Baked Pineapple Salmon

The sweet, tangy aroma of Baked Pineapple Salmon fills your kitchen as the succulent fish caramelizes to perfection under a blanket of tropical pineapple. This stunning yet simple dish balances the natural richness of salmon with bright, juicy pineapple and a touch of savory seasonings for a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Baked Pineapple Salmon transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create the perfect sweet-savory glaze that complements the salmon beautifully while keeping the fish tender and moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with remarkably little effort. The contrast between the flaky, protein-rich salmon and the sweet, caramelized pineapple creates an irresistible texture experience that satisfies with every bite. The natural sugars in the pineapple create a beautiful glaze as they cook, sealing in moisture and adding a subtle sweetness that even seafood skeptics find appealing.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility – it’s impressive enough for entertaining guests but simple enough for a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. The ingredients are readily available year-round, making this tropical-inspired dish accessible regardless of season. Plus, the vibrant colors of the finished dish make for a stunning presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your oven does most of the work.

Ingredients

For this delicious Baked Pineapple Salmon, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) salmon fillet, preferably wild-caught
• 1 cup (240g) fresh pineapple chunks (you can substitute canned in a pinch, but drain well)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons (6g) fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 lime, half juiced and half cut into wedges for serving
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The star ingredient is obviously the salmon – look for pieces of even thickness to ensure consistent cooking. Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor, but high-quality canned pineapple works well when fresh isn’t available.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Salmon: For the best Baked Pineapple Salmon, select a center-cut fillet with uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking throughout the entire piece. Wild-caught salmon typically has a better flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple glaze, but good-quality farm-raised salmon works well too. If possible, keep the skin on during baking – it helps hold the fish together and prevents the bottom from overcooking.

Perfect Pineapple Preparation: When using fresh pineapple, select one that’s fragrant at the base and has vibrant green leaves. Cut the pineapple into uniform chunks (about ½-inch pieces) so they cook evenly. If using canned pineapple, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your glaze too watery.

Master the Marinade Timing: The sweet-savory marinade is key to this dish’s success. For maximum flavor infusion without “cooking” the fish in the acidic lime juice, marinate the salmon for no more than 30 minutes before baking. For a quicker option, you can reserve half the marinade to brush on during cooking, then simply season the salmon with salt and pepper before it goes into the oven.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined. The marinade should have a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. This sweet and savory mixture will infuse the salmon with incredible flavor and help create that beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper, remembering that the soy sauce in the marinade already contains salt.

Step 3: Marinate the Fish

Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the salmon, reserving the rest for basting during cooking. Use a spoon or brush to ensure the salmon is evenly coated. Allow the salmon to marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, which gives the flavors time to penetrate the fish without beginning to “cook” it in the acidic lime juice.

Step 4: Arrange the Pineapple

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, arrange the pineapple chunks around and slightly on top of the salmon fillet. The pineapple will release its juices during baking, infusing the salmon with its sweet tropical flavor while creating a beautifully caramelized topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the Baked Pineapple Salmon for 15-18 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillet – the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist in the center. For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the Baked Pineapple Salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. The bright acidity of fresh lime juice balances the sweet pineapple and rich salmon perfectly.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Salmon: Transform your Baked Pineapple Salmon into a heat-lover’s dream by adding a finely diced jalapeño to the marinade and doubling the red pepper flakes. For even more kick, drizzle the finished dish with sriracha or a homemade chili oil. The combination of heat with the sweet pineapple creates a complex flavor profile that’s absolutely addictive.

Coconut Pineapple Salmon: For a true tropical twist, replace half the soy sauce with coconut aminos and add 2 tablespoons of coconut milk to the marinade. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted coconut flakes over the salmon during the last 5 minutes of baking. This variation brings the flavors of a Caribbean vacation right to your dinner table and pairs beautifully with coconut rice.

Maple Pineapple Salmon: For a Canadian-inspired variation, substitute the honey with pure maple syrup and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. This creates a slightly more complex sweetness that complements the salmon’s natural flavors wonderfully. This version is perfect for fall dinners and adds a unique twist to the traditional Baked Pineapple Salmon.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, leftover Baked Pineapple Salmon stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat it gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through (about 10-15 minutes) to prevent the salmon from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can give the salmon a rubbery texture.

Serve your Baked Pineapple Salmon over a bed of coconut rice for a complete tropical experience. The creamy rice provides the perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious pineapple sauce. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette that echoes the bright flavors in the dish.

For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve the salmon family-style on a large platter garnished with additional fresh pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and an abundance of fresh herbs. This colorful display makes for a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests before they even take their first bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for Baked Pineapple Salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before marinating. Frozen salmon often releases more moisture during cooking, so you might need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Is canned pineapple an acceptable substitute for fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) work well too. Just be sure to drain thoroughly and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture from diluting the marinade.

How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks slightly translucent in the very center. For precise doneness, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part; it should register 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The salmon can be marinated for 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to cook. For the best texture and flavor, this dish is best baked right before serving.

What sides pair well with Baked Pineapple Salmon?
Coconut rice, steamed jasmine rice, or quinoa complement the tropical flavors perfectly. For vegetables, consider roasted asparagus, sautéed bok choy, or a simple green salad with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette.

Conclusion

This Baked Pineapple Salmon is comfort food with a tropical twist — succulent salmon with sweet caramelized pineapple creating a perfect harmony of flavors that transport you to an island getaway with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing a burst of sunshine to your dinner table regardless of the season. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact, this recipe proves that impressive, restaurant-quality meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or professional culinary skills. Try this Baked Pineapple Salmon tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this nutritious fish!

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