Spanish Mackerel with Savory Scallion Miso (Negimiso) Recipe

【Spanish Mackerel with Savory Scallion Miso (Negimiso) Recipe

An aromatic dish featuring savory-sweet miso that’s sure to boost your appetite.

This dish features seasonal, fatty Spanish mackerel (Sawara) grilled with a flavorful scallion miso glaze. Miso varies greatly by region and household; while this recipe uses bold red miso, you can easily adapt it—use white miso for a refined taste or awase (mixed) miso for a milder flavor.

💡 Pro-Tip: Making the Most of Your Leeks

You can use either white leeks (Naga-negi) or green scallions. However, I recommend using the transition area where the white part meets the green. This part is often discarded, but its slightly sticky texture blends perfectly with miso.

Zero Waste: Use the dark green tops for Negiyaki (savory pancakes) or braised pork (Kakuni) to remove gaminess. Use the white parts for Mapo Tofu!
The “Slime” Secret: That jelly-like substance inside fresh leeks is actually a sign of freshness! It contains fructans (a type of fiber) and becomes incredibly sweet when heated.
Flavor Boost: My grandmother used to add a bit of garlic and sauté the miso in oil. This adds a punchy accent and allows the sauce to keep in the fridge for several days.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving); Spanish Mackerel with Savory Scallion Miso (Negimiso)

Calories: 186 kcal
Protein: 20.7 g
Fat: 10.0 g
Carbohydrates: 5.0 g
Salt Equivalent: 1.6 g

Ingredients ( 5 servings); Spanish Mackerel with Savory Scallion Miso (Negimiso)

Spanish Mackerel (fillets): 500g
Long Green Onion / Leek: 40g

【☆ Homemade Scallion Miso Sauce】

Red Miso: 40g
Mirin: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Sake: 5g

Miso Tips: The “Red Miso” used here is aged longer for a sharp, deep umami. It’s less intense than Hatcho miso, making it very versatile for various dishes. In this recipe, I used red miso, but you can also use white miso or wase miso. For more information on different types of miso, check out this article.　👉　Japanese traditional seasoning miso

Spanish Mackerel with Savory Scallion Miso (Negimiso) Instructions

Prepare the Scallion Miso Finely mince the leek. In a small bowl, combine the 【☆】 sauce ingredients with the minced leeks and mix well.
Coat the Fish Pat the mackerel fillets dry with a paper towel. Spread a generous layer of the scallion miso over the surface of the fish.
Grill to Perfection
- Fish Grill: Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until aromatic and slightly charred.
- Oven: Preheat to 230°C (approx. 450°F) and bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes.
- Note: Miso burns easily, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the time as needed!

Bonus Idea: “Yaki Onigiri” with Leftover Miso

If you have leftover sauce, try making Scallion Miso Grilled Rice Balls! Simply brush a thin layer onto a rice ball and toast it until fragrant. It makes for a perfect snack or a savory finish to a meal.

Adjusting the Taste: Since salt levels vary by miso brand, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference.

📖Related Link: Read the Japanese version of this article here! [【レシピ】サワラのネギみそ焼き｜香ばしいネギ味噌が食欲をそそる一品]　　

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!