Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Spinach
Tender salmon fillets pan-seared and coated in a homemade teriyaki glaze, served alongside garlicky sesame spinach for a nutritious, flavorful meal. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets, soy sauce, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and brush generously with half of the teriyaki glaze. Cook for 3-4 more minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the glaze is sticky.
- Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 minced garlic clove, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and toss to combine.
- Step 6: Serve the glazed salmon fillets over the sesame spinach, drizzling with remaining teriyaki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with 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 Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with 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 Quick Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon with 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.
