Pineapple Glazed Salmon is a fresh and tasty dish that combines the rich, flaky texture of salmon with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. The glaze adds a tropical twist that makes every bite bright and flavorful. It’s a perfect way to bring some sunshine to your dinner table, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
I love making this salmon when I want something quick but still impressive. The pineapple glaze is easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, and it caramelizes beautifully on the salmon as it cooks. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but doesn’t take a lot of effort, which makes it a favorite in my kitchen.
My favorite way to serve this pineapple glazed salmon is alongside some steamed rice and a simple green salad or roasted veggies. The sweetness of the glaze pairs so well with fresh, crisp sides. Plus, leftovers reheat nicely, so it’s a win for both dinner and lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best because of their rich flavor and tender texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon thawed properly works fine. Skin-on fillets can be used too; just cook a bit longer for crispier skin.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a bright, juicy sweetness. Canned pineapple can be used as a convenient substitute—just drain well to avoid extra liquid in the glaze.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be swapped in if you prefer a vegan option or don’t have honey on hand.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce brings salty umami to balance the sweet glaze. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Fresh ginger & garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic create fresh, aromatic depth. Ground ginger or garlic powder can be used in a pinch but will be less vibrant.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro or basil adds a fresh, herbal note at the end. Feel free to use parsley or mint if you prefer those flavors.
How Do You Get That Perfect Caramelized Pineapple Glaze?
Making a glaze that’s thick and sticky enough to coat the salmon is key here. Use these tips to get it right:
- Start by cooking the pineapple and other glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent burning but allow the glaze to reduce and thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
- The glaze should become syrupy and coat the back of a spoon.
- Don’t rush this step, as the sugar in honey and pineapple needs time to caramelize gently for that glossy finish.
- When adding the glaze to the salmon, spoon it on during the last minute of cooking so it sticks well without burning.
- For an extra touch, you can broil the glazed salmon for 1-2 minutes to deepen the caramel color, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for cooking salmon evenly without sticking.
- Small saucepan – for making the pineapple glaze and letting it thicken nicely.
- Spatula or fish turner – helps flip the salmon gently without breaking it.
- Sharp knife – to slice the fresh pineapple and herbs finely.
- Spoons – for stirring the glaze and spooning it over the salmon.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for mahi-mahi or cod for a milder fish that still holds up well to the glaze.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Mix diced red bell pepper or green onion into the pineapple glaze for extra color and crunch.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds after cooking for a nutty texture and a pretty finish.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For The Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Cooked quinoa or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy evenings or when you want a tasty, healthy meal fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:
Start by combining the pineapple chunks, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a syrupy glaze, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side if skinless). Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon develops a golden crust.
3. Finish Cooking and Glaze:
Flip the salmon fillets gently and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, spoon the pineapple glaze generously over each salmon fillet, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly on the fish.
4. Plate and Garnish:
Serve the glazed salmon on a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. Spoon any extra pineapple glaze and pineapple chunks from the pan over the salmon. Finish by garnishing with thinly sliced fresh cilantro or basil for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Enjoy!
This dish brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple with tender, flaky salmon. It’s great for a simple weeknight dinner or whenever you want a tropical twist in your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Make the Pineapple Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before spooning it over the salmon.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Pineapple?
Canned pineapple chunks drained well work great as a substitute. Avoid using pineapple juice alone, as the chunks add texture and help thicken the glaze.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Keep leftover salmon and glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
