Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion Rice

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

This dish pairs tender pan-seared salmon with a savory miso-butter glaze served atop fragrant scallion-infused steamed rice. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, white miso paste, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water in a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp soy sauce, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp white miso paste with 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Step 4: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium, add the miso-butter mixture on top of each salmon fillet, spooning it over to glaze. Cook for 1 minute more until butter melts and coats the salmon.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon over scallion rice, sprinkled with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Butter Glaze and Scallion 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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