If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical brightness paired with the rich, buttery texture of fish, this Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection atop juicy pineapple slices, all glazed in a luscious sweet chili and hoisin sauce that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. It’s a fuss-free recipe that feels special enough for dinner guests but simple enough for any weekday meal. This dish brings together vibrant colors, bold tastes, and the ease of one-pan cooking, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe truly lies in its wonderfully straightforward ingredients, each one playing an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the naturally sweet pineapple to the rich, flaky salmon, and the zesty glaze that ties everything together, you’ll see just how simple ingredients can create such an elegant dish.
- Salmon (2 1/2 pounds): Choose fresh or thawed fillets with skin on for moist, tender results.
- Pineapple slices (1 can, drained): They add juicy sweetness and keep the salmon flavorful and moist.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a gentle kick and sweet undertones that balance the fish.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the glaze adhere beautifully.
- Hoisin sauce (4 tablespoons): Infuses a deep umami flavor with a hint of garlic and sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic gives this dish a subtle aromatic punch.
- Fresh cilantro: Perfect for garnish; it brightens up the plate and adds herbal freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and pineapple.
How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil to make cleanup easy and prevent the salmon from sticking. This simple prep step will save you time later and help keep your fish perfectly intact after baking.
Step 2: Season and Layer Your Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Then, layer the drained pineapple slices directly underneath the salmon, allowing their juices to mingle as the dish cooks, creating a sweet base that keeps everything moist and wonderful.
Step 3: Whisk Together Your Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, and the minced garlic. If you have reserved pineapple juice from the can, add a splash to this mixture for extra tropical zing. This glaze will beautifully coat the salmon, giving you that irresistible sticky-sweet finish complete with a hint of garlic depth.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake the Salmon
Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the salmon, making sure every fillet is well-coated. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If you like a slightly caramelized top, pop it under the broiler for an additional 5 minutes—the glaze will turn golden and irresistibly sticky.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the salmon to add a refreshing herbal brightness and a pop of green color. Serve immediately, perhaps with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze that amps up the flavors even more.
How to Serve Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a perfect garnish for this dish, lending a burst of color and an herbal contrast to the sweet and savory glaze. A few lime wedges on the side not only look pretty but allow everyone to add a touch of citrus brightness, which cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salmon shines alongside light, complementary sides. Consider fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, asparagus, or bok choy for a crisp, vibrant contrast. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well, keeping the overall meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon on a bed of coconut-infused quinoa or wild rice for a glamorous, hearty base. For a fun, casual twist, flake the cooked salmon and toss it into tacos with mango salsa and avocado slices. Another beautiful option is plating individual portions atop grilled pineapple rings for an extra tropical vibe that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked pineapple salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the salmon is cooled completely before sealing to keep the texture and flavors intact. The leftover glaze and pineapple make the dish just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the salmon for longer, you can freeze it, though it’s best to do so without the fresh cilantro garnish. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon rubbery. A gentle reheat keeps the flavors and texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully in this recipe. Just slice it into rings or chunks and use it in the same way. You might want to reserve any pineapple juice to include in the glaze for that extra tropical sweetness.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Wild-caught or farm-raised fillets both work well. King salmon will be richer and fattier, while sockeye or coho provide a more delicate flavor. Just choose fresh, high-quality salmon with the skin on for the best texture and moisture retention.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili to the glaze mixture to ramp up the heat according to your taste. The sweet chili sauce already adds mild spice, but you can customize it to your liking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you check the labels on your hoisin sauce and sweet chili sauce to ensure they don’t contain gluten. There are many gluten-free versions available that work perfectly in this dish.
How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your best option. Just reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a tropical vacation right on your dinner plate. It’s bright, flavorful, and easy to pull together, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can transform your mealtime into something truly unforgettable. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze featuring sweet chili sauce, hoisin, and garlic. The salmon is baked to perfection with pineapple slices underneath, creating a juicy, flavorful dish garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Salmon and Pineapple
- 2 1/2 pounds salmon
- 1 can pineapple slices (drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Reserved pineapple juice from the can
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Season it evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Arrange Pineapple: Lay the drained pineapple slices underneath the salmon on the baking sheet. This allows the pineapple to infuse the fish as it cooks.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, melted unsalted butter, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the reserved pineapple juice from the can until fully combined.
- Apply Glaze: Pour this flavorful glaze evenly over the top of the salmon, ensuring it is well coated for maximum taste.
- Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For a nicely browned finish, you may broil the salmon for an additional 5 minutes if desired—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with lime slices on the side for added zest.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh pineapple slices if preferred, but reduce the added pineapple juice accordingly.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a caramelized glaze finish.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a light salad for a balanced meal.
