Michelle Ruiz, Executive Chef
Michelle Ruiz, Executive Chef of FirstService Residential in Naples, Fla., says the inspiration for her miso-glazed salmon simply stemmed from her own love and appreciate for Asian-inspired flavors.
“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Asian ingredients and cuisine,” she notes. “I truly enjoy working with them.”
For this dish, the idea was to create something that was light but still packed with flavor.
“The miso, sake, and soy combination really stood out to me—they balance each other beautifully and make the dish special,” she says.
During R&D, Ruiz played around with different marinades and cooking methods until she found the right glaze that complemented the soba noodles and vegetables without overpowering them.
“One of the biggest challenges was getting the balance of the ponzu sauce just right so it enhanced the salmon instead of competing with the miso glaze,” she says.
Ultimately, she says, the different elements work well together because they hit all the right flavor notes: sweet, savory umami from the miso and soy, balanced with the bright citrus from the ponzu. That contrast creates a really vibrant, layered taste that feels both comforting and refreshing.
“Tying everything together, I would describe it as an explosion of flavor,” Ruiz says. “Members and guests have responded really positively; they love how the ponzu gives the dish that special finishing touch.”
