Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze and Wilted Spinach

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared and finished with a sweet and savory maple-soy glaze served over garlicky wilted spinach. This healthy bowl recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the salmon skin-side down. Sear for 4 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Pour the maple-soy glaze into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the pan and spoon glaze over each fillet, cooking for 1 more minute to coat and warm through.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 6 cups fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve salmon fillets on a bed of wilted spinach, drizzled with the remaining glaze from the pan.

Frequently asked questions

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

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-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 Maple-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 should I serve with Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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