Pan-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Wilted Spinach

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

Salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden crust then finished with a bright orange-citrus glaze served over tender wilted spinach. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs skin-on, about 6 oz each salmon fillets, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 tbsp honey. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to skillet and spoon glaze over each fillet. Cook for another 1 minute to heat through and coat the salmon in glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove salmon and keep warm. In a separate large pan, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 cups baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Season spinach lightly with salt to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the citrus-glazed salmon over the wilted spinach, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with 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 Pan-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with 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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with 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 Pan-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Wilted 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-Seared Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Wilted Spinach?

American 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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