Description
This Japanese-Style Risotto with Seared Salmon is a bold fusion of creamy comfort and umami depth. The rich risotto is simmered with shiitake mushrooms, miso, and soy, then crowned with golden, flaky salmon fillets. Elegant yet easy, this one-pan wonder blends East-meets-West flavors for a cozy, gourmet dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the risotto:
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
10.5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, torn into pieces
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup sushi rice or Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine or sake
5 cups hot chicken broth, vegetable broth, or dashi
1 tablespoon white miso paste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chives, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the seared salmon:
5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry white wine or mirin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
4 skinless salmon fillets, even in size and thickness
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
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Marinate the Salmon:
In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, white wine (or mirin), and brown sugar. Add the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Let sit while prepping the risotto. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add torn shiitake mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates. Add another tablespoon olive oil and cook until browned. Stir in soy sauce and cook for 1 more minute, then remove mushrooms from the skillet and set aside. -
Start the Risotto Base:
Lower heat to medium-low. Add the final tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced celery, onion, and garlic for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in sushi rice and toast for 1 minute. -
Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Begin adding hot broth, two ladles at a time. Stir frequently and let the rice absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue for about 15 minutes until rice is nearly al dente. -
Add Mushrooms and Miso:
Return the cooked mushrooms to the pan. In a small bowl, dissolve miso paste in 2 tablespoons of hot broth, then stir into the risotto. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until creamy. Add extra broth if needed to keep a silky texture. -
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 4 minutes per side until golden on the outside and flaky inside. -
Plate and Garnish:
Spoon risotto into bowls. Top with seared salmon. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper, chopped chives, and sesame seeds.
Notes
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Sushi rice provides a slightly stickier, silkier risotto. Arborio works just as well.
-
Use dashi for the most traditional Japanese flavor base.
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Don’t skip dissolving the miso—it blends better when pre-mixed with broth.
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For a vegetarian version, omit salmon and use vegetable broth with tofu or roasted mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Searing
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired, Fusion