Pineapple Glazed Salmon is a bright and tasty dish that brings together the sweet, tangy flavors of pineapple with the rich, smooth texture of salmon. The glaze is sticky and shiny, adding a lovely contrast to the buttery fish, making every bite pop with flavor. It feels like a little tropical vacation on your plate!
I love making this recipe when I want something fresh but still easy to prepare. The pineapple glaze isn’t just delicious; it’s really simple to whip up with just a few ingredients. I usually brush it on the salmon while it cooks, so it caramelizes a bit on the edges—that’s my favorite part. It always feels like a special treat, even on a weeknight.
One of my favorite ways to serve this salmon is over a bed of fluffy rice or with some steamed veggies. The glaze is so flavorful that it turns whatever side you choose into a perfect match. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so this dish keeps giving even after dinner. It’s a meal that makes you smile every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, firm salmon fillets work best for this dish. Skin-on adds extra flavor and helps hold the fish together, but skinless is fine too. If you don’t have salmon, trout or mahi-mahi are tasty substitutes.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best natural sweetness and texture for the glaze. If fresh isn’t available, canned crushed pineapple works well—just drain it to avoid extra juice.
Honey or Brown Sugar: These add sweetness and help caramelize the glaze. Maple syrup or agave syrup can replace honey for different flavors or dietary needs.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty, umami balance to the glaze. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Red Chili: Adds a mild heat that lifts the flavors. Adjust the amount or omit if you prefer no spice. Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can work in a pinch.
How Do I Get a Perfect Glaze on My Salmon?
Getting the glaze right is key to flavor and appearance. Here’s how I do it:
- Make the glaze first by simmering pineapple, sweetener, soy sauce, and aromatics until slightly thickened.
- Pat the salmon dry to help it sear properly and get a good crust.
- Cook salmon skin-side down first without moving it so it crisps up nicely.
- Once flipped, brush on the glaze, then cook just long enough for it to caramelize without burning—3 to 4 minutes usually works well.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear but watch closely to avoid burning the glaze.
With patience and attention during this step, you’ll get a salmon that’s juicy inside with a sticky, shiny, flavorful coat every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for cooking salmon evenly and getting a nice sear without sticking.
- Small saucepan – to simmer and thicken the pineapple glaze easily.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the glaze evenly on the salmon for that sticky finish.
- Spatula – a thin, flexible one makes flipping salmon easier without breaking the fillets.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping fresh pineapple and other ingredients quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try substituting salmon with mahi-mahi or cod for a different texture but still great with the glaze.
- Add chopped fresh mint or basil to the glaze or as a garnish for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Mix in a splash of orange juice or lime zest to the glaze to brighten the tropical flavor.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped (or crushed pineapple)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 small red chili or ½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
Optional:
- Cooked quinoa or rice
- Additional pineapple chunks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. So, you can have a tasty, flavorful dinner ready in roughly 20 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the chopped pineapple, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red chili. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring sometimes, until it thickens into a sticky glaze. Then, set it aside.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat your salmon dry with a paper towel so it cooks well. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides for nice flavor.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down if they have skin. Cook without moving them for 4-5 minutes so a nice crust can form.
4. Glaze and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the salmon, then brush the tops with the pineapple glaze. Cook for 3-4 more minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is glossy and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the salmon on plates, spoon extra pineapple glaze and juices from the pan on top, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley. For a complete meal, serve with cooked quinoa or rice and some pineapple chunks tossed with herbs and diced chili if you like a bit more heat.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Glazed Salmon—sweet, tangy, and perfectly cooked!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat it dry well to get a nice sear and prevent excess moisture.
Can I Make the Pineapple Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently before brushing it onto the salmon.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Wrap leftover salmon tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it moist and tasty.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or quinoa, steamed or roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
