Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame

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

Rich salmon fillets glazed with a savory-sweet miso sauce, paired with lightly sautéed spinach finished with toasted sesame seeds for a balanced, flavorful dish. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and brush the miso glaze generously over the top of each fillet. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  3. Step 3: While salmon bakes, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Season spinach with 1/4 tsp black pepper and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve the miso-glazed salmon over or alongside the sautéed spinach for a harmonious meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame?

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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame?

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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Sesame?

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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