Roasted Salmon with Miso Cream

Directions

Step 1:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2:

1. Place the salmon on the prepared pan skin side down at an angle, if needed, to fit. Sprinkle with salt (about 1 teaspoon) and the togarashi.

Step 3:

1. In a small saucepan, stir ¼ cup crème fraîche with 1 tablespoon miso until well blended. Scrape onto the fish (save the pan without washing it), then spread the sauce in an even layer. If you like a little sweetness with your salmon, sprinkle it with the sugar.

Step 4:

1. Roast the salmon until a thin-bladed paring knife slides through the thickest part with only a little resistance, 15 to 20 minutes. When you remove the blade from the fish and touch it, it should feel warm.

Step 5:

1. While the fish roasts, stir the remaining ¾ cup crème fraîche and 1 tablespoon miso until smooth in the same saucepan. Set over low heat and warm, stirring occasionally, until steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges, about 5 minutes. Don’t let the mixture boil. Turn the heat to the lowest setting to keep warm.

Step 6:

1. Using the parchment or foil, lift the roasted salmon onto a serving platter, then slide the parchment or foil out from under the fish. Zest the limes all over the fish, then squeeze 1 tablespoon juice, if using lime juice. Stir the yuzu or lime juice into the miso cream, then transfer to a serving bowl to serve alongside the salmon.

Step 7:

1. Sprinkle the salmon with sesame seeds. Cut the zested limes into wedges and serve with the fish.