Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe

The Perfect Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe for Sunny Dinner Nights

Baked pineapple salmon crafts an ordinary seafood dinner into a tropical culinary adventure.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across perfectly cooked fish, creating a sensational meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Bright fruit characteristics complement the rich, succulent salmon with unexpected harmony.

Marine proteins gain new depth when kissed by sunny, caramelized fruit essences.

Complex flavor interactions make this recipe stand out from standard fish preparations.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of oceanic and island-inspired tastes.

Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with this simple yet sophisticated combination.

Baked Pineapple Salmon: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dish

  • Savor Tropical Fusion Flavors: The combination of sweet chili sauce, pineapple, and salmon creates an exotic taste explosion that dances across your palate with vibrant Hawaiian-inspired notes.
  • Unlock Effortless Gourmet Cooking: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes, making impressive meals accessible for home cooks without complicated techniques.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with high-protein salmon and delivering a balanced nutritional profile, this dish provides 50g of protein, essential healthy fats, and delicious nutrients in one satisfying serving.
  • Quick and Elegant Weeknight Solution: Perfect for busy individuals wanting a fast, flavorful dinner that looks and tastes sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for impressing family or unexpected guests.

Key Ingredients for Baked Pineapple Salmon

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon with rich omega-3 fatty acids and a delicate flavor. Best when pink and firm with minimal fishy smell.
Fruits and Juices:
  • Pineapple Slices, Pineapple Juice: Sweet tropical fruit that adds moisture and caramelizes during baking. Choose ripe, golden pineapple for best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes fish and adds tangy freshness. Freshly squeezed is always preferable.
  • Lime Wedges: Zesty citrus for serving, providing a sharp, clean finish to the dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and spicy condiment that creates a complex flavor profile for the salmon.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Rich, sweet Asian sauce that adds depth and glossy texture to the glaze.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for garnishing, adding fresh, herbal notes.

How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with nonstick aluminum foil for easy cleanup and perfect cooking.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Create a Pineapple Bed

Spread fresh pineapple slices on the prepared baking sheet, creating a sweet and juicy base for the salmon.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor Explosion Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Melted butter
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Pineapple juice

Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Sauce and Bake

Drizzle the sauce generously over the salmon, making sure to coat every inch of the fish. Slide the tray into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Bake for 15 minutes or until the salmon becomes flaky and easily separates with a fork. For a beautiful caramelized finish, broil for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the salmon for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Step 8: Serve with a Zesty Touch

Plate the salmon and add lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze extra citrusy brightness over their dish.

Tips for Perfect Baked Pineapple Salmon

  • Seal in Moisture: Wrap salmon loosely in foil during initial baking to prevent drying out and keep fish tender.
  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Select thick, bright-colored salmon fillets with firm flesh for best texture and flavor.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use a fork to gently flake salmon; it should be opaque and easily separate when fully cooked.
  • Balance Sauce Flavors: Taste sauce before drizzling to ensure sweet and tangy notes complement the fish perfectly.
  • Prevent Burning: Watch carefully during broiling to achieve beautiful caramelization without charring the fish or pineapple.

Storing and Reheating Baked Pineapple Salmon

  • Refrigerate Carefully: Transfer salmon and pineapple to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the fish away from other strong-smelling foods. Cover tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm leftover salmon in the oven to preserve its delicate texture. Preheat to 275°F, place salmon in a baking dish, and add a splash of pineapple juice or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
  • Enjoy Cold Option: Create a delicious salmon salad by flaking the cold fish over mixed greens.

Pairing Baked Pineapple Salmon with Rice or Vegetables

  • Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the sweet and tangy pineapple salmon, enhancing the dish's tropical flavor profile.
  • Serve with Coconut Rice: Prepare fragrant coconut rice as a perfect side dish, matching the Hawaiian-inspired flavors and absorbing the delicious sauce from the salmon.
  • Add Fresh Cucumber Salad: Create a cool, crisp cucumber salad with mint and lime to balance the rich, sweet salmon, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, charred fish.
  • Recommend Ginger Beer Cocktail: Mix a zesty ginger beer cocktail with light rum, which echoes the dish's sweet-spicy notes and cleanses the palate between bites.

Variations of Baked Pineapple Salmon

  • Tropical Teriyaki Salmon: Replace sweet chili sauce with teriyaki sauce and add grated ginger for an authentic Japanese-inspired flavor profile. Swap cilantro for green onions and include toasted sesame seeds as a garnish.
  • Spicy Mango Fusion: Substitute pineapple with fresh mango slices and mix sriracha into the sauce for a spicier kick. Include red pepper flakes and chopped jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.
  • Coconut Lime Infusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce and replace butter with coconut oil. Add lime zest and use fresh lime juice instead of lemon. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the finished salmon for a tropical texture.
  • Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Use olive oil instead of butter, add dried oregano and thyme to the sauce. Replace pineapple with roasted cherry tomatoes and include crumbled feta cheese as a final garnish. Drizzle with a light lemon-herb vinaigrette before serving.
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Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe

Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent salmon meets sweet Hawaiian pineapple in this irresistible fusion dish. Rich marinades and caramelized fruit create a tropical flavor explosion that transports you to Pacific paradise with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2.5 pounds (1.2 kg) side of salmon

Sauce and Flavoring:

  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 can pineapple slices, drained
  • ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Lime slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and carefully line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Create a delicate base layer by arranging fresh pineapple slices evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Carefully position the seasoned salmon fillets directly on top of the pineapple slices, allowing the fruit to infuse moisture and flavor during cooking.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, melted unsalted butter, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and of reserved pineapple juice until well combined.
  6. Delicately drizzle the prepared sauce over the salmon, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage of the fish.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Activate the broiler and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to create a caramelized, slightly charred exterior.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve immediately with wedges of lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

  • Drizzling the savory-sweet sauce transforms ordinary salmon into a tropical flavor explosion.
  • Carefully chosen ingredients create a harmony of tangy, rich, and bright taste sensations.
  • Broiling adds a delightful caramelized char that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Pineapple slices beneath the salmon infuse moisture and natural sweetness during baking.
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges provide a final burst of vibrant, fresh finishing touches.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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