If you are searching for a dish that truly sings with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, this Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. Tender and juicy salmon is lovingly baked atop sweet pineapple slices and smothered in a luscious sauce blending sweet chili, hoisin, and zesty lemon. The result is a harmonious combination of savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky notes that elevate simple ingredients into something spectacular. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a flavorful and balanced dish. From the rich salmon to the tangy pineapple and bold sauces, every element adds its own magic.
- Salmon side (2½ pounds): Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor. Skin-on helps hold the fish together during baking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season and enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
- Can of pineapple slices, drained: Adds juicy sweetness and moisture while preventing dryness from cooking.
- Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Provides a hint of heat balanced by sweetness, key to the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup), melted: Adds richness and helps develop a luscious sauce consistency.
- Hoisin sauce (4 tablespoons): Contributes a savory depth and a touch of umami for complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens up the dish with zesty acidity, balancing the sweet elements.
- Garlic cloves (3), minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that ties everything together beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons), roughly chopped: Adds a refreshing herbal note when garnished on top.
- Lime slices, for serving: Optional but highly recommended for an extra citrus burst when serving.
How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Kick off this delightfully simple recipe by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lining your baking sheet with foil and lightly greasing it will make cleanup a dream and ensure the pineapple slices don’t stick.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Arrange your drained pineapple slices in a single, even layer on the foil-lined baking sheet. This juicy base not only adds flavor but also acts as a natural rack, keeping the salmon moist as it bakes.
Step 3: Season and Place the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry, then generously season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on top of the pineapple, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on. This position allows the skin to crisp slightly while keeping the fish tender.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and the reserved pineapple juice from the can. Whisk everything until smooth – this sauce is the heart of the dish, packed with layers of flavor.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over Salmon
Carefully drizzle the luscious sauce all over the salmon, ensuring every bite will be infused with that irresistible tangy-sweet goodness.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s almost done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains tender and juicy inside.
Step 7: Broil for a Caramelized Finish
Switch the oven to broil and cook the salmon for an extra 3 to 5 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce on top, giving you those slightly charred, crispy edges that add fantastic texture and smoky flavor complexity.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the salmon and serve alongside lime slices for an optional burst of freshness. This final touch elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro brightens the rich, flavorful salmon with a touch of herbaceous color. Lime slices not only make the dish look inviting but provide an easy way for everyone to customize the citrus tanginess to their preference.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or a simple coconut rice to soak up all the glorious sauce. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp cucumber salad offer textural contrast and keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the salmon from the baking sheet directly to the table plated over a bed of fresh greens or rice. Alternatively, portion the salmon on individual plates topped with extra pineapple slices and cilantro sprigs to highlight those tropical flavors visually and deliciously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to two days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While the salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. Be cautious as freezing may slightly alter the texture of the fish and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon. Covering with foil helps retain moisture, and a quick squeeze of lime before serving can revive the bright flavors brilliantly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add an even brighter, juicier sweetness, just make sure to slice it evenly and drain any excess juice to prevent sogginess.
Is it better to use skin-on or skinless salmon?
Skin-on salmon holds together nicely during baking and crisps up deliciously, but skinless works fine too if you prefer or can’t find skin-on.
Can I prepare this recipe without hoisin sauce?
While hoisin adds a unique umami depth, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey or molasses for a similar effect.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce or omit the sweet chili sauce if you prefer milder flavors. The dish will still be tasty and aromatic without the heat.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but remains moist and slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking will dry it out, so watch closely especially during broiling.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe is a shining star for anyone looking to turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Its effortless balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors combined with tender, flaky salmon creates a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and bring a little sunshine to your dinner table—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-inspired
Description
This Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. The salmon is baked on a bed of pineapple slices and finished under the broiler to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred crust. Infused with flavors from sweet chili sauce, hoisin, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and tropical notes, making for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Salmon and Pineapple
- 2½ pounds salmon side (skin-on or off)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can pineapple slices, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
Sauce
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Lime slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pineapple Base: Arrange the drained pineapple slices in a single layer on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet. This will create a sweet, juicy bed for the salmon.
- Season and Place Salmon: Season the salmon evenly with salt and pepper. Place the salmon side on top of the pineapple slices, skin-side down if the skin is on.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and reserved pineapple juice until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Salmon: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the salmon, ensuring it is fully covered to maximize flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is almost fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Caramelization: Switch your oven to broil and cook the salmon for an additional 3–5 minutes. This step will caramelize the sauce on top and create slightly charred edges for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime slices on the side for added brightness and a citrusy kick.
Notes
- You can use skin-on or skinless salmon depending on your preference; skin-on helps keep the fish moist during baking.
- Reserve the pineapple juice to add extra sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
- For even cooking, try to use a salmon fillet with an even thickness.
- If you do not have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce with a bit of honey can be a substitute.
- Watch carefully while broiling to avoid burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
