Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach

Featured in: Simple Pan Cooking

This Japanese-inspired dish features tender salmon fillets brushed with an umami-rich glaze of white miso, mirin, soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger. The fish emerges from the oven with lightly caramelized edges and a glossy finish.

Beneath the salmon, a bed of sautéed baby spinach cooked with shallots, garlic, and julienned ginger provides a nutritious, calcium-rich foundation. The entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining.

Updated on Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:25:52 GMT
Golden-brown Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach served on a white plate with lemon wedges. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach served on a white plate with lemon wedges. | islicravings.com

Succulent salmon fillets glazed with a light, umami-rich miso sauce, served atop a bed of calcium-rich sautéed spinach with fresh ginger. This Japanese-inspired dish is a nutritious, flavorful main course that is remarkably easy to prepare, bringing elegance to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

Golden-brown Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach served on a white plate with lemon wedges. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach served on a white plate with lemon wedges. | islicravings.com

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The combination of white miso paste, mirin, and honey creates a beautiful caramelization on the salmon, while the ginger and garlic in the spinach add a fresh, aromatic depth to every bite.

Ingredients

  • For the Miso Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g each), 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, 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

Ensure you pat the salmon fillets completely dry before glazing to help the miso sauce adhere properly. Using fresh baby spinach that has been thoroughly dried after washing will prevent the dish from becoming watery during the quick sauté.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly glaze, substitute the honey with maple syrup. If you require a gluten-free meal, be sure to use a gluten-free alternative for the soy sauce and check your miso paste labels carefully.

Serviervorschläge

To make this a heartier meal, serve the salmon and spinach with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. This dish also pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach glazed and baked, resting over wilted greens with fresh ginger. Save to Pinterest
Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach glazed and baked, resting over wilted greens with fresh ginger. | islicravings.com

Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful main course that brings a sophisticated Japanese-inspired touch to your home cooking.

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Common Questions

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator before patting dry and applying the miso glaze. Allow extra time to ensure the fish reaches room temperature for even cooking.

What can I substitute for white miso paste?

Red miso paste works but provides a stronger, more intense flavor. Alternatively, use a mixture of tahini and a splash of soy sauce, though the authentic umami character will be less pronounced.

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 appear opaque but still moist—overcooking will result in dry fish.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

The miso glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before brushing onto the salmon for even application.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or udon noodles complement the flavors beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or additional roasted vegetables like bok choy.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Cooked salmon stores well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salmon and spinach separate to maintain texture. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold over salads for lunch.

Before You Start Cooking 👇

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Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach

Tender salmon with miso glaze on ginger-infused spinach for a quick, healthy dinner.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Duration
30 minutes
Recipe by Tanya Bishop

Recipe Type Simple Pan Cooking

Skill Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type Japanese-Inspired

Servings Yielded 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences Without Dairy, Low-Carbohydrate

What You Need

For the Miso Salmon

01 4 salmon fillets, 5.3 oz each, skin-on or skinless
02 2 tablespoons white miso paste
03 1 tablespoon mirin or dry sherry
04 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
05 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
06 1 teaspoon sesame oil
07 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

For the Sautéed Spinach

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

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Workspace: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Season Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking tray and brush generously with miso glaze on all sides.

Step 04

Bake Salmon: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just cooked through and lightly caramelized on top.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Wilt Spinach: Add spinach in batches to the skillet, stirring gently until just wilted. Season with soy sauce and black pepper to taste.

Step 07

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

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Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and seek professional advice if unsure.
  • Contains fish and soy from miso paste and soy sauce
  • May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce; use gluten-free alternative if needed
  • Review all ingredient labels carefully for potential cross-contamination

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details here are informational and not a substitute for expert health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 33 g

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