Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame Spinach Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon fillets pan-seared to a tender finish and glazed with a savory miso sauce, paired with a refreshing sesame spinach salad. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, tablespoons white miso paste, tablespoons mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 410 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 soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth to form the miso glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then brush the tops generously with the miso glaze. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the glaze is slightly caramelized and the salmon is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While the salmon cooks, toss 5 cups fresh baby spinach with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Mix well to coat and season lightly with salt if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve each glazed salmon fillet alongside a portion of the sesame spinach salad for a balanced meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso Glaze and Sesame Spinach Salad 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 Salad?

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 Miso Glaze and Sesame Spinach Salad?

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 Salad 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 Salad?

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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