Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame
Pan-seared salmon glazed with savory miso sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a balanced Japanese rice bowl. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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 480 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups cooked steamed white rice
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 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 and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and brush the miso glaze generously over the flesh side. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized but not burned.
- Step 4: Divide 2 cups cooked steamed white rice between two bowls. Place the glazed salmon fillets on top.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over each bowl before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame?
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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Donburi with Scallions and Sesame?
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.
