Miso Salmon, inspired by the famous Nobu black cod, is a dish that beautifully captures the elegance of Japanese flavors while keeping preparation approachable for home cooking. The star is the miso marinade, a blend that balances salty, sweet, and savory notes. When paired with rich salmon, the result is a silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels indulgent yet light.
The marinade typically features white miso paste, known for its mellow and slightly sweet character. Combined with mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar or honey, it creates a glossy coating that caramelizes under heat. As the salmon roasts or broils, the sugars in the marinade turn golden, adding a delicate crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. The contrast between the flaky texture of the fish and the deep umami flavors of the marinade is what makes this dish so irresistible.
What sets this Nobu-inspired salmon apart is its balance. The miso brings an earthy depth, while the mirin and sake brighten the profile with subtle sweetness and acidity. Together, they highlight the natural fattiness of the salmon without overwhelming it. Each bite carries layers of flavor, savory richness, gentle sweetness, and a lingering hint of umami.
Miso salmon is as versatile as it is flavorful. It can be the centerpiece of an elegant dinner when served with simple accompaniments like steamed rice, sautéed spinach, or bok choy. For a more refined presentation, it pairs beautifully with pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely sliced scallions adds a final touch of freshness and texture.
This dish embodies the Nobu philosophy of refined simplicity: a few quality ingredients, carefully balanced, creating a result that feels luxurious. Whether prepared for a special evening at home or to impress guests, miso salmon delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. It is proof that classic Japanese techniques, when applied thoughtfully, can elevate even the most familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. One taste of this copycat recipe, and you’ll understand why the miso-marinated fish at Nobu has become world-renowned.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste Ensure it’s white miso for the authentic taste
- 2 tablespoons mirin A sweet Japanese rice wine
- 2 tablespoons sake Japanese rice wine
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar Adjust according to taste
- 1 fillet salmon Preferably fresh and skinless
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the white miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar until well combined.
- Marinate the salmon fillet in the miso mixture, ensuring the fish is well-coated. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake the salmon for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness, until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Too salty for my taste! I typically love salmon but this just didn’t do it for me. I guess it’s an acquired taste.
I totally get it! Miso can be quite strong for some people. Maybe try reducing the miso next time?
Seriously? Just a few ingredients and it’s this good? I barely can cook, but this was easy peasy. 🥳
Wow, incredible! I love Japanese food and this was a wonderful addition to my regular cooking. 👍
OMG this recipe is AMAZING! I never thought I could replicate Nobu at home. 10/10 would recommend!
Quick and easy! I made this for a dinner party and everyone loved it. Will definitely make it again!
Yuck! I don’t know why people rave about miso. This just tasted weird to me. I won’t be making again.
Miso paste? Is that the same as miso soup? I’m lost, but I tried it anyway and it came out decent. 🤷♂️
I thought miso was just for soup too. But now, I’m confused… what’s the difference? 🤔
Miso paste ain’t the same as miso soup! It’s more like a concentrate. Glad you tried it though! 🍣
This was amazing! The flavor of the miso really made the salmon pop. My family couldn’t get enough!
I forgot to marinate overnight, used for 30 mins. Still turned out alright. Not perfect but tasty!
I read that salmon is unhealthy? But this recipe sounded good. Is it still bad for you? Gonna have to do more research.
I didn’t have mirin, so I used some apple cider vinegar instead. It worked but not as good. I’m not sure if I did it right.
I don’t think vinegar is a good sub. Mirin is sweet. Don’t sweat it though, it happens. Maybe just try to get the right stuff next time!
Apple cider vinegar?! That’s a bold move! I think you did alright, but next time maybe try finding some mirin for that authentic flavor.
Salmon? No thanks. I prefer chicken, but this looks fancy. Maybe for a dinner party or something.
This recipe is perfect for impressing guests! Just make sure to marinate overnight for max flavor. Love it!
I adjusted the sugar, and it was too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll cut it down more. Hmmm.
This recipe confused me. Is sake the same as rice vinegar? My salmon was not tasty at all.
It was okay, but my salmon turned out a bit dry. Maybe I left it in too long? Not sure I’ll try again.
Yummmmm! Juicy and flavorful! Will definitely be making again. Thank you for sharing!
Yum! Made this for my family last night and they can’t stop talking about it! 😍
So glad to hear that! It’s such a delicious dish. Did you serve it with anything on the side?
Really? I tried making it before but it didn’t turn out right. Are you sure it was easy?
It was ok, but my salmon got burned. I think my oven is too hot. Maybe I will try again.
Burnt salmon is the worst! Maybe try reducing the temp a bit next time. Good luck!
So quick and easy! I made it for my kids and they loved it. Who knew they would eat fish?!
I don’t know, man. Miso sounds weird to me. How can fish be sweet? Not trying this!
I don’t know, it felt too fishy for me. Plus, isn’t sake alcoholic? I dunno, just not my thing.
This was AMAZING! Tasted just like Nobu! I can’t believe how easy it was to make.
I have never heard of miso before, so I just used peanut butter. It was…different.