Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Miso Glaze and Wilted Spinach
Delicate salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, brushed with a tangy citrus-miso glaze, served with garlicky wilted spinach. This japanese-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, white miso paste, fresh orange juice 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp divided salt
- 1/2 tsp divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp toasted for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 3 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth to make the glaze.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and brush the tops with half of the citrus-miso glaze. Cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through and glaze is caramelized. Remove salmon and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss and cook for 2 minutes until wilted and bright green.
- Step 6: Serve the salmon fillets over the wilted spinach, drizzled with the remaining citrus-miso glaze and sprinkled with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Miso Glaze and Wilted 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Miso 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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Miso 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-Miso 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Miso Glaze and Wilted Spinach gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.