Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared and brushed with a savory-sweet miso and maple syrup glaze, served over lightly wilted greens. This japanese-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, white miso paste, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp rice vinegar until smooth to form the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and the fillets are cooked halfway through.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and brush the tops generously with the miso-maple glaze. Cook for another 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 4 cups baby spinach and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until just wilted. Season the greens with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the glazed salmon over the wilted spinach, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens?

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 white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens?

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-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens 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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Miso-Maple Glaze and Wilted Greens gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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