If you are looking for a dish that effortlessly combines tropical sweetness with savory richness, this Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been craving. Imagine tender, flaky salmon layered atop juicy pineapple slices, all bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with sweet chili, hoisin, and citrus notes. It is a simple yet extraordinary meal that turns everyday ingredients into a vibrant and elegant feast. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe brings a burst of sunshine to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building that amazing balance of flavors and textures. From the succulent salmon to the sweet pineapple and zesty lemon, every element enhances the overall delight of the recipe.
- Salmon side (2½ pounds): The star of the dish, rich and flaky, provides a hearty, healthy foundation.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Pineapple slices (1 can, drained): Adds juicy sweetness and a slight tang, perfectly complementing the salmon.
- Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): Brings a bit of spice and sweetness, giving the dish a lovely depth.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps to create a silky sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (4 tablespoons): Introduces an umami punch with subtle smokiness and sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens up the flavors with citrusy zing.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh, herbaceous finish that lifts the entire dish.
- Lime slices: Perfect for garnishing and adding an extra burst of citrus when served.
How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze, and lightly grease it so nothing sticks. This small step ensures your salmon and pineapple cook evenly and come out perfectly tender.
Step 2: Lay Out the Pineapple Base
Place the drained pineapple slices in a single layer right on the foil-lined sheet. This juicy base will add moisture and flavor from underneath, gently steaming the salmon as it cooks.
Step 3: Season and Place the Salmon
Give your salmon a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. If your salmon has the skin on, place it skin-side down on top of the pineapple. This helps protect the fish from drying out and crisps up the skin for delightful texture contrast.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and the reserved pineapple juice. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended into a smooth, rich sauce that will coat your salmon with amazing flavor.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Salmon
Pour the sauce evenly over your salmon, letting it seep into every crevice and the edges of those lovely pineapple slices. This step locks in the bright, spicy, and sweet flavor profile that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 6: Bake Until Nearly Done
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to check that the salmon is cooked through but still moist and flaky—the moment it starts to flake easily with a fork is your signal to move to the next step.
Step 7: Broil for That Beautiful Caramelized Finish
Switch your oven to broil and let the salmon cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. This final step caramelizes the sauce on top, creating slightly charred edges with an irresistible glaze that adds flavor and a gorgeous visual appeal.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and arrange lime slices on the side. The fresh herbs and citrus slices give a bright, fresh contrast that makes every bite pop.
How to Serve Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime slices are the perfect finish to this dish, adding vibrant color, fresh aroma, and a glimmer of citrus that balances the sweet and savory sauce beautifully. If you want to add a little extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds would also be lovely.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a fresh cucumber salad that adds crunch and coolness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon fillets on individual plates layered over a bed of rice with pineapple slices artfully arranged around the edge. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for pops of color. If serving at a party, mini skewers of pineapple and salmon chunks, drizzled with the sauce, make for an elegant appetizer version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked pineapple salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and moisture if properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. While freezing may slightly alter the texture, it should still reheat well within 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the salmon’s delicate texture and prevent the pineapple from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple slices work wonderfully here and will add a bright, natural sweetness. Just be sure to drain any excess juice to avoid making the baking sheet too watery.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
No worries! You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce and honey or maple syrup for a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for skinless salmon?
Yes, you can use skinless salmon without issue. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might cook a bit faster without the skin to protect it.
How spicy is this dish?
The sweet chili sauce adds a gentle kick of heat balanced by sweetness, making it mild enough for most palates but with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and pineapple slices ahead, but it’s best to assemble and bake the salmon just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Baked Pineapple Salmon Recipe enough for those moments when you want impressive flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a joyful dish that brings tropical sunshine to your plate, combining the succulent richness of salmon with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!
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 Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-Inspired
Description
This Baked Pineapple Salmon recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tangy twist on traditional baked salmon. Featuring juicy pineapple slices, a flavorful sauce made from sweet chili and hoisin, and a caramelized broiled finish, this dish is vibrant, easy to prepare, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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 and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange pineapple slices: Place the drained pineapple slices in a single layer on the prepared foil-covered baking sheet.
- Season and place salmon: Season the salmon side with salt and pepper. Position the salmon on top of the pineapple slices, skin-side down if the skin is on.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and the reserved ¼ cup pineapple juice until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Coat salmon with sauce: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the salmon, ensuring it is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is nearly cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for caramelization: Switch the oven to broil mode and cook the salmon for another 3–5 minutes, until the top is caramelized and slightly charred on the edges for added flavor and texture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime slices on the side for an extra burst of citrus brightness.
Notes
- You can use skin-on or skinless salmon depending on preference; skin-on helps keep the fish moist during baking.
- Reserve the pineapple juice to add sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
- Broiling at the end adds a beautiful caramelized texture and flavor; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if preferred.
