Saikyo miso salmon is a Japanese dish where fish is marinated in a sweet, white miso before being grilled until lightly caramelised.

Last Sunday I was at the local farmers market and there was a new stall selling all different types of miso paste. I must admit up until now my experience with miso has been pretty limited, I make my son an instant miso soup after school every day and he loves it and I have used miso paste as a soup base before but that was really the extent of my miso knowledge.

So when I saw all of these different miso pastes I was very eager to try and the lovely stall holder was very eager to share his knowledge and even recipes with me. So I decided the first paste I would try would be the Saikyo Miso paste.

What is Saikyo Miso Paste?

Saikyo miso is a type of white miso originating from Kyoto. Unlike other varieties of miso, Saikyo miso is known for its mild and sweet flavor profile. Made from fermented soybeans and rice, it has a pale yellow color and a smooth, creamy texture. This miso is often used in traditional Kyoto cuisine, adding a subtle sweetness and umami depth to dishes.

The Magic of Saikyo Miso Salmon

The beauty of Saikyo Miso Salmon lies in its simplicity and the way the flavours meld together. The dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, however there is a two day marination time so make sure you plan ahead.

Ingredients you need for Saikyo Miso Salmon

• Salmon fillets
• Saikyo miso paste
• Mirin
• Sake
• Salt

Some recipes call for sugar also but I find the marinade to be pretty sweet as it is, if you do prefer it sweeter add one tsp of sugar to the marinade mixture.

Where can I buy Saikyo Miso?

If you live in Sydney’s Inner West you can buy Saikyo Miso from Addison Road Farmers Market in Marrickville. If not specialty Asian Grocers like Miracle Supermarkets in Sydney will stock it and they have quite a few locations. Otherwise the brand I bought at the markets is called Enokido Miso and you can buy all of there Miso pastes online here: https://www.enokidomiso.com.au

Tips for the Best Saikyo Miso Salmon

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality salmon and authentic Saikyo miso for the best results. The salmon will need to marinade for two days so make sure it’s really fresh when you buy it.
• Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer the salmon marinates, the deeper the flavour will be. Some recipes call for three days but I found two days was perfect, you could do one day in a pinch.
• Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should be just cooked through and still moist inside.

What to serve with Saikyo Miso Salmon

Traditional Japanese sides would include:

1. Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment, steamed white rice or Japanese short-grain rice balances the rich flavours of the miso-marinated salmon.
2. Miso Soup: A simple miso soup with tofu, seaweed and shallots, complements the flavours of the salmon.
3. Pickled Vegetables: Pickles such as takuan (pickled daikon) or tsukemono (Japanese pickles) add a refreshing, tangy contrast.
4. Edamame: Lightly salted and steamed edamame beans provide a healthy and easy-to-prepare side.

I prefer the not so traditional Edamame Salad which is a quick, easy, healthy and delicious side dish to pair with Saikyo Salmon.

Drink Pairing Suggestions

1. Green Tea: A classic Japanese beverage, green tea cleanses the palate and complements the meal.
2. Sake: Light and slightly chilled sake can enhance the flavours of the miso salmon.
3. Japanese Beer: Light lagers such as Asahi or Sapporo can also pair well with Saikyo Miso Salmon.

Final thoughts

Saikyo Miso Salmon is a dish that brings a taste of Japan to your home kitchen. Its delightful flavours and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Watch How to Make It

If you prefer to see it come together, I’ve filmed the full process here: