If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table, this Baked Pineapple Salmon is the ticket. Juicy salmon fillets bake in a sweet-and-savory pineapple glaze, topped with golden fruit and fresh herbs, creating a tropical twist you’ll crave all year long. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and hardly any prep, you’re on your way to a gorgeous meal that’s impressive enough for guests yet quick enough for busy weeknights. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned salmon devotee, this dish delivers flavor, color, and wow factor with every forkful.

Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Baked Pineapple Salmon is how each ingredient plays a vibrant, crucial role in the dish. Every component is there to bring out the sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes that make this salmon irresistible!

Salmon Fillet (1 1/2 pounds, skin-on): Choose a thick, fresh fillet so your salmon stays moist and tender while baking.
Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned): These add sweetness and a juicy tropical flair; canned works in a pinch, but fresh tastes extra-bright.
Pineapple Juice (1/4 cup): A splash in the marinade boosts tang and naturally tenderizes the fish.
Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides a savory umami base; swap for tamari for a gluten-free option.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds the perfect sticky sweetness; maple syrup is a tasty substitute if needed.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the salmon luscious and helps everything roast up golden.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with aromatic punch.
Fresh Grated Ginger (1 teaspoon): This gives the dish a warming, zippy kick that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch for anyone who loves a gentle hint of heat.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances with gentle earthiness in the sweet marinade.
Green Onions (2, sliced): Sprinkle on top for a burst of fresh color and crunch.
Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): Adds a bright, herbaceous finish right before serving.
Lime Wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lime at the table lifts the whole dish with tangy zest.

How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish just bigger than your salmon fillet and line it with foil or parchment paper for quick cleanup. This not only keeps your salmon from sticking but also makes it simple to transfer and serve later.

Step 2: Place the Salmon

Lay your salmon fillet in the dish, skin-side down. Give it a pat dry with paper towels so the glaze clings beautifully. This step is key for that gorgeous, caramelized top you’re after.

Step 3: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. This combination creates a marinade bursting with tropical sweetness and savory depth. Don’t skip the ginger – it’s what really pulls the tropical flavors through!

Step 4: Assemble Everything

Pour your marinade evenly over the salmon, making sure it cascades down the sides so every bite is infused with flavor. Scatter the pineapple chunks over the top, nestling some down into the sauce for juicy bursts in every slice.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the salmon’s thickness. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes gently with a fork but remains moist inside. Then, uncover, switch on the broiler, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze bubbles and the top caramelizes. This broil is the secret to bold color and texture!

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Top your Baked Pineapple Salmon with freshly sliced green onions and a shower of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for spritzing extra brightness at the table. The finishing touches make every bite sing with freshness and flair.

How to Serve Baked Pineapple Salmon

Garnishes

This dish loves a little flourish! Scatter fresh green onions and plenty of chopped cilantro right before serving to add a splash of color and crunch. Go the extra mile with a few extra pineapple chunks and lime wedges on the side – they brighten up both the plate and each forkful.

Side Dishes

Baked Pineapple Salmon pairs like a dream with so many sides. Try it with fluffy jasmine or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the saucy glaze. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad add just the right amount of freshness, balancing the rich, tropical flavors of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping presentation, serve the salmon on a big platter lined with pineapple rings or leafy greens. Or, portion the fillet into beautiful slices, fanning them out and topping with extra glaze and herbs. For an island-inspired touch, try individual portions baked in foil packets and open at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Baked Pineapple Salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even more savory overnight, making it a fabulous addition to salads or grain bowls the next day.

Freezing

Baked Pineapple Salmon freezes better than you might think. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or use an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon (and any extra pineapple sauce) in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Microwaving works too, but use short 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Baked Pineapple Salmon?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before marinating and baking. Frozen salmon works just as well and is a wonderful kitchen staple for last-minute meals.

What’s the best way to tell if my salmon is done?

The most reliable way is to gently check if it flakes with a fork at the thickest part. Salmon should look opaque and moist inside, not translucent, and a thermometer inserted in the center should read 145°F (63°C).

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the Baked Pineapple Salmon gluten-free. The flavor stays just as bold and delicious.

Can I substitute the honey with something else?

Yes, maple syrup makes a great alternative to honey and brings a slightly deeper sweetness to the glaze. Agave syrup can also work if you need another option.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you crave extra heat, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, add a dash of sriracha to the marinade, or garnish with thin slices of fresh chili. Start small, because the marinade carries spice well!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Baked Pineapple Salmon enthusiastically enough. If you love easy dinners that deliver a punch of flavor and a splash of tropical sunshine, you truly have to give this one a try. Whenever I serve it, there’s never a bite left, and I’m sure it’ll become a go-to in your own kitchen too! Enjoy every vibrant, mouthwatering forkful.

Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory soy and honey glazed salmon. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet skin-on

Marinade:

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet in the prepared dish, skin-side down.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon and top with pineapple chunks.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Broil: Uncover, switch the oven to broil, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Substitute maple syrup for honey and use frozen pineapple if fresh isn’t available.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion