Miso Glazed Salmon

After a conversation with my friend yesterday about one dish that she ordered at a Cheese Cake Factory restaurant, I created this recipe for her. She loves its grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of white rice and steamed vegetables. However, she did not know that it packs a whopping 1600 calories in just one dish. I know that all the butter in the sauce will make most anything taste good.. I always like to go through the recipes that are served in all the famous restaurants to create my own versions for a healthy eating habit. With the help of the internet, there is no secret about how to make a home-cooked meal like in takeout or even 5 stars restaurants. Of course, each cook has his or her own taste buds to make their recipes the way they want it to be. This recipe is similar to the one that is served at the Cheese Cake Factory but without the butter sauce. For the Asian taste, my version of this glazed miso is more like Asian food with fewer calories. This recipe is for my friend, Thu Huong, and I hope she will enjoy the meal as much as the one in the Cheese Cake Factory

Ingredients:
Two 6 oz salmon fillets
1/4 tsp salt and black pepper
Glaze ingredients:
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs miso paste (fermented soy bean paste)
2 tbs hot water
1 tsp honey
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup sake
1 tbs fresh ginger, minced
1 garlic clove minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbs coconut oil

Garnish:
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
Fresh chives, chopped
Steamed vegetables (your choice – pea pods, broccoli, napa cabbage)
White rice

Directions:
Using a paper towel, pat salmon surface dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place both of them in the baking dish. 

In a bowl, mix miso, water, soy sauce, honey, sugar and chili flakes. Whisk well and set aside.

In a sauté pan, add oil and heat until hot. Stir in shallot, ginger, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant (be careful not let them burn).

Add sake and cook for 1 minute or until reduced in half.

Add the miso sauce, stir, and bring to boil.

 Cook until thickened a little, and this sauce is ready.

Pour sauce over salmon and bake at 400° in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, Sprinkle with chives and roasted sesame seeds.
Serve with steamed vegetables and rice.