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Pan-Seared Salmon Steaks with Honey Mustard Glaze and Spinach

An impressive dinner for two: juicy salmon with a glossy honey-mustard glaze and a quick spinach-and-tomato side, all cooked in one pan.

25 minutes
2 servings
Easy
560 calProtein: 43gCarbs: 18gFat: 35gFiber: 4g
5.01 rating

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Ingredients

Main:

  • salmon steaks - 2 pcs
  • spinach - 200 g
  • cherry tomatoes - 200 g
  • lemon - 1 pc
  • garlic - 2 cloves
  • butter - 20 g
  • olive oil - 1 tbsp
  • honey - 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp
  • soy sauce - 1 tbsp

Spices & Seasonings:

  • salt - to taste
  • ground black pepper - to taste
  • sweet paprika - 1/2 tsp

Instructions

1

Prep the fish and a simple glaze

Take the salmon steaks (2 pcs) out of the fridge for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste; add sweet paprika (1/2 tsp) if desired. In a small bowl, whisk until smooth the honey (1 tbsp), Dijon mustard (1 tbsp), soy sauce (1 tbsp), and lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon).

5 minutes
Tip: A dry surface is the key to a good crust—pat the fish especially well along the sides.
2

Sear the salmon until crusty

Heat a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Add olive oil (1 tbsp) and heat for 20–30 seconds. Place the salmon steaks (2 pcs) in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes without moving them so a crust forms. Carefully flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

7 minutes
Tip: If your salmon has skin, start skin-side down: it will crisp up and help protect the flesh from drying out.
3

Glaze and finish cooking the fish

Reduce the heat to just below medium. Slide the salmon steaks (2 pcs) to the edge of the pan. In the empty space add butter (20 g) and garlic (2 cloves) and warm for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, without letting it burn. Pour in the prepared glaze (honey 1 tbsp, Dijon mustard 1 tbsp, soy sauce 1 tbsp, lemon juice from 1/2 lemon) and swirl the pan to distribute. Spoon the sauce over the fish for 1–2 minutes, until the glaze slightly thickens and turns glossy.

4 minutes
Tip: Don’t overheat a honey glaze: on high heat it darkens quickly. Better a little longer over gentler heat.
4

Quick side in the same pan

Transfer the salmon (2 pcs) to a plate and cover to keep warm. Add cherry tomatoes (200 g) to the same pan and heat for 1 minute, stirring so they get coated in the sauce. Add spinach (200 g), lightly season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts. If needed, squeeze in juice from 1–2 more lemon wedges (from the remaining 1/2 lemon) to taste.

4 minutes
Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tbsp hot water and stir quickly for a smooth emulsion.
5

Serve

Divide the spinach (200 g) and cherry tomatoes (200 g) between two plates. Top with the salmon steaks (2 pcs) and spoon over any glaze left in the pan. Serve with lemon wedges (remaining 1/2 lemon).

2 minutes
Tip: For an extra polished presentation, slice the lemon into thin half-moons and warm them in the pan for 10–15 seconds before serving.

When to Eat

Best served for dinner: it’s quick to make, looks festive, and isn’t too heavy.

Health Benefits

Salmon is a source of complete protein and omega-3s, while spinach and tomatoes add fiber and micronutrients.

Warnings

Contains fish, soy sauce, and mustard; may contain traces of dairy due to the butter.

Serve With

For a heartier meal, serve with couscous or mashed potatoes; for something lighter, add a cucumber-and-herb salad.

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