Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds

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

Salmon fillets coated in savory-sweet miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame for nutty depth and elegant presentation. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, white miso paste, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush both sides with the miso mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high until hot. Add salmon skin-side down, cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until edges are opaque. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over salmon before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds 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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds?

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 white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds?

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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds 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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds?

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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