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The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape

The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape

Transport your lunch break from drab to destination-worthy with caramelized honey-miso salmon paired with crisp, quick-pickled Asian pear and a mountain of fresh herb-packed cabbage. It is bright, crunchy, salty-sweet perfection shaken up in minutes for a stress-free desk escape!

Chef Mira Lin
Chef Mira Lin
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 minutes
2
easy
lunchsalad
quick-picklingsalmondesk-lunchmason-jar-dressing+1

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Timeline

16 minutes
0m5m10m15m
Quick-Pickle Asian Pear
4m
Shake Mason Jar Dressing
3m
Sear Glazed Salmon
7m
Prep Salad Greens
4m
Assemble Desk Escape Bowls
3m

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Salmon fillets(skin-on or skinless, cut into 2 portions)
  • 1 Asian pear(cored and thinly sliced into half-moons)
  • 1/3 cup Rice vinegar(unseasoned)
  • 2 tbsp Honey(divided)
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp White miso paste
  • 1 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce(or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice(about 1 juicy lime)
  • 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp Neutral cooking oil(avocado or canola oil)
  • 3 cups Napa cabbage(shredded)
  • 2 Persian cucumbers(thinly sliced into coins)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro(roughly chopped, leaves and tender stems)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh mint(roughly chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds(for garnish)
  • pinch salt(Mentioned in step 1 and step 3)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Step up to your cutting board departure gate! In a small shallow bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Submerge 1 Asian pear, thinly sliced into the liquid to quick-pickle while you prepare the rest of the bowl.

    4 min

    Tip: Thinly slicing the pear allows it to soak up that quick-pickling magic in just a few minutes!

  2. 2

    In a mason jar, combine 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp honey. Screw the lid on tightly and give it a vigorous shake until emulsified into a creamy, savory dressing.

    3 min

    Tip: Mason jars are your fast-track passport to instant flavor emulsification—no whisk required!

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb salmon fillets with a pinch of salt. Sear flesh-side down for 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip the salmon, spoon 1 tablespoon of your mason jar miso dressing over each fillet as a glaze, and cook for 3-4 minutes more until flaked easily with a fork.

    7 min

    Tip: The honey in the dressing glaze will caramelize quickly on the salmon, giving it a rich lacquer.

  4. 4

    While the salmon sears, build your salad foundation: toss 3 cups shredded napa cabbage, 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, and 1/2 cup fresh mint together in a large bowl.

    4 min

    Tip: Don't skimp on the fresh mint and cilantro—they act as salad greens here, bringing massive flavor contrast!

  5. 5

    Gently flake the cooked salmon into large tender bite-sized pieces. Divide the crunchy cabbage salad between meal-prep bowls, top with flaked salmon and drained quick-pickled Asian pear slices, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle with remaining mason jar dressing.

    3 min

    Tip: Keep dressing and pickled pears in separate containers if packing for later in the week!

Chef's Notes

This bowl is my homage to combining crisp Nordic simplicity with bold Japanese umami. Quick-pickling the fruit gives you that instant brightness that cuts through rich roasted salmon like a charm!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape take to make?

The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape takes about 17 minutes total. That includes 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 servings.

What skill level is needed for The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape?

The main ingredients are: Salmon fillets, Asian pear, Rice vinegar, Honey, Crushed red pepper flakes, White miso paste, Low-sodium soy sauce, Fresh lime juice, Toasted sesame oil, Neutral cooking oil, Napa cabbage, Persian cucumbers, Fresh cilantro, Fresh mint, Toasted sesame seeds, salt.

What type of meal is The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape?

The Oslo-to-Osaka Honey-Miso Salmon & Quick-Pickled Asian Pear Desk Escape is categorized as: lunch, salad.