Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Sesame Spinach

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

Salmon fillets pan-roasted with a sweet-savory miso and maple glaze, served atop sautéed sesame spinach for a nutrient-rich dinner. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (5 oz each) salmon fillets, white miso paste, pure maple syrup 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: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until smooth to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Season 4 salmon fillets (5 oz each) with 1/2 tsp black pepper and place skin-side down in the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon fillets, brush the tops generously with the miso-maple glaze, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and keep warm; reduce heat to medium, add 2 tsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired, and serve spinach topped with the glazed salmon fillets.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Sesame Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and 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 (5 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and 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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