Honey Pineapple Salmon Dish

This honey pineapple salmon transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special with minimal effort. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

I first made this recipe when looking for a healthier alternative to takeout during a busy work week. My family was instantly hooked by the caramelized honey glaze and have requested it regularly ever since.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: choose wild caught for best flavor and texture whenever possible
• Honey: provides natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelization
• Pineapple juice: adds tropical flavor and helps tenderize the fish
• Soy sauce: balances the sweetness with umami depth
• Fresh garlic and ginger: are aromatic powerhouses that elevate the entire dish
• Olive oil: helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking
• Salt and pepper: essential for enhancing all the flavors
• Fresh pineapple and cilantro: optional but add brightness and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Turn your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This temperature is perfect for salmon it cooks quickly without drying out and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully. The liner prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Glaze:

Whisk together honey pineapple juice soy sauce minced garlic and grated ginger until well combined. This magical combination creates a perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory. Make sure your garlic is finely minced to avoid any harsh bites.

Prepare the Salmon:

Place your salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Allow the fillets to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking for more even results. Pat them dry with paper towels first to help the glaze adhere better.

Apply the Glaze:

Brush the honey pineapple mixture generously over each salmon fillet making sure to reserve about a third for basting later. The initial coating helps seal in moisture while infusing flavor into the fish. Get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies of the salmon.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the salmon into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through cooking open the oven and carefully brush the reserved glaze over the salmon. This double glazing technique creates incredible depth of flavor and a beautiful shine. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still maintains a slightly translucent center.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Top with fresh pineapple slices and chopped cilantro if desired. The fresh garnishes provide a beautiful color contrast and bright fresh flavor that complements the sweet glaze.

Pin it

The fresh ginger is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once substituted dried ginger powder in a pinch. While still good the fresh ginger provides a zingy brightness that completely transforms the dish. My husband now insists I always keep fresh ginger in the freezer so we can make this salmon whenever the craving strikes.

Perfect Pairings

This honey pineapple salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice which soaks up the extra glaze. For a complete meal I often serve it with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The cool crunch provides a perfect contrast to the warm glazed salmon.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight dinner assembly incredibly fast. You can even marinate the salmon in some of the glaze for up to 2 hours before cooking for even more flavor penetration.

Pin it

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I prefer to reheat it gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively this salmon is delicious cold and makes an excellent topping for a lunch salad the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this salmon dish flavorful?

The combination of honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory glaze that enhances the natural richness of the salmon.

→ Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works well as long as there’s no added sugar or heavy syrup, to maintain balance in the glaze.

→ Can I prepare this dish on the stovetop?

Absolutely! You can pan-sear the salmon and baste it with the honey pineapple glaze while cooking. This will create a caramelized finish on the stovetop.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can this be paired with other side dishes?

Yes, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad to complement its tropical and savory flavors.