This Maple Miso Salmon recipe is a powerhouse weeknight dinner: omega-3-rich wild salmon meets a bold glaze of maple syrup, miso, and soy for a perfectly caramelized finish. Served over fiber-rich brown rice and a side of sautéed spinach, this dish covers all your bases—healthy fats, a complete protein, slow-burning carbs, and nutrient-rich greens—all in under 30 minutes. (Bonus points for that sprinkle of furikake on top.)
Key Ingredients & Their Health Benefits
- Wild Salmon: High in omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of lean protein; supports heart and brain health. (Try to buy MSC Certified Fish to support sustainable fishing.)
- Miso Paste: Fermented and probiotic-rich; may benefit gut health and digestion
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener with trace minerals; pairs beautifully with savory marinades
- Spinach: High in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants; anti-inflammatory and supports bone health
Recipe for Maple Miso Salmon
Recommended serving: One 6-oz. fillet with one 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and a side of sautéed spinach
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories: ~430
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Healthy Fats: 24 g
Fiber: 3 g
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1.5 lbs. of wild salmon fillets (if one big filet, slice into 4 roughly 6-oz. pieces)
- 1 tbsp. miso paste
- 4 tsp. real maple syrup
- 3 tsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. garlic, minced
- 3 tsp. olive oil
For the Recommended Sides
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice (yields ~2.5 cups cooked)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or more)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Red pepper flakes and salt, to taste
- Optional: Furikake seasoning, for garnish
Instructions
* See Recipe Tips below*
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a low dish or bowl. Pour the marinade over the top and ensure even coating. Let sit for 10–15 minutes, if time allows.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer fillets to the prepared baking tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Cook the Rice: While the salmon bakes, cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a pan over medium-low heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the spinach, season with salt and red pepper flakes, and sauté until just wilted.
- Plate & Serve: Serve salmon over brown rice, top with sautéed spinach, and finish with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Salmon can be gently reheated in a skillet or eaten cold over a salad
- Rice and spinach can be made ahead and reheated easily
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overbake your salmon; check it at 10 minutes and pull as soon as it flakes
- Sub soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free marinade
- Add sliced avocado or pickled ginger for extra texture and flavor contrast