Imagine transforming a simple salmon fillet into a gourmet Japanese-inspired masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Sesame Seed Salmon with Mirin recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that brings the elegance of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of crispy, golden sesame seeds and a luxurious mirin glaze, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few simple steps.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread sesame seeds evenly on a flat plate and gently press each salmon fillet into the seeds, coating one side completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mirin and soy sauce to create a quick marinade and glaze.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Place salmon fillets sesame-seed side down in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until seeds are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until fish is cooked to desired doneness.
- Drizzle prepared mirin-soy sauce mixture over salmon during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove salmon from skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always let your salmon sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat your salmon completely dry before seasoning - this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy sesame seed crust.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the delicate salmon from sticking and to help create an even, golden-brown crust.
- Watch your heat carefully - medium-high is perfect to create a crispy exterior without burning the sesame seeds.
- Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per side.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final result.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the sesame seeds lightly before coating the salmon for a deeper, nuttier taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
