Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden finish and brushed with a savory miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each, skin on 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp honey until smooth and combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets with skin on.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and brush the top sides generously with the miso glaze. Cook an additional 3 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 finely sliced green onions on top before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze 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 white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame 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 Glaze 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.

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