Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, glazed with a sweet-savory miso sauce and served alongside sesame-sautéed spinach. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoons white miso paste, tablespoons mirin, tablespoon sake 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 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon sake, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and brush the tops generously with the miso glaze. Cook an additional 3 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through, until salmon is cooked through and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from pan and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 8 cups fresh spinach and toss over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt.
  7. Step 7: Serve salmon fillets over the sesame spinach, sprinkled with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame 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 Miso Glaze and Sesame 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 tablespoons white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame 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 Miso Glaze and Sesame 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 Miso Glaze and Sesame Spinach?

Japanese 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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