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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon fillets glazed in a savory-sweet miso and maple syrup sauce, pan-seared to a caramelized finish and served on a bed of garlicky wilted spinach. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, white miso paste, pure maple syrup 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon skin-side down in the pan and cook for 5 minutes without moving until the edges turn crispy and the skin releases easily.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and brush the miso-maple glaze generously over the top. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
  5. Step 5: Remove the salmon from the pan and tent loosely with foil.
  6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt but remain bright green.
  8. Step 8: Serve the glazed salmon atop the wilted spinach immediately, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the fish.

Frequently asked questions

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