This Miso, Mustard, and Maple Salmon, affectionately known as Triple M Salmon, is a weeknight dinner hero—flavor-packed, kid-approved, and on the table in under 20 minutes. With just four pantry staples—salmon, white miso paste, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup—this dish delivers a perfect balance of umami, tang, and sweetness. It’s great for casual family meals or dressed up with herbs for effortless entertaining.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup white miso paste

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• 1 1/2 pounds skin-on whole salmon filet (or 4 to 6 portioned filets)

Directions

1. Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with foil.

2. Prepare the salmon:
Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil-lined sheet.

3. Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until smooth.

4. Coat the salmon:
Spread the sauce evenly over the flesh side of the salmon.

5. Bake and broil:
Bake for 10 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2–5 more minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

6. Rest and serve:
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with steamed rice or noodles and garnish with scallions or fresh cilantro.

Tips

• Sub for maple syrup: Use 1 packed cup of brown sugar instead.

• Use other fish: Try this recipe with cod, snapper, or steelhead trout.

• Make ahead: Mix the sauce in advance and refrigerate—it lasts 6–9 months.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: ~380

• Fat: ~20g

  • Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Cholesterol: ~80mg

• Sodium: Moderate–high (depends on miso & soy sauce used)

• Carbohydrates: ~14g

  • Sugars: ~10g

• Protein: ~35g

• Omega-3s: High (from salmon)

• Vitamin B12, Selenium, D: Excellent source

Why This Recipe Works

The Triple M Salmon works because it hits every major note of flavor while staying balanced and simple. Here’s how each element contributes:

White miso paste brings fermented umami depth without overpowering the fish
Dijon mustard provides tang and complexity, cutting through the richness of the salmon
Maple syrup adds sweetness and body, helping the glaze caramelize beautifully
Baking and broiling cook the salmon gently while finishing it with a rich, golden top

Salmon itself is a meaty, forgiving fish that stays tender and moist even with minimal cooking. The quick broil at the end ensures the glaze gets bubbly and slightly charred, locking in the flavor and giving a restaurant-quality finish with zero fuss.

Even better? You can whisk the glaze together in under a minute, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the foil-lined baking sheet.

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Expect a delicious contrast of textures and flavors in every bite:

A flaky, moist interior of perfectly cooked salmon
A glossy, caramelized glaze with sweet, salty, and slightly tangy notes
Crisp edges from the broiler
A subtly nutty undertone from the miso
Freshness when served with herbs like cilantro or scallions

This salmon is savory but not salty, sweet without being cloying, and has just enough punch from the mustard to keep things exciting. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated edge.

Cultural and Culinary Inspiration

This dish draws inspiration from Japanese, French, and North American cuisine. Miso hails from traditional Japanese cooking, known for its umami intensity. Dijon mustard, with its sharp, pungent flavor, is a French pantry staple that brings balance to sweet and rich dishes. Maple syrup, a North American favorite, rounds out the trio with its earthy sweetness.

When combined, these ingredients form a global glaze that feels modern and familiar—ideal for contemporary palates and anyone looking to add variety to their dinner rotation without complicated steps.

Nutritional Highlights (Estimated Per Serving – Serves 4)

This dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful:

Calories: ~380
Fat: ~20g
Saturated Fat: ~4g
Cholesterol: ~80mg
Carbohydrates: ~14g
Sugars: ~10g
Protein: ~35g
Omega-3s: High (from salmon)
Sodium: Moderate to high (depending on miso used)
Vitamin B12, D, Selenium: Excellent source

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, known for supporting heart and brain health. It’s also rich in high-quality protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Choosing low-sodium miso can help reduce the salt content, and the maple syrup adds a more natural sweetness compared to refined sugar.

Tips for Best Results

Use skin-on salmon to keep the fillet moist and flavorful. The skin helps protect the fish during baking and makes for easier handling.
Don’t overbake—check doneness around the 10-minute mark. Salmon should flake easily and be slightly translucent in the center when removed (it continues to cook while resting).
Watch closely during broiling. Depending on your oven, 2 to 5 minutes under the broiler is plenty. The glaze should bubble and caramelize, not burn.
Use room temperature salmon for more even cooking. Let it sit out for about 10 minutes before baking.
Whisk the glaze thoroughly until smooth. If the miso is very thick, warm it slightly or mash with a fork before blending.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Triple M Salmon with:

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce
Soba noodles or rice noodles tossed with sesame oil and vegetables
Steamed or roasted vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, green beans, or carrots
A crunchy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar dressing
Fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or mint for garnish
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chili flakes for texture and kick

To make it fancy, plate with a lemon wedge, drizzle of sauce, and a sprig of fresh herb for a restaurant-quality touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make the sauce in advance and store in the fridge for up to 6–9 months. It keeps well thanks to the fermented and acidic components.
Marinate the salmon in the sauce up to 8 hours ahead, then bake as directed.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy cold over salad or rice bowls.
This salmon also makes excellent leftover toppings for wraps, sushi bowls, or sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Fast—ready in under 20 minutes
Flavorful—rich, tangy, and savory-sweet
Family-friendly—kid-approved but elegant enough for guests
Fuss-free—minimal cleanup and ingredients
Nutrient-dense—packed with healthy fats and protein

It’s the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something special but don’t have time for something complicated. It’s bold enough for adventurous eaters, but familiar and balanced enough for even picky palates.

Conclusion

Triple M Salmon (Miso, Mustard, Maple) is a recipe that proves less is more—four ingredients, one pan, and 20 minutes are all you need to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with minimal effort, this salmon delivers. Keep it in your back pocket for any night you want dinner that’s simple, wholesome, and totally unforgettable.