Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich pan-seared salmon fillet glazed with a sweet and tangy maple-mustard sauce, paired with tender spinach sautéed in garlic and olive oil. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each, skin on salmon fillets, maple syrup, Dijon mustard 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 General cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon fillets carefully and brush the maple-mustard glaze generously over the top side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, spooning glaze occasionally, until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky and caramelized. Remove salmon from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Step 6: Serve the glazed salmon fillets atop a bed of garlic sautéed spinach immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic 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 Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic 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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic 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 Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic 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 Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Garlic Spinach?

General 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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