s essential for the salsa verde.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma to the miso butter sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Balances the richness of the salmon with its tangy bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Miso Butter Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add Miso and Seasonings: Stir in miso paste, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
- Set Aside: Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the salmon.
Prepare the Salsa Verde:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine cilantro, parsley, scallions, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.
Cook the Salmon:
- Heat Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze with Miso Butter: During the last minute of cooking, spoon some of the miso butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the Salmon: Place the cooked salmon on serving plates.
- Top with Salsa Verde: Spoon the scallion salsa verde generously over the top of the salmon fillets.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs or sesame seeds and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Over Sautéed Greens: Pair with sautéed spinach or bok choy for an extra dose of veggies.
- With Quinoa: A light, protein-packed option that complements the salmon’s flavors.
- On a Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, fresh option.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes make a great side dish.
- For a Low-Carb Meal: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy contrast to the rich salmon with pickled cucumbers or radishes.
- With Asian-Inspired Noodles: Serve with soba noodles for a complete, savory meal.
- On a Grain Bowl: Combine with farro or barley for a hearty and satisfying bowl.
- With Crispy Tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace the salmon with crispy tofu and drizzle with the miso butter.
Additional Tips
- Use Skin-On Salmon: Skin-on fillets help keep the fish moist during cooking.
- Adjust Miso Paste to Taste: If you prefer a stronger miso flavor, add more miso paste to the sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: For a tender salmon, cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Chill the Salsa Verde: For an even fresher flavor, chill the salsa verde for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Miso Butter Salmon: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the miso butter for some heat.
- Lime Scallion Salsa: Replace red wine vinegar with fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist.
- Honey Soy Salmon: Skip the miso paste and increase the honey and soy sauce for a sweeter glaze.
- Ginger Miso Salmon: Add grated ginger to the miso butter for a zingy, aromatic touch.
- Grilled Salmon: Grill the salmon instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
- Garlic and Herb Salsa Verde: Add extra garlic or swap in basil for a different herb profile.
- Sesame-Crusted Salmon: Coat the salmon in sesame seeds before cooking for added texture and flavor.
Special Equipment
- Non-Stick Skillet: For searing the salmon evenly without sticking.
- Small Saucepan: For preparing the miso butter sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the salsa verde ingredients.
- Fish Spatula: Optional for easily flipping and removing delicate salmon fillets.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements of ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the salmon with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. - Can I make the salsa verde in advance?
Absolutely! The salsa verde can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. - Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, bake the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. - What can I use instead of miso paste?
You can substitute with tahini or a soy sauce-based glaze if you prefer a different flavor. - How long does leftover salmon last in the fridge?
Leftover salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze the salmon?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - What can I serve this dish with?
Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. - Can I adjust the level of sweetness in the miso butter?
Yes, add more honey for a sweeter glaze or reduce it for a more savory flavor. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a delicious and balanced dish that brings together rich, savory salmon with a refreshing, herb-packed salsa verde. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal, this dish will leave everyone asking for more.