Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

Introduction

Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a dish that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. The rich, buttery salmon is enhanced with a savory miso butter glaze that creates a perfect umami depth, while the sizzled scallion salsa verde adds a fresh, zesty burst of flavor. It’s the ideal balance of savory and bright, with every bite offering a new layer of complexity. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a family dinner, or simply want a meal that’s both impressive and satisfying, this dish will not disappoint.

I first made this Miso Butter Salmon when I was looking for something elegant yet simple to prepare. I was amazed at how the miso butter brought out the best in the salmon, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful. The sizzled scallion salsa verde was a revelation—a fresh contrast to the richness of the salmon, with a slight zing from the vinegar and a touch of heat from the chili flakes. It was one of those meals that felt special, yet didn’t require hours of work in the kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is the versatility of the salsa verde. You can play around with the ingredients depending on what you have on hand—maybe a little cilantro or fresh herbs to change things up. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a stunning plate to serve, perfect for impressing guests. If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, flavorful, and easy to put together, Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is the one to make!

Perfect for:

• A weeknight dinner with a gourmet twist
• Special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries
• Impressing guests at dinner parties
• A fresh, healthy seafood meal
• Pairing with a glass of white wine or sake

Why You’ll Love This Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

This Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde offers a unique, mouthwatering combination of flavors. Here’s why this dish will become a favorite:

• Rich Flavor Profile: The miso butter adds a savory, umami-packed depth, while the fresh salsa verde brightens the dish with zesty flavors.
• Tender, Flaky Salmon: The salmon cooks perfectly, maintaining a delicate, flaky texture that’s complemented by the flavorful miso butter glaze.
• Simple Yet Elegant: While the dish sounds sophisticated, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Perfect Balance of Ingredients: The richness of the salmon and miso butter is balanced by the refreshing and tangy salsa verde, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Fresh and Healthy: Salmon is a great source of healthy fats and protein, and the fresh ingredients in the salsa verde make this dish light yet satisfying.
• A Showstopper Dish: The vibrant colors and beautiful presentation of this dish will make it the star of any dinner table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Fat: 24g, Carbs: 8g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

For the Miso Butter Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 scallions (green onions), chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Salmon: A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is tender and juicy when cooked properly, and it pairs perfectly with the savory miso butter.
• Miso Paste: Adds a deep umami flavor that complements the fish and adds a complexity to the butter sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, savory element to the miso butter and the salsa verde.
• Scallions: A key ingredient in the salsa verde, they add mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the salmon.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth to both the miso butter and the salsa verde, giving the dish an Asian-inspired flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

Prepare the Miso Butter Salmon:

1. Make the Miso Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, white miso paste, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
2. Season the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can also use a stovetop pan for cooking the salmon if preferred.
4. Cook the Salmon: Heat a nonstick skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin) and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for another 5-6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Make the Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

5. Sauté the Scallions: While the salmon is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
6. Combine the Salsa Verde Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the sautéed scallions with the cilantro, parsley, rice vinegar, lemon juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

7. Glaze the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Brush the miso butter over the top of each fillet, allowing it to melt and coat the fish.
8. Serve with Salsa Verde: Spoon the sizzled scallion salsa verde generously over each piece of salmon. Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve immediately.

How to Serve Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

These Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Rice: Serve the salmon over steamed rice, such as jasmine or brown rice, to soak up the savory miso butter and fresh salsa verde.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, bok choy, or carrots for a balanced, healthy meal.
• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the salmon on a bed of fresh greens, like spinach or arugula, for a light and refreshing dish.
• With Noodles: Pair with soba noodles or rice noodles for a complete, Asian-inspired meal.
• With a Simple Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or a light sesame-based salad is a great side dish to serve alongside this salmon.

Additional Tips for Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

• Use Skin-On Salmon: If you prefer crispy skin, use salmon with skin on. The skin crisps up beautifully when pan-seared.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when it’s still slightly pink in the center. Overcooking can make it dry and less tender.
• Customize the Salsa Verde: Feel free to add other herbs like mint or basil to the salsa verde for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: The salsa verde can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley are key to the fresh, zesty flavor of the salsa verde.
• Try Different Fish: If you’re not a fan of salmon, this recipe works well with other fish like trout or cod.
• Spicy Salsa Verde: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced fresh chili to the salsa verde.
• Substitute Honey with Maple Syrup: If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup works well as a substitute for honey in the miso butter.
• Grill the Salmon: If you prefer grilling, the salmon can be grilled on medium-high heat for a smoky flavor.
• Serve with a Drink: Pair this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea.

Recipe Variations for Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

Here are 10 variations of Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde to try:

• Spicy Miso Butter: Add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the miso butter for a spicy kick.
• Mango Salsa Verde: Swap the parsley with mango chunks for a tropical twist in the salsa verde.
• Lime Zest in Salsa Verde: Add fresh lime zest to the salsa verde for a citrusy zing.
• Coconut Milk Miso Butter: Swap out the butter for coconut milk in the miso butter for a creamier, dairy-free version.
• Add Avocado: Top the salmon with slices of creamy avocado for added richness.
• Herb-Infused Salsa Verde: Try swapping cilantro for other fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for a unique flavor profile.
• Oven-Only Method: Skip the stovetop sear and bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a simpler cooking process.
• Crispy Garlic in Salsa Verde: Sauté garlic in oil until crispy and mix it into the salsa verde for extra flavor and texture.
• Ginger-Infused Miso Butter: Add finely grated ginger to the miso butter for a refreshing, aromatic twist.
• Lemon-Herb Salsa Verde: Use lemon juice and lemon zest in place of vinegar for a more citrus-forward salsa verde.

Freezing and Storage

To store or freeze Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

• Refrigeration: Leftover salmon and salsa verde should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The salmon will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the salsa verde will keep for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Freezing the Salsa Verde: The salsa verde can be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment for Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

Here are some useful tools for making Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde:

• Nonstick Skillet: This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly without sticking to the pan.
• Oven-Safe Pan: For those who prefer to finish cooking the salmon in the oven.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing the miso butter and salsa verde.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife for chopping the herbs and scallions.
• Basting Brush: For brushing the miso butter over the cooked salmon fillets.
• Lemon Juicer: Helps extract fresh juice from lemons without the mess.
• Spatula: To flip the salmon fillets gently while cooking.
• Grater: For finely grating garlic and ginger into the miso butter.

FAQ Section for Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde

1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish such as cod, trout, or halibut. The miso butter and salsa verde will complement these fish well.
2. Can I prepare the salsa verde ahead of time?
   Yes, the salsa verde can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is completely gluten-free.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
5. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
   The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
6. Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
   Yes, grilling the salmon is a great alternative and will give the dish a smoky flavor.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
   Yes, you can serve this with roasted or grilled vegetables such as asparagus, bok choy, or sweet potatoes.
8. How long can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
9. Can I freeze the salsa verde?
   Yes, salsa verde can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
10. How can I make the salsa verde spicier?
    Add fresh sliced chilies or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to the salsa verde for extra heat.

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Conclusion

Miso Butter Salmon with Sizzled Scallion Salsa Verde is a delicious and sophisticated dish that brings together the best of savory, fresh, and zesty flavors. The rich, umami-packed miso butter complements the tender salmon perfectly, while the vibrant scallion salsa verde adds a refreshing and zesty contrast to the richness of the fish.

This recipe not only delivers incredible taste but also offers a beautiful presentation, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish will surely become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Give it a try and savor the layers of flavor in each bite! I can’t wait to see how your Miso Butter Salmon turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Enjoy!