Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame Rice

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

A savory pan-seared salmon topped with a sweet miso glaze served over fluffy sesame rice for a satisfying meal. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 35 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 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a medium saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth to make the miso glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and place skin side up in the pan. Cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and brush each fillet with 2 tbsp miso glaze. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Serve the glazed salmon over the sesame rice and sprinkle 2 tbsp sliced green onions on top for freshness.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 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 Glaze and Sesame 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 Glaze and Sesame 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 Glaze and Sesame 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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