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.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Pineapple
- 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)
Marinade
- 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
Optional Ingredients
- 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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces (170 grams) of cooked salmon with glaze
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Honey Pineapple Salmon, baked salmon, pineapple glaze, sweet and savory salmon, tropical salmon recipe, healthy seafood dish
