Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Wilted Spinach
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a bright citrus-maple sauce, served atop garlicky wilted spinach for a fresh, wholesome dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, fresh spinach 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until just cooked through.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 3 tbsp maple syrup, stirring and simmering for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: In a separate large pan, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 6 cups fresh spinach and sauté with 1/2 tsp salt for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
- Step 6: Serve the salmon fillets drizzled with the citrus-maple glaze atop the wilted spinach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and 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 Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and 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 Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and 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 Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Wilted Spinach?
Mediterranean 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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