If you are craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This dish beautifully marries the rich, savory depth of miso butter with the bright, herbaceous notes of a sizzled scallion salsa verde. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the buttery, flaky salmon and the zingy, slightly charred scallion topping that truly elevates the flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with bold results that are nothing short of spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully selected to balance bold umami flavors with fresh, lively accents. The ingredients might be simple, but they work in harmony to create a dish that boasts incredible texture, color, and, most importantly, unforgettable taste.
- Salmon fillets: Choose skin-on for a crispy finish or skinless for ease, fresh and high-quality is best.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to blend perfectly with miso for a creamy glaze.
- White miso paste: Adds a deep, savory umami that’s essential to this recipe’s character.
- Soy sauce: Brings salty richness and balances the flavors in the miso butter.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon provides a subtle nutty aroma that complements the fish beautifully.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a touch of warmth and brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a lively acidity that keeps the dish vibrant and fresh.
- Scallions: The star of the salsa verde, adding crunch and a mild onion flavor when sizzled.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking scallions, it helps create those lovely charred edges.
- Fresh cilantro and parsley: These herbs add freshness and color, brightening the salsa verde.
- White wine vinegar: Provides gentle acidity to balance the herbs and oil.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch in the salsa.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat that’s completely customizable.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring every component is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter
Start by combining softened unsalted butter with white miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and lemon juice. Mix vigorously until the mixture is perfectly smooth and luscious. This miso butter will become the secret glaze that gives the salmon its irresistible shiny finish and umami-packed flavor.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This seasoning helps to enhance the natural flavors of the fish and creates a wonderful contrast to the rich miso butter.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon turns a gorgeous golden brown and flakes easily. In the last minute of cooking, spoon a little of your prepared miso butter onto each fillet. Let it melt and glaze the fish, infusing it with deep, delicious flavor.
Step 4: Create the Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde
While the salmon cooks, start your salsa verde by heating olive oil in a separate pan. Add the chopped scallions and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and develop a slight char. This sizzle transforms the scallions from raw sharpness to a mild, smoky sweetness.
Step 5: Finish the Salsa Verde
Remove the scallions from heat and toss in freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. This herbaceous salsa verde is fresh, tangy, and perfectly complements the buttery salmon.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Spoon the vibrant sizzled scallion salsa verde generously over each salmon fillet. This final touch delivers a complex layer of flavor and a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish something truly special.
How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or an extra handful of freshly chopped cilantro can add an exciting visual and textural element. Thin slices of lemon placed beside the salmon enhance the dish’s freshness and allow your guests to add an extra citrus zing if they wish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which gently soaks up the luscious miso butter sauce. Sautéed baby greens, like spinach or kale, bring a nutritious earthiness, while roasted vegetables provide heartiness and depth. These side options elevate the salmon to an impressive, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the salmon on a wooden board nestled on a bed of fresh greens with salsa verde drizzled invitingly around the edges. Alternatively, present the fillets atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta for a luxurious twist. This recipe is versatile enough to suit casual meals and fancy gatherings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they may be too tempting to resist), store the cooked salmon and scallion salsa verde separately in airtight containers. This keeps flavors distinct and prevents the salsa from making the fish soggy.
Freezing
While fresh salmon is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze the uncooked salmon fillets raw. Store them tightly wrapped and separated from the salsa verde, which doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh herbs. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover salmon gently in a low oven or microwave using short intervals to avoid drying it out. Add a bit of fresh miso butter or a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Reheat the salsa verde separately or serve it fresh on the side for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish with this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon’s rich texture pairs beautifully with miso butter and scallion salsa, you can experiment with firm white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust cooking times to suit the thickness and delicacy of your fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally free from gluten, making this a great option for those with sensitivities.
How spicy is the salsa verde?
The heat level depends on your use of red pepper flakes. They are optional and can be adjusted to taste, so you can keep things mild or add a gentle kick as you prefer.
Can I prepare the miso butter in advance?
Yes! The miso butter can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before glazing the salmon for optimal melt and flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the salsa verde?
Fresh herbs truly shine in this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, use a combination of dried parsley and cilantro powder. They won’t be quite as vibrant but will still add a lovely herbal note.
Final Thoughts
This Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe is a celebration of flavors that feels both comforting and refreshingly new. It’s one of those dishes that everyone raves about, and once you make it, you’ll understand why. Trust me, this salmon is a showstopper that’s easier to make than you’d think, so give it a try and enjoy every silky, zesty bite!
Print
Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a rich miso butter, paired with a vibrant and slightly charred scallion salsa verde. The combination of savory miso, fresh herbs, and tangy citrus makes for a perfect balance of taste and texture, ideal for a quick gourmet meal.
Ingredients
For the Miso Butter Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde
- 6–8 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the miso butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, white miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set the miso butter mixture aside.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze with miso butter: During the last minute of cooking, spoon a little of the prepared miso butter onto each salmon fillet. Allow the butter to melt and glaze the salmon for extra flavor and moisture. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sizzle the scallions: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and chopped scallions. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the scallions are softened and slightly charred.
- Make the salsa verde: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the fresh cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the scallions. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the sizzled scallion salsa verde generously over the salmon fillets. Serve immediately with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or your favorite vegetable accompaniment.
Notes
- Salmon can be cooked skin-on or skinless based on preference; skin-on adds extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a milder salsa, omit the red pepper flakes.
- The miso butter can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before use for easier spreading.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
