Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Soy Glaze and Wilted Spinach
A quick pan-seared salmon dish glazed with a shiny honey-soy sauce paired with tender wilted spinach, perfect for an elegant yet easy dinner. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, honey, soy sauce 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
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger until combined.
- 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 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and pour the honey-soy mixture over the fillets, cooking for another 3-4 minutes while spooning the glaze over the salmon until it thickens and coats the surface.
- Step 4: Remove salmon and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 6 cups baby spinach. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Serve the glazed salmon atop the wilted spinach with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Soy 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-Soy 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 Honey-Soy 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-Soy 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-Soy Glaze and Wilted Spinach?
Asian 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.