Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame Spinach

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

Tender salmon fillets marinated in a savory miso glaze and paired with sautéed sesame spinach for a balanced, umami-rich meal. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, white miso paste, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger until smooth and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the miso marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the marinated salmon fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, with caramelized edges.
  5. Step 5: While salmon grills, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until just wilted but still vibrant green.
  7. Step 7: Remove spinach from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and toss gently.
  8. Step 8: Serve the grilled salmon over a bed of sesame spinach, spooning any extra miso glaze from the grill pan over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame 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 white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame 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 Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Miso-Marinated Salmon with Sesame Spinach?

Japanese 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.

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