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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This quick pan-seared salmon recipe features a tangy maple-mustard glaze paired with garlicky sautéed spinach for a nutritious dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) 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 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: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the skin releases easily.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and brush the tops generously with the maple-mustard glaze. Cook an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon fillets over the sautéed spinach, spooning any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 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 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 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 Maple-Mustard Glaze and Sautéed 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.

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