Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens

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

Butterflied salmon back grilled with a sweet and savory miso glaze, served atop sesame sautéed spinach and bok choy for a balanced, flavorful meal. This Japanese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon back fillet, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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 Japanese cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your broiler on high. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp freshly grated ginger until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1 lb salmon back fillet and brush the miso glaze evenly on the flesh side.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet, flesh side up, about 6 inches from the broiler element, and broil for 6-8 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the salmon flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: While the salmon cooks, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cups spinach leaves and 2 halved baby bok choy heads, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce and cook for another 1 minute until the greens are well coated and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve the miso-glazed salmon back atop the sesame sautéed greens and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens?

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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon Back with Sesame Sautéed Greens?

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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