Name: Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American with tropical influence
Ingredients: 3-pound slab of salmon, cut in half; 1 (14-ounce) can pineapple tidbits OR pineapple rings cut into smaller pieces (reserve some for topping); 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or ghee; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons honey; 1-2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1 small diced onion (optional, shown in recipe video); 3-4 fresh mint leaves, chopped for garnish (or herb of choice); Additional 1/2 cup light brown sugar (if caramelizing pineapples); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramelizing pineapples)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with tropical flavor and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, you’re in for a treat with Honey Pineapple Salmon. This vibrant recipe combines succulent salmon with the natural sweetness of pineapple and a delightful honey glaze, creating a mouthwatering harmony that’s both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Honey Pineapple Salmon will quickly become your go-to favorite for an easy yet spectacular meal.

Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Honey Pineapple Salmon are wonderfully straightforward but essential to achieve that perfect combination of flavors. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy pineapple that adds brightness to the honey and spices, which bring warmth and depth to this dish.

3-pound slab of salmon: Fresh and moist, it’s the star protein providing richness and a tender texture.
14-ounce can of pineapple tidbits or rings: Offers natural sweetness and a juicy contrast to the salmon.
1/4 cup pineapple juice: Enhances the fruity flavor and helps create a luscious marinade.
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or ghee: Adds silkiness and richness to the glaze.
2 tablespoons sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that complements the tropical notes.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness balancing the sweetness perfectly.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Offers gentle caramelization and depth, especially if you choose to caramelize the pineapple.
1 1/2 tablespoons honey: The heart of the glaze, creating that irresistible sticky sweetness.
1-2 large garlic cloves minced: Adds a friendly savory punch without overpowering the dish.
1 small diced onion (optional): Offers subtle sweetness and texture; great if you like a little extra layer of flavor.
3-4 fresh mint leaves (for garnish): Introduces a refreshing herbal note that lifts the entire plate.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweet elements.
1/8 teaspoon white pepper: Offers mild heat without dark specks, keeping the dish visually appealing.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing): Makes the final dish silky and luxurious.

How to Make Honey Pineapple Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon and Pineapple Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. Take your fresh salmon slab and give it a gentle pat dry with paper towels—this step helps the marinade stick better. Then, cut the salmon evenly into two pieces for easy handling and even cooking. Lay a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a large sheet pan to keep cleanup simple, and arrange pineapple tidbits or slices in neat rows on top. The pineapple serves as a delightful bed that not only infuses the fish with flavor but also prevents it from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Tropical Marinade

In a small bowl, combine chopped pineapple with melted butter, sesame oil, pineapple juice, lemon juice, honey, light brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, white pepper, and sea salt. This vibrant mixture will become your marinade and glaze, bursting with contrasting sweet, smoky, and savory notes. Stir everything well until fully blended—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Marinate and Bake the Salmon

Spread the marinade generously over the entire surface of each salmon portion, making sure every bit is coated. Refrigerate the salmon for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can work their magic, but no longer than 30 minutes to maintain the texture. When ready, place the salmon on the pineapple-lined sheet pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145° F. To keep the salmon juicy, tent a piece of foil over the fish while baking—this traps moisture beautifully.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, allow your Honey Pineapple Salmon to rest for about 10 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped mint leaves over the top for a bright, herbal contrast to the sweet glaze. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra butter melted on top adds an indulgent final touch.

How to Serve Honey Pineapple Salmon

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves are the star garnish, brightening each forkful with a pop of green and a refreshing aroma. If mint isn’t your thing, chopped cilantro or basil also works wonderfully to add fresh herbal notes. For an extra visual punch, scatter toasted sesame seeds over the salmon just before serving.

Side Dishes

To complement the tropical sweetness of Honey Pineapple Salmon, think light and simple. Coconut rice or jasmine rice soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully, while steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans add a crisp, green contrast. A fresh garden salad with citrus vinaigrette also makes a lovely pairing by adding crunch and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve your salmon atop a bed of grilled pineapple slices and drizzle with any leftover marinade warmed slightly as a sauce. Alternatively, plate the salmon alongside a colorful mango salsa to echo the tropical theme or serve in individual lettuce cups for a fun, casual presentation perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Pineapple Salmon is a total treat the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keeping the fish separate from your sides helps maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon with pineapple marinade is best eaten within 1 month for optimal flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Honey Pineapple Salmon gently in a low-temperature oven around 275° F or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep it moist and flaky. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture can become rubbery, and garnish fresh after warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will give a brighter, fresher taste, but make sure to chop it finely so it marinates well with the fish. Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more brown sugar or honey if needed.

Is it necessary to marinate the salmon before baking?

Marinating for 15 to 30 minutes allows the flavors to infuse the fish tenderly. While you can cook the salmon without marinating, the marinade truly enhances the overall depth and harmony of the Honey Pineapple Salmon dish.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

While salmon is ideal for its richness and texture, you can substitute with other firm fish like mahi-mahi, cod, or halibut. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Tenting the salmon with foil while baking traps steam and moisture. Also, sticking to the recommended cooking time and checking with an instant-read thermometer helps ensure it stays perfectly juicy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in Honey Pineapple Salmon are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged ingredients like pineapple juice or brown sugar to ensure there are no additives containing gluten.

Final Thoughts

Honey Pineapple Salmon is one of those wonderfully vibrant dishes that manages to be both simple and show-stopping at the same time. It’s got everything you want in a meal—sweetness, tang, a touch of spice, and that melt-in-your-mouth salmon finish. I promise once you try this recipe, it will find a permanent place in your weeknight or special occasion rotation. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this tropical treasure—you won’t regret it!

Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Honey Pineapple Salmon recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender baked salmon marinated with pineapple, honey, and a blend of spices. The tropical pineapple and honey glaze enhances the natural richness of the salmon, making it a perfect dish for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and great for any occasion, this recipe highlights fresh ingredients and simple techniques to bring out the best in your seafood.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400° F (204° C) to prepare it for baking the salmon.
Prepare the salmon: Remove the 3-pound salmon slab from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into two evenly sized pieces.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large sheet pan with a length of aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
Arrange pineapple and salmon: Place pineapple tidbits or sliced pineapple rings in rows on the foil. Lay the salmon pieces on top of the pineapple layer. Placing pineapple beneath the salmon is optional; you can put the salmon directly on the foil if preferred.
Make the marinade: Chop any remaining pineapple rings or tidbits and place into a small bowl. To this, add 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, white pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Marinate the salmon: Spoon the marinade evenly over the entire surface of the salmon pieces, covering them well. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to maintain texture.
Bake the salmon: Place the sheet pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The salmon is done when an instant-read thermometer reaches 145° F (63° C). To retain moisture and prevent drying, tent a piece of foil loosely over the salmon while baking if desired.
Rest the salmon: Remove from oven and let the salmon rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh mint or your preferred herb on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Marinating the salmon for longer than 30 minutes can affect texture, so keep it within that time frame.
Using fresh pineapple juice in the marinade adds brightness but canned juice is a good alternative.
You can caramelize additional pineapple pieces by sautéing them in butter and brown sugar for extra flavor and topping.
If you prefer, omit the onion or herbs according to your taste preferences.
Cook times may vary depending on thickness; always use a thermometer to check doneness.
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all ingredients including soy sauce or sesame oil are certified gluten-free if used.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American with tropical influence