Honey Pineapple Salmon is a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a luscious honey-pineapple glaze. Bursting with tropical flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or anytime you want a fresh and flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bold Flavors: Combines sweet honey, tangy pineapple, and savory salmon.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with omega-3s and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Elegant Presentation: A stunning dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Pineapple juice
- Honey
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Lime juice
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh pineapple chunks (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Glaze:
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
- Thicken the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Salmon:
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sear the Salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down (if applicable) in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
- Flip and Glaze: Flip the salmon and brush generously with the honey-pineapple glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
- Plate the Salmon: Transfer the salmon to a serving plate.
- Garnish: Drizzle with more glaze and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, green onions, or cilantro if desired.
- Pair: Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.
- Tropical Twist: Include diced mango or papaya as a garnish for extra sweetness.
- Citrus Boost: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice for a citrusy flavor.
- Grilled Option: Grill the salmon and baste with the glaze during cooking.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace salmon with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, in the oven at 300°F, or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon without the glaze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice enhances the flavor, but canned juice works well too.
Do I need to remove the salmon skin?
No, the skin helps keep the salmon moist during cooking. You can remove it before serving if preferred.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh green salad complement this dish beautifully.
Can I substitute honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives.
How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Cook on medium heat and monitor closely to ensure the salmon stays moist and flaky.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
What type of salmon works best?
Wild-caught salmon offers a richer flavor, but farm-raised salmon works well too.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.
Conclusion
Honey Pineapple Salmon is a delightful fusion of tropical sweetness and savory flavors. This quick and easy dish is perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight meal. Pair it with your favorite sides, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish at home!
Print
Honey Pineapple Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared or Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
Honey Pineapple Salmon is a sweet, savory, and tangy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful dinner. The salmon is coated in a honey pineapple glaze and baked or pan-seared to perfection, making it tender, juicy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) diced fresh pineapple (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the honey pineapple glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the salmon
Option 1: Pan-seared
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the salmon and pour half of the glaze over the fillets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting with the glaze, until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
Option 2: Baked
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the glaze.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, basting with additional glaze halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
- Drizzle the remaining glaze over the salmon. Garnish with diced pineapple and chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Variations: Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Substitutions: Use canned pineapple juice if fresh is unavailable.