Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared salmon glazed with a savory ginger-soy sauce, served atop tender spinach sautéed with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, soy sauce, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 tsp sesame oil until combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2 salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and brush the tops generously with the ginger-soy glaze. Cook an additional 4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups baby spinach leaves and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the spinach.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon over the sesame wilted spinach, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Wilted Spinach?

Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.