Crispy Baked Salmon

Picture this: crispy baked salmon, a flavor-packed journey with honey, soy, and miso, making mealtime a breeze and your taste buds jump for joy! Ready to turn your kitchen into a savory haven? Let's dive into this delightful recipe together.

Looking for more? Try my Salmon Picatta, Miso Honey Salmon, and Honey Mustard Salmon.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Honey, soy, and miso team up for a taste sensation that's a party for your palate.
• Effortless Crispiness: No fuss, all delight – a simple recipe for crispy perfection.
• Culinary Bliss: Transform your mealtime with savory joy in every bite, creating a delightful home dining experience.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card. 

• Salmon Fillet: The star of the show, bringing a delicious and hearty base to the dish. No substitutes here, just pure salmon goodness!
• Avocado Oil: The unsung hero, adding a touch of richness and enhancing the overall flavor. If you're out, olive oil can step in without stealing the spotlight.
• Kosher Salt: The flavor amplifier, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection. No need for alternatives, just a pinch of this magic.
• Black Pepper: The sidekick to salt, bringing a subtle kick. Freshly ground is the way to go, but pre-ground is a worthy stand-in.
• Honey: The sweet sensation that caramelizes during baking, creating a crispy masterpiece. Maple syrup can step in if honey's taking a day off.
• Soy Sauce: The umami powerhouse, adding depth and savory goodness. Tamari or coconut aminos can join the party for a gluten-free twist.
• Miso (Optional): The secret weapon for umami flavor. If it's MIA, don't fret; the recipe still shines without it.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: The acidity that balances the dish, ensuring it's not too sweet. Apple cider vinegar makes a friendly substitute.

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card. 

Preheat and Prepare: Crank up the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick oil massage – we want our salmon to feel pampered.

Mix the Marvelous Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, miso (if it's in the mood), and a splash of rice wine vinegar. This is our flavor powerhouse!

Salmon on Stage: Place that gorgeous salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Sprinkle some kosher salt and black pepper for that perfect seasoning.

Brush, Brush, Brush: Time to make it rain flavor! Grab a brush and generously coat the salmon with our fantastic marinade. Let the flavors mingle and dance.

Into the Oven: Pop it into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 20 minutes. Feel free to do a little happy dance while you wait.

Optional Crispy Boost: Want an extra crunch? Broil it for 2-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it – we're aiming for crispy, not charred.

Serve with a Smile: Once it's reached your desired level of crispy perfection, take it out and serve immediately. Time to enjoy the fruits of your minimal effort labor!

Leftovers? No Problem: Store any extras in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. That is, if there are any leftovers – it's that good!

Variations

• vibes take your taste buds on a tropical vacation.
• Garlic Parmesan Party: Mix minced garlic with grated Parmesan in the marinade for a savory explosion. Warning: may cause serious flavor-induced happiness.
• Spicy Sriracha Surprise: Introduce sriracha to the marinade if you're feeling a bit spicy. Heat level: customizable. Fire extinguisher not included.
• Dill & Lemon Delight: Toss out miso, embrace dill, and squeeze lemon into the mix. It's like a fresh breeze for your salmon.
• Maple Mustard Madness: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a dollop of mustard for a sweet and tangy affair. Your taste buds will thank you with a standing ovation.

Wine Pairing

A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect dance partner for this crispy baked salmon. Its zesty citrus notes and lively acidity play a delightful duet with the honey, soy, and miso flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.

FAQ's

Can I use frozen salmon for crispy baked salmon?

Sure thing! Just thaw it first and pat it dry for optimal crispiness.

What if I don't have miso?

No worries! The recipe still grooves without it; miso just adds an extra layer of umami.

Can I substitute olive oil for avocado oil?

Absolutely! Olive oil can step in, and your salmon won't miss a beat.

Is broiling necessary for crispiness?

Not mandatory, but it adds an extra crunch. Keep an eye on it – we're aiming for crispy, not charred.

Can I make it ahead for a dinner party? Totally! Prep ahead, refrigerate, and bake when it's showtime – your guests will applaud your savvy chef moves!

Tips

• Salmon Size Matters: Choose a salmon fillet that fits your appetite dance moves. Too big, and it might overshadow the flavors; too small, and you'll be left craving an encore.
• Marinade Love Affair: Let the salmon cozy up with the marinade for a bit before baking. It's like a flavor romance – the longer, the better.
• Broiling Ballet: If you're up for a crispy encore, broil it for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it, though – we're aiming for crispy, not charcoal couture.
• Freshness First: Get your hands on the freshest salmon possible. It's like choosing dance partners – the fresher, the better the moves.
• Citrus Slice Showoff: Garnish with a citrus slice when serving for that final touch of pizzazz. It's like the salmon's red carpet moment – let it shine!

Looking for more recipes?

Looking for more? Try my Salmon Picatta, Miso Honey Salmon, and Honey Mustard Salmon.

Did You Make this Recipe?

Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @Meghanitup or share it on Pinterest so that I can follow along.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

Recipe Card

📋 Recipe