Save Treat yourself to a sophisticated yet simple meal with this Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach. Succulent salmon fillets are glazed with a light, umami-rich miso sauce and roasted to perfection, then served atop a vibrant bed of calcium-rich sautéed spinach infused with fresh ginger. This nutritious, flavorful main course brings a touch of Japanese-inspired elegance to your weeknight dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the balance of the miso glaze, which caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Paired with the aromatic ginger and garlic in the spinach, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It is an excellent choice for anyone following a pescatarian lifestyle or looking for a clean, energy-boosting meal.
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
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 an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle the salmon with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions before serving. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes added to the spinach while sautéing works wonders.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt the glaze by substituting maple syrup for honey to maintain a specific flavor profile. For those without mirin, dry sherry is an excellent alternative that still provides the necessary acidity and depth to the miso sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This dish is complete on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up any extra glaze. For a refreshing drink, serve it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the umami notes.
Save This Miso Salmon on Sautéed Spinach is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly remarkable dining experience. Packed with 33g of protein and only 340 calories per serving, it is a guilt-free way to enjoy a luxurious meal. Enjoy the vibrant colors and rich flavors of this healthy, home-cooked masterpiece.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What does miso-glazed salmon taste like?
The miso glaze creates a beautiful balance of savory umami from the fermented miso paste, subtle sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and gentle heat from fresh ginger. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, forming a slightly sticky, golden coating that complements the natural richness of the salmon.
- → Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely. Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat the fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying the glaze—this ensures proper adhesion and helps the fish caramelize rather than steam in the oven.
- → 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 63°C (145°F). The flesh should appear opaque and slightly translucent in the center. Avoid overcooking, as the fish will continue cooking slightly after leaving the oven due to residual heat.
- → What can I serve with miso salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa absorbs the miso glaze beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables like bok choy and snap peas. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish perfectly.
- → Is white miso paste necessary?
White miso (shiro miso) has the mildest, sweetest flavor, which works best for this glaze. Red miso is stronger and more intense—if that's all you have, use half the amount. You can find white miso in the international aisle of most supermarkets or at Asian grocery stores. It keeps for months in the refrigerator.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
This dish is naturally dairy-free as written. Just ensure your miso paste and soy sauce are certified dairy-free. Using maple syrup instead of honey also makes it vegan-friendly. Always check labels if you have severe allergies.