Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets brushed with a savory-sweet miso glaze served over nutty brown rice infused with toasted sesame oil and scallions. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 60 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 520 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: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 520 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 and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 1 1/2 cups brown rice under cold water and combine with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40-45 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and brush the top side generously with half of the miso glaze.
  4. Step 4: Place salmon, glaze side down, in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip the fillets and brush the other side with remaining glaze. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: When rice is done, fluff with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil and 3 tbsp chopped green onions.
  6. Step 6: Serve the miso-glazed salmon on a bed of sesame-scented brown rice, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice?

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 with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice?

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 with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Scented Brown Rice?

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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