Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry

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

Pan-seared salmon glazed with a sweet soy sauce paired with quick stir-fried spinach seasoned with garlic and sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired seafood (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, soy sauce, mirin 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with black pepper and place skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and brush the soy glaze over the cooked side; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes while basting occasionally until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a separate large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 cups fresh spinach and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and toss.
  6. Step 6: Serve the glazed salmon atop a bed of sesame spinach stir fry.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry 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 Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry?

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 Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry?

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 Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry 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 Soy-Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir Fry high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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