Miso Butter Salmon

Instructions

1. Prepare the miso butter
   In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, softened butter, mirin, sake, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
2. Prepare the salmon
   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Score the skin side of each fillet with a sharp knife, making 3-4 shallow cuts to prevent curling during cooking. Season the flesh side lightly with salt.
3. Apply the miso butter
   Reserve 2 tablespoons of the miso butter mixture for serving. Spread the remaining miso butter evenly over the flesh side of each salmon fillet. For more flavor, allow the salmon to marinate with the miso mixture for 30 minutes in the refrigerator (optional).
4. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil.
5. Sear the salmon
   Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Do not move the fillets during this time to ensure proper crisping of the skin.
6. Finish in the oven
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and desired doneness. The salmon should be just cooked through but still moist and tender.
7. Add final touches
   Remove the skillet from the oven. Spread the reserved miso butter on top of each fillet, allowing it to melt from the residual heat. This adds a fresh layer of flavor.
8. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle the salmon with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.