These Miso-Glazed Salmon Skewers are a savory-sweet Japanese-inspired bite, marinated in miso, soy, and honey, then grilled to perfection. Easy to make in under an hour—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main course.
Yields8 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time12 minsTotal Time27 mins
Makes about 8 skewers
For the salmon skewers
1lbfresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
2tbspwhite miso paste (shiro miso for mild sweetness)
1 ½tbspsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1tbspmirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1tbsphoney (or maple syrup for variation)
1tspsesame oil
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tspfreshly grated ginger
1tbsprice vinegar
Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak 30 minutes in water)
For garnish
1tbsptoasted sesame seeds
2scallions, finely sliced
Lime wedges (optional)
Prepare the marinade
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
Marinate the salmon
2
Add salmon cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat all sides.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
Assemble skewers
3
Thread the marinated salmon cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each cube for even cooking.
Cook the skewers
4
Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and cook skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until salmon is caramelized on the outside but still tender inside.
Oven broil method: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until slightly charred.
Garnish & serve
5
Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and cook skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until salmon is caramelized on the outside but still tender inside.
Oven broil method: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until slightly charred.
Garnish & serve
6
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
Serve hot with lime wedges for brightness.
Chef’s Notes & Pairings
7
Best served with: Steamed jasmine rice, edamame, or cucumber salad.
Variations:
Swap honey for brown sugar for a deeper caramelization.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers for extra texture.
Use black miso (aka miso) for a bolder, earthier flavor.
Wine pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled sake.
Make-ahead tip: Marinate the salmon up to 8 hours in advance, then skewer and cook right before serving.
Ingredients
Makes about 8 skewers
For the salmon skewers
1lbfresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
2tbspwhite miso paste (shiro miso for mild sweetness)
1 ½tbspsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1tbspmirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1tbsphoney (or maple syrup for variation)
1tspsesame oil
2clovesgarlic, minced
1tspfreshly grated ginger
1tbsprice vinegar
Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak 30 minutes in water)
For garnish
1tbsptoasted sesame seeds
2scallions, finely sliced
Lime wedges (optional)
Directions
Prepare the marinade
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
Marinate the salmon
2
Add salmon cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat all sides.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
Assemble skewers
3
Thread the marinated salmon cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each cube for even cooking.
Cook the skewers
4
Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and cook skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until salmon is caramelized on the outside but still tender inside.
Oven broil method: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until slightly charred.
Garnish & serve
5
Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and cook skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until salmon is caramelized on the outside but still tender inside.
Oven broil method: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until slightly charred.
Garnish & serve
6
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
Serve hot with lime wedges for brightness.
Chef’s Notes & Pairings
7
Best served with: Steamed jasmine rice, edamame, or cucumber salad.
Variations:
Swap honey for brown sugar for a deeper caramelization.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers for extra texture.
Use black miso (aka miso) for a bolder, earthier flavor.
Wine pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled sake.
Make-ahead tip: Marinate the salmon up to 8 hours in advance, then skewer and cook right before serving.