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Honey Pineapple Salmon

Featured in Fresh and Flavorful Seafood.

This Honey Pineapple Salmon recipe transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal. The salmon is baked to perfection and topped with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, pineapple, and aromatic spices. The fish stays moist thanks to the marinade and the pineapple creates a delicious caramelized topping. You can choose between using pineapple tidbits or rings, and even have the option to caramelize the topping for extra flavor. The recipe takes about 50 minutes total, including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tropical sweetness and tender salmon creates a meal that's both impressive and easy to make.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:10:07 GMT
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Honey Pineapple Salmon | recipebyme.com

This succulent Honey Pineapple Salmon brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The natural richness of fresh salmon meets caramelized pineapple and honey glaze, creating an unforgettable dinner experience that transforms an ordinary fish into something truly extraordinary. The combination might sound unconventional, but trust me, the flavors meld together beautifully to create a dish that's both sophisticated and comforting.

After making this recipe countless times, I can confidently say it's become a family favorite. My children, who were once hesitant about fish, now request this dish regularly. The caramelized pineapple topping was actually discovered by accident when I had extra pineapple rings that needed using up.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Wild-caught salmon: Offers the best flavor and texture, with its rich orange-pink color indicating high levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids
  • Fresh pineapple: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, though canned pineapple tidbits work wonderfully in a pinch
  • Local honey: Adds depth to the glaze while helping achieve that perfect caramelization
  • Light brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization process and deepens the overall flavor profile
  • Cold-pressed coconut oil: Complements the tropical notes while adding subtle nuttiness
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Preferably locally grown, bring essential savory notes to balance the sweetness

Creating Your Perfect Salmon

Preparation Phase:
Begin by ensuring your salmon reaches room temperature. Pat it completely dry with paper towels to achieve the best possible sear. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
The Glaze Magic:
Combine melted butter, coconut oil, fresh pineapple juice, and honey in a bowl until perfectly smooth. Add minced garlic and whisk until well incorporated.
Baking Excellence:
Position your seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange pineapple pieces around the fish, then pour the prepared glaze evenly over everything.
Final Touches:
Watch for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Let it rest before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.

My personal favorite part of this recipe is the caramelized pineapple topping. I discovered that letting the pineapple pieces get slightly charred adds an incredible depth of flavor that my entire family now craves.

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Scrumptious Honey Pineapple Salmon | recipebyme.com

Plating Your Masterpiece

Transform your salmon into an elegant dinner by serving it atop a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and surround with the caramelized pineapple pieces for a stunning presentation that delights both the eyes and palate.

Make It Your Own

Consider swapping traditional honey for local wildflower honey to add unique floral notes. For those who enjoy heat, incorporating a touch of sriracha into the glaze creates an exciting sweet-spicy combination that elevates the dish further.

Keeping Your Creation Fresh

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain moisture without becoming soggy. Consume within three days for the best flavor and texture experience.

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Close-up Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that the key to its success lies in the quality of ingredients and patience during the caramelization process. Each time I serve this dish, it reminds me why simple, well-executed recipes often create the most memorable dining experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the salmon?
Marinate the salmon for a minimum of 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes in the fridge to prevent the fish from breaking down.
→ What's the best way to know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, typically taking 25-30 minutes in a 400°F oven.
→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just make sure to save some juice for the marinade.
→ Why do you put pineapple under the salmon?
Placing pineapple under the salmon helps keep it moist while cooking and infuses it with sweet tropical flavor.
→ Is caramelizing the pineapple necessary?
No, caramelizing the pineapple is optional but adds extra flavor and a nice texture to the dish.

Sweet Glazed Pineapple Salmon

This Honey Pineapple Salmon combines sweet tropical flavors with tender fish for a delicious twist on traditional salmon recipes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Seafood Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3-pound slab of salmon, cut in half

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 14-ounce can pineapple tidbits or rings, cut into smaller pieces
03 1/4 cup pineapple juice
04 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or ghee
05 2 tablespoons sesame oil
06 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
08 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
09 1-2 large garlic cloves, minced
10 1 small onion, diced (optional)

→ Seasonings & Garnish

11 1 teaspoon sea salt
12 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
14 3-4 fresh mint leaves, chopped, for garnish

→ Caramelized Pineapple (Optional)

15 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 1/2 cup light brown sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove salmon from packaging, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into two even pieces.

Step 02

Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange pineapple tidbits in rows of 2 and place salmon on top.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine chopped pineapple, melted butter, sesame oil, pineapple juice, lemon juice, honey, light brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, white pepper, and sea salt. Mix well.

Step 04

Spread the marinade over the entire surface of the salmon. Let it marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.

Step 05

Place the sheet pan on the center rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Step 06

Let the salmon rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh mint if desired before serving.

Notes

  1. For extra flavor, try the optional caramelized pineapple topping by cooking pineapple pieces with butter, brown sugar, and onion until golden brown
  2. The salmon can be cooked to your preferred doneness between 25-30 minutes

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sheet pan
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 432
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 1 g