Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden crust, glazed with a sweet maple-soy sauce, served atop garlicky sautéed baby spinach. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, maple syrup, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and place salmon skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
  2. Step 2: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly flaky. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp soy sauce, stirring over medium heat for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves to a separate pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups baby spinach to the garlic, cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Plate the sautéed spinach, place the salmon fillets on top, and spoon the maple-soy glaze over the fish before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby 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-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby 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 Maple-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby 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-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby 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-Soy Glaze and Sautéed Baby Spinach?

Seafood 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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