Miso Honey Glazed Salmon
Miso Honey Glazed Salmon is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with the Kems on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 70 min
Cost: $3.15 total, $1.58 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons White Miso (organic, smooth)
- 2 tablespoons Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon Wildflower Honey (light, floral flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten‑free)
- 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (whole, unpeeled)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small pieces (1 tbsp for glaze, 1 tbsp for bok choy))
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice (rinsed)
- 1.25 cups Water (for cooking rice)
- 2 heads Baby Bok Choy (halved lengthwise; if unavailable, use regular bok choy quartered)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for blanching water and seasoning salmon)
- 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed, high smoke point)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Miso Glaze
In a medium saucepan combine white miso, mirin, wildflower honey, low‑sodium soy sauce, and whole garlic cloves. Whisk over medium heat until the miso dissolves, then simmer until the sauce reduces slightly.
Time: PT10M
Finish the Glaze
When the sauce has reduced, remove from heat and whisk in the cold butter pieces until fully emulsified, creating a glossy glaze.
Time: PT2M
Cook Jasmine Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt, then cover and simmer on low for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 3 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 100°C
Blanch Baby Bok Choy
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, season generously with salt, add the halved bok choy and blanch for 45 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon butter and a splash of the blanching liquid to coat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Season the Salmon
Pat both sides of the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly on both sides just before cooking.
Time: PT3M
Sear the Salmon
Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high for 2–3 minutes, then add neutral oil. Place salmon skin‑side down, listening for a sizzle. Cook 4–5 minutes until the skin is 80‑90% done, then flip and cook the flesh side for about 1 minute.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 375°F
Glaze the Salmon
Turn the heat down to low to avoid burning, then spoon the prepared miso glaze over the salmon, letting it coat the flesh and skin. Cook an additional 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Plate the Dish
Spoon jasmine rice onto each plate, place the glazed salmon on top, arrange blanched bok choy around the fish, drizzle any remaining glaze, and garnish with sliced green onion.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use tamari), High‑Protein, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Fish, Soy, Dairy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Miso: Red Miso (will be stronger)
- Instead of Mirin: Sake with a pinch of sugar
- Instead of Wildflower Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste (½ tsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Basmati rice
- Instead of Baby Bok Choy: Napa cabbage (thinly sliced)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Neutral Oil: Avocado oil
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning.
- Sear salmon skin‑side first on a hot pan for a crisp crust.
- Reduce heat before adding the miso glaze to prevent burning.
- Blanch bok choy only 45 seconds to retain crunch and color.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add cold butter at the end of the glaze to create a silky, glossy finish.
- Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the salmon – the drier, the crispier the skin.
- A splash of fresh lemon juice over the plated dish brightens the umami flavor.
- For extra aroma, grate a tiny amount of fresh ginger into the glaze.
Troubleshooting
Salmon skin is soggy, not crispy.
Make sure the fillet is thoroughly patted dry and the pan is hot before adding oil. Do not move the fish until the skin releases naturally.
Miso glaze burns or becomes bitter.
Lower the heat before adding the glaze and stir continuously. If it starts to darken, remove from heat immediately.
Bok choy turns limp and loses color.
Blanch for no more than 45 seconds and shock in ice water if not plating immediately; toss with butter while still hot.
Salmon overcooks and becomes dry.
Watch the visual cue of 80‑90% doneness on the skin side and flip early; finish cooking with the glaze on low heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon, rice, and bok choy in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep glaze separate to maintain skin crispness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon (without glaze) in a single layer, then bag; use within 1 month. Reheat gently and add fresh glaze before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the miso glaze up to step 2 and refrigerate; gently re‑warm before using.
- Cook jasmine rice a few hours ahead and keep covered; re‑steam before serving.
- Blanched bok choy can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day; re‑toss with butter before plating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of miso glazed salmon in Japanese cuisine?
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, has been a staple in Japanese cooking for centuries, providing umami depth. Glazing fish with miso, mirin, and honey blends traditional sweet‑savory flavors that are common in Japanese home cooking and izakaya dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of miso‑based fish dishes in Japan?
In the Kansai region, lighter white miso is favored, while Hokkaido chefs often use richer red miso for heartier fish. Some regions add sake or dashi to the glaze, and others incorporate citrus like yuzu for brightness.
How is miso glazed salmon traditionally served in Japan?
It is typically presented over a bed of steamed rice with pickled vegetables or lightly sautéed greens. The fish is served skin‑up to showcase the crisp crust, and the glaze is brushed on just before eating.
What occasions or celebrations feature miso glazed salmon in Japanese culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, miso‑glazed salmon is popular for festive family meals, New Year’s osechi, and special gatherings because the sweet‑savory glaze symbolizes prosperity and good taste.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with miso glazed salmon and jasmine rice?
Complementary sides include miso‑soup, pickled daikon, edamame, or a simple cucumber‑seaweed salad. A light miso‑based broth or a drizzle of ponzu can also enhance the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making miso glazed salmon?
Common errors include not drying the salmon skin, using too high heat that burns the glaze, and over‑cooking the fish. Also, adding the glaze before the pan cools can cause scorching due to the sugar content.
Why does this recipe add cold butter to the glaze at the end instead of cooking it in from the start?
Cold butter emulsifies the glaze, creating a smooth, glossy texture and balancing the salty‑sweet flavors without separating. Adding it early would cause the butter to break down and lose its silky quality.
Can I make the miso glaze ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to step 2, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑heat gently over low heat and whisk in a fresh pat of butter before using.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with the Kems specialize in?
Cooking with the Kems focuses on approachable, family‑friendly meals that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often highlighting Asian flavors and quick weeknight recipes.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with the Kems' approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking with the Kems emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, using pantry staples and minimal equipment while still delivering authentic flavor profiles, unlike some channels that rely on specialty tools or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






