Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Wilted Spinach

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

Tender salmon filets glazed with a sweet and spicy honey-ginger sauce, served over garlicky wilted spinach for a nutritious meal. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, salt, 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 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour the honey-ginger glaze over the fillets and cook for 1 minute more, spooning the glaze over the fish until it thickens and coats the salmon.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside, tenting with foil to keep warm.
  6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve the glazed salmon over the wilted spinach, spooning any extra glaze from the pan on top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger 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 Honey-Ginger 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger 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 Honey-Ginger 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 Honey-Ginger Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

Asian Fusion 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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