Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy salmon fillets brushed with a savory-sweet miso glaze and served with a bright sesame-soy dressing for an umami-packed main course. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs salmon fillets, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and brush both sides generously with the miso glaze. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
  4. Step 4: Grill salmon fillets skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: While salmon cooks, whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 2 sliced green onions, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Step 6: Transfer grilled salmon to plates, drizzle with the sesame-soy dressing, and sprinkle 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Soy Dressing?

Japanese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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