If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and is surprisingly easy to prepare, our Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe combines the rich, savory depth of miso and butter with the fresh, zesty brightness of a warm scallion salsa verde that literally sizzles as it cooks. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that will have you savoring salmon like never before. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not only simple but essential to create the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role, building complexity while maintaining a clean, fresh profile that is truly irresistible.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Fresh or high-quality salmon ensures moist, flaky results every time.
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste: Provides a unique umami depth that enriches the salmon’s flavor perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the miso coat the fish beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: Gives a salty, slightly tangy punch to the miso butter and the salsa.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the dish and adds subtle acidity for balance.
- 4 scallions (thinly sliced): Essential for the salsa verde, their sizzle releases wonderful caramelized notes.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base for the salsa that carries flavor and adds smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds brightness to the salsa, making it lively.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: Adds savory depth to the salsa verde’s layers.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A tiny drizzle lends a lovely toasted aroma.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the freshness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: Adds herby freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint: Brings a bright, cooling contrast to the warm scallions.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the miso butter mixture
Start by whisking together the white miso paste, softened unsalted butter, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend is going to coat your salmon with rich umami goodness, making every bite luscious and flavorful.
Step 2: Prep and bake the salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and better adherence of the miso butter. Place the fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously spread the miso butter mixture evenly over the top of each piece. Pop them in your preheated oven at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and looks beautifully glazed on top.
Step 3: Cook the scallion salsa verde
While the salmon bakes, it’s time to create that unforgettable scallion salsa verde. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced scallions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to sizzle and brown just a bit—this simple step unlocks an amazing caramelized flavor. Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick of spice.
Step 4: Plate and serve
Spoon the warm scallion salsa verde generously over the baked salmon fillets right when they come out of the oven. This contrast of creamy miso butter and bright, sizzled herbs creates a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish to the next level. Consider sprinkling extra chopped cilantro or mint to enhance the fresh notes. A thin wedge of lemon or lime on the side adds a refreshing tang that brightens the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soak up all those flavorful juices. Roasted vegetables, particularly asparagus or broccolini, also make excellent companions, balancing indulgence with healthy greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, you can create a salmon bowl with a base of rice or grains, topped with the miso butter salmon and a generous spoonful of scallion salsa verde, finished with crunchy toasted sesame seeds or sliced avocado. For a lighter touch, serve over mixed baby greens dressed lightly with a sesame vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and salsa verde in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors develop even more after a day, making for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option within 2 days.
Freezing
While fresh salmon is best, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat your salmon in a low oven (about 275°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture flaky and moist. Warm the salsa verde briefly on the stove before spooning it on again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon’s rich texture works beautifully, try the miso butter and scallion salsa verde on cod, barramundi, or even firm tofu for a delicious twist.
Is the miso butter dairy-free?
Traditional butter is used here, but you can swap in a plant-based butter alternative to keep this dish dairy-free without sacrificing that creamy richness.
How spicy is the scallion salsa verde?
The salsa verde is subtly spicy if you use the optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust or omit them to suit your heat preference.
Can I make the scallion salsa verde ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served warm and fresh right after cooking the scallions. If you prepare it in advance, briefly warm it on the stove before serving to revive those beautiful flavors.
What’s the best way to ensure the salmon stays moist?
Patting the salmon dry before applying the miso butter and avoiding overbaking are key. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and remove when it flakes easily but remains moist inside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels special but is surprisingly straightforward. The flavors burst with umami richness combined with fresh herbal brightness, making it an absolute family favorite. Give it a try—I promise this will become one of your go-to salmon recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.
