This salmon dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. The glaze takes just minutes to prepare and infuses the salmon with bold flavor while keeping it incredibly moist and tender. It’s a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile main dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
White miso paste
Pure maple syrup
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Fresh garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (grated)
Green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Brush the maple miso glaze generously over each fillet, coating the tops and sides.
Let the salmon sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors, if time allows.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Marinate time (optional): 10–15 minutes Cook time: 12–15 minutes Total time: about 25–30 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for heat.
Citrus Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of orange or lime juice for a fresh zing.
Grilled Version: Grill the salmon instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
Miso Substitute: Use tamari or soy sauce with a bit of tahini if you don’t have miso paste.
Honey Option: Swap maple syrup with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place salmon in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the salmon tender. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but cooked salmon can also be flaked into salads or rice bowls for a second-day meal.
FAQs
What kind of miso should I use for this recipe?
White miso (shiro miso) is best—it’s mild, slightly sweet, and complements the maple syrup beautifully.
Can I marinate the salmon longer?
Yes, marinating for up to 30 minutes adds more flavor, but avoid going much longer to prevent the fish from becoming too salty.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before applying the glaze and baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish fully gluten-free.
What sides go well with maple miso salmon?
Steamed rice, quinoa, sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots are all great options.
Can I make this recipe with other fish?
Yes, it works well with cod, halibut, or trout—just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through.
How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Check it at the 12-minute mark and watch for signs of flaking. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough.
Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?
Yes, double the glaze and reserve half for drizzling over the cooked salmon or a side dish like rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Baked Maple Miso Salmon is a beautifully balanced dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. The savory miso, sweet maple syrup, and fragrant garlic-ginger blend create a glaze that elevates simple salmon into a gourmet-style meal. Whether you’re making dinner for guests or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Baked Maple Miso Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish featuring a savory-sweet glaze made from miso, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Oven-baked to caramelized perfection, this Japanese-inspired salmon is tender, flaky, and packed with umami.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Optional: sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels.
Brush the glaze generously over the tops and sides of the salmon.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor (optional).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is caramelized.
Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
Use white miso (shiro miso) for a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with maple syrup.Do not over-marinate; 30 minutes max to avoid oversalting the salmon.This dish also works well with cod, halibut, or trout—adjust cooking time accordingly.Double the glaze for extra sauce to drizzle over rice or vegetables.Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
