Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach

Featured in: Everyday Skillet Meals

This Japanese-inspired dish features tender salmon fillets brushed with a sweet and savory miso glaze made from white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger. The fish bakes until just cooked through and lightly caramelized, creating a beautiful umami-rich coating. While the salmon cooks, baby spinach is quickly sautéed with shallots, garlic, and julienned ginger until just wilted, then seasoned simply with soy sauce and black pepper. The combination of fatty, flavorful fish with nutrient-dense greens creates a balanced meal that's both satisfying and light.

Updated on Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:59:18 GMT
A close-up of miso salmon on sautéed spinach, showcasing a glossy, caramelized glaze and vibrant green leaves garnished with lemon. Pin It
A close-up of miso salmon on sautéed spinach, showcasing a glossy, caramelized glaze and vibrant green leaves garnished with lemon. | skilletstatic.com

This Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach is a masterclass in balanced flavor, combining the deep, savory notes of white miso with the fresh zest of ginger and garlic. The salmon fillets are glazed to perfection, resulting in a succulent texture with a beautifully caramelized exterior. Served atop a vibrant bed of wilted spinach, this Japanese-inspired main course is as nutritious as it is sophisticated, offering a high-protein meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

A close-up of miso salmon on sautéed spinach, showcasing a glossy, caramelized glaze and vibrant green leaves garnished with lemon. Pin It
A close-up of miso salmon on sautéed spinach, showcasing a glossy, caramelized glaze and vibrant green leaves garnished with lemon. | skilletstatic.com

The secret to this dish lies in the simple yet powerful marinade. By whisking together miso paste, mirin, and honey, you create a lacquer that not only seasons the fish but also helps it develop a gorgeous golden hue in the oven.

Ingredients

  • For the Miso Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp mirin (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • For the Sautéed Spinach
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
  • 400 g (14 oz) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
Step 3
Pat the salmon fillets dry. Place them on the prepared baking tray. Brush generously with miso glaze.
Step 4
Bake salmon for 10–12 minutes, or until just cooked through and lightly caramelized on top.
Step 5
While the salmon bakes, heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, and julienned ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6
Add spinach in batches, stirring until just wilted. Season with soy sauce and black pepper.
Step 7
Divide sautéed spinach among plates, top with miso-glazed salmon, and serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions before serving. Ensure the salmon is patted completely dry before applying the glaze to help the sauce adhere properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make the glaze vegan-friendly, substitute the honey for maple syrup. If mirin is unavailable, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this flavorful salmon with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. To complement the umami profile, pair it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Miso salmon on sautéed spinach, served on a rustic plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh ginger. Pin It
Miso salmon on sautéed spinach, served on a rustic plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh ginger. | skilletstatic.com

Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend lunch, this Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach provides a perfect balance of nutrition and gourmet flair.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before applying the miso glaze for the best caramelization.

What can I substitute for white miso paste?

Red miso paste will work but has a stronger, more intense flavor. For a non-soy alternative, try a mixture of tahini and a splash of fish sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The dish is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check that your miso paste is certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the miso glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

What sides pair well with miso salmon?

Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables like bok choy and snap peas complement the flavors beautifully. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pairing.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque but still moist.

Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach

Lightly caramelized salmon with savory miso glaze atop wilted spinach seasoned with garlic and ginger.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Total Duration
30 min
Created by Hailey Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Japanese-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy

What You Need

For the Miso Salmon

01 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
02 2 tbsp white miso paste
03 1 tbsp mirin (or dry sherry)
04 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
05 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
06 1 tsp sesame oil
07 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

For the Sautéed Spinach

01 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
02 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
05 14 oz fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
06 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 Lemon wedges, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Make the Miso Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger until smooth.

Step 03

Glaze the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking tray. Brush generously with the miso glaze, coating all sides.

Step 04

Bake the Salmon: Bake salmon for 10–12 minutes, or until just cooked through and lightly caramelized on top. The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.

Step 05

Sauté Aromatics: While the salmon bakes, heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, and julienned ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 06

Wilt the Spinach: Add spinach in batches, stirring until just wilted. Season with soy sauce and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 07

Assemble and Serve: Divide sautéed spinach among plates, top with miso-glazed salmon, and serve with lemon wedges.

What You'll Need

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for possible allergens. If concerned, please ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains fish and soy (from miso and soy sauce)
  • May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce—use a gluten-free alternative if needed

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These figures are for reference and shouldn't replace guidance from a healthcare expert.
  • Kcal: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 33 g