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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 seafood-inspired healthy bowls 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

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.
  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?

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 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 goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Soy Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

Seafood healthy bowls 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes