Salmon fillet with a miso-lemon glaze is ready in 20 minutes, including prep. Three ingredients for the glaze: white miso, lemon juice, sesame oil. Under high oven heat, the glaze caramelizes into a thin layer that browns at the edges without covering up the flavor of the fish.

Salmon Fillet with Miso-Lemon Glaze

Salmon fillet roasted with a three-ingredient miso-lemon glaze that caramelizes under high heat, ready in 20 minutes.

Salmon Fillet with Miso-Lemon Glaze
Servings: 2 servingsPrep time: 5 minCook time: 15 minTotal time: 20 min

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets salmon fillet (about 6 oz (180 g) each)
  • 2 tbsp white miso (shiro miso)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
  • 2 slices lemon (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Mix the white miso, lemon juice, and sesame oil into a smooth sauce.

  3. Place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the miso sauce over the fillets.

  4. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes and browns at the edges.

  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lemon slices.

White miso (shiro miso) is the right choice here over red miso. White miso is milder and less salty, which lets the lemon come through. If you only have red miso, cut the amount to 1.5 tablespoons and skip any added salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the salmon is done?
The glaze browns at the edges and the fish loses its translucency. A fork tip should slide in easily. If the fish is still translucent in the center, give it another 2 to 3 minutes.

Can I cook this in a pan instead of the oven?
Yes. A hot pan with a little oil, 4 to 5 minutes on the glazed side, 3 minutes on the other side. The glaze will be less caramelized and a bit more charred at the edges, but the flavor is similar.

Where can I buy white miso?
Most well-stocked grocery stores carry it in the international or refrigerated section, and any Asian grocery store will have it, or order it online. In Israel, check health food stores, Shuk BIG branches, or Kinokuniya (worth calling ahead to confirm stock), and in Tel Aviv a few Japanese specialty stores near Shuk HaCarmel and in the north of the city carry it too.