Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach

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

A tender salmon fillet glazed with a savory miso sauce, paired with garlicky sautéed spinach for a balanced Japanese-inspired dish. This japanese ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillet, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 10 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until crispy edges form.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and brush the miso glaze generously over the top; cook for another 3 minutes until the glaze thickens and the salmon is just cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While salmon cooks, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 5 cups baby spinach to the pan with garlic, cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Step 7: Plate the miso-glazed salmon alongside the sautéed spinach and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach?

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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed 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 Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach 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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Salmon with Sautéed Spinach?

Japanese japanese 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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