Name: Honey Pineapple Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (chopped (for garnish)); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Craving a quick, flavorful dish with a tropical twist? Honey Pineapple Salmon is a Tropical Glazed Fish that features tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory honey-pineapple glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes and bursts with island-inspired flavors. Make Honey Pineapple Salmon for a healthy, delicious meal that feels indulgent!

Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need for Honey Pineapple Salmon (serves 4):

4 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Equipment

Small saucepan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Pastry brush
Fork or meat thermometer
Airtight containers for storage

Ingredient Tips

Salmon: Use fresh or thawed frozen fillets; skin-on adds flavor, but skinless works too.
Pineapple Juice: Use 100% juice for natural sweetness; avoid added sugars.
Honey: Pure honey ensures a smooth glaze; adjust for desired sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavors; tamari for gluten-free.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds zing; ground ginger (¼ tsp) can substitute.

Directions for Honey Pineapple Salmon

Let’s make this Honey Pineapple Salmon—a Tropical Glazed Fish!

Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking and a tender texture.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, I combine ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp minced garlic, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). I bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. I remove it from heat and set aside for this Tropical Glazed Fish.

Season the Salmon

I season 4 salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Glaze and Bake

I brush each salmon fillet generously with the honey-pineapple glaze, reserving some for serving. I bake for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Finish and Garnish

I drizzle the remaining glaze over the cooked Honey Pineapple Salmon, then garnish with chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp sesame seeds for a vibrant touch.

Serve

I serve the salmon immediately, paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 25g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Honey Pineapple Salmon

Try these twists on Honey Pineapple Salmon:

Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add diced jalapeño to the glaze for a fiery Tropical Glazed Fish.
Mango Swap: Replace pineapple juice with mango juice for a different tropical vibe.
Grilled Option: Grill salmon over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with glaze, for a smoky Tropical Glazed Fish.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap salmon for thick tofu steaks, glazed and baked similarly.
Citrus Boost: Add 1 tbsp orange zest to the glaze for extra brightness, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Roasted Orange Chicken.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Roasted Chicken & Veggie Bowl for a wholesome feast.
Serve with jasmine rice or Layla Cooks’ quinoa salad for a tropical meal.
Offer at a summer dinner with a side of grilled veggies.

Storage

I store leftover Honey Pineapple Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, or gently reheat in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. For freezing, I wrap cooled fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Honey Pineapple Salmon on a platter with cilantro and sesame seeds for a colorful, tropical look.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a pineapple slice for flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or Layla Cooks’ pineapple spritzer to complement the Tropical Glazed Fish.
Portion Size: One fillet per person for a main course; halve for a lighter meal.
Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer gatherings, or healthy meals.

FAQs About Honey Pineapple Salmon

Here are answers to some common questions about Honey Pineapple Salmon:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, I can absolutely use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water before cooking. I’ll still follow the same baking instructions.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I prefer to make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. I can also prep the salmon fillets by seasoning them and storing them in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. However, I recommend baking the salmon just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?
While pineapple gives this dish its tropical flavor, I can swap it for other fruits like mango or orange juice if I want to experiment with different tastes. Just keep the other glaze ingredients the same.

How do I know when the salmon is done?
The best way to check if the salmon is cooked is to use a fork and gently pull at the fish. If it flakes easily and looks opaque throughout, it’s done. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes, I can pan-sear the salmon fillets in a skillet with some olive oil on medium heat. I’ll cook them for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then brush the glaze on while the salmon finishes cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free Honey Pineapple Salmon version.

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Conclusion

Honey Pineapple Salmon is a perfect example of a dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. It’s quick to prepare, deliciously sweet and savory, and works for any night of the week. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a special meal, I know this dish will always impress. The tropical glaze pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon, making this meal feel both satisfying and refreshing.