If you’re looking for a way to flip the script and up your salmon cooking game (and an easy dinner idea), then our Honey Pineapple Salmon is everything you need to know about your dinner plans tonight. This tropical-inspired dish combines the natural richness of salmon with sweet, juicy pineapple and a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven.
The result? A restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. The magic happens when the sweet pineapple and honey mingle with savory garlic and smoky paprika, creating a glaze that transforms ordinary salmon into something extraordinary. Trust me, this sweet and savory salmon will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Pineapple Salmon
- Perfect Balance: This pineapple salmon recipe hits all the right notes with its sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like it took hours, but this easy salmon dinner comes together in just minutes of active prep time.
- Nutritious Indulgence: A healthy salmon recipe that feels like a treat, packed with protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
- Versatile: Works beautifully for both casual family dinners and special occasions when you want to impress guests.
Ingredients
- Salmon: The star of the show, providing a rich, buttery base that pairs perfectly with sweet flavors.
- Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and natural juices that help keep the salmon moist during baking.
- Honey: Creates a glossy, caramelized finish and enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a bright acidity that balances the sweet elements.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramelization and adds complex sweetness.
- Garlic: Adds a savory note that grounds all the sweet flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Fresh Mint: Adds a refreshing finish that cuts through the richness.
Note: The exact measurements for these ingredients will be available in the recipe card below the article.
How to Make Honey Pineapple Salmon
Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the salmon from its packaging, pat it dry with paper towels, and cut it into two even pieces if using a large slab. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Create the Pineapple Base
Arrange pineapple tidbits or chopped pineapple rings on the lined baking sheet, creating a bed for your salmon. This not only infuses the fish with flavor from below but also prevents it from sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Glorious Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, melted butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This salmon with honey glaze will be the key to transforming your fish into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets on top of the pineapple bed, then spoon the marinade generously over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Allow the salmon to marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator, letting those flavors begin to penetrate the fish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For extra moisture retention, you can loosely cover the salmon with foil during baking.
Step 6: Optional Pineapple Caramelization
For an extra special touch, caramelize additional pineapple pieces with butter and brown sugar in a skillet while the salmon bakes. This caramelized pineapple salmon topping adds another dimension of flavor and an impressive presentation.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, allow the salmon to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Garnish with fresh chopped mint leaves for a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweet glaze.
Honey Pineapple Salmon
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet (for caramelized pineapple option)
Ingredients
- 3 pound salmon cut in half
- 1 14-ounce can pineapple tidbits or rings cut into smaller pieces, reserve some for topping
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar plus 1/2 cup more if caramelizing pineapples
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced (optional)
- 3-4 leaves fresh mint chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramelizing pineapple (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the salmon from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into two even pieces if using a large slab.
- Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Place the pineapple tidbits or rings on top of the foil in rows, and place the salmon on top of the pineapple.
- In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, melted butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Using a spoon, spread the marinade over the top of the salmon, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Allow the fish to marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. To prevent the salmon from drying out, you can place a piece of foil loosely over the top.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped mint leaves and serve.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making the Honey Pineapple Salmon
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon can quickly go from perfect to dry. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
- Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best results in this tropical salmon recipe.
- Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple works beautifully, but canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) is a convenient alternative.
- Foil Tent: If the top of your salmon is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning while allowing it to finish cooking.
How to Serve
This baked salmon with pineapple pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Rice Accompaniment: Serve over coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Veggie Sides: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Tropical Theme: Embrace the tropical flavors by serving with a side of mango salsa or avocado.
- Elegant Presentation: For dinner parties, serve the salmon on a large platter with the caramelized pineapple spooned over the top and fresh herbs scattered around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep Ahead
You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The salmon can be arranged on the pineapple base and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before you plan to bake it.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pineapple glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, enjoy leftover salmon cold in a salad for a different but equally delicious experience.
FAQs : Honey Pineapple Salmon
Can I use frozen salmon for this honey pineapple salmon recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe. Frozen salmon that’s properly thawed can work nearly as well as fresh.
Is this recipe too sweet for a main dish?
Not at all! While this salmon with pineapple and honey does have sweet elements, the savory components like garlic, sesame oil, and the natural richness of the salmon create a perfectly balanced dish that works beautifully as a main course.
Can I grill this instead of baking it?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts well to the grill. Place the salmon on a piece of foil or a cedar plank, top with the marinade and some pineapple pieces, and grill over medium heat until it reaches the desired doneness.
What can I substitute for sesame oil if I don’t have any?
Olive oil can work as a substitute, though you’ll lose the nutty flavor that sesame oil provides. To compensate, consider adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the glaze.
This Honey Pineapple Salmon brings together the best of sweet and savory in one easy, impressive dish. The tropical flavors transport your taste buds to an island getaway, while the simple preparation keeps your stress levels firmly grounded in relaxation territory. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
So as we always say at Keep This Recipe, “Good food is meant to be shared, but great recipes are meant to be kept!”
