Save This Honey Pineapple Salmon is my answer to those evenings when I crave a punchy dinner that feels both special and stressfree. Perfectly tender salmon is brushed with a glossy honey pineapple glaze that bakes into a sweet and tangy caramelized crust. In under half an hour you can have a dish that tastes like something from your favorite Asian bistro but made fresh in your kitchen.
I remember the first time I made this after a long day my kids were skeptical about the pineapple at first but soon the entire baking dish was empty and now it is our goto for impressing company.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: fresh and firm fillets work best as they hold their shape and absorb the glaze
- Honey: pure honey adds natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze look for golden or wildflower honey for better depth
- Soy sauce: gives umami and a rich savory note use a good quality dark soy or tamari for glutenfree
- Pineapple juice: adds bright tartness and helps caramelize go for unsweetened juice for freshness
- Garlic: minced to bring a pungent base to the sauce fresh garlic beats jarred every time
- Ginger: grated adds warmth and a little zing buy plump smooth roots for the boldest flavor
- Salt and pepper: the simplest seasoning just enough to make the flavors pop use flaky salt if possible
- Sliced pineapple for garnish: brings extra vibrant color and texture pick ripe fragrant pineapple for best results
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and let it come to temperature so the fish will cook evenly right from the start
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together the honey soy sauce pineapple juice minced garlic and grated ginger with a pinch of salt and pepper mix until everything is smooth and glossy you want the honey to dissolve and the aromatics to distribute fully
- Arrange the Salmon:
- Place your salmon fillets skinside down in a baking dish large enough that they are not crowded pour the honey pineapple mixture gently and evenly over the top of each fillet making sure every piece gets coated
- Bake the Salmon:
- Slide the baking dish onto the center rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness you are looking for fish that is opaque and flakes easily with a fork the glaze will bubble and caramelize around the edges keep an eye on it for perfect doneness
- Garnish and Serve:
- Lift the salmon out onto plates and spoon any extra pan sauce over the top finish with slices of fresh pineapple for brightness and color serve right away so the fish stays moist and the flavors shine
Save Honey is my secret weapon in this dish not just for sweetness but for the way it glazes over in the oven My daughter always asks for the little edge pieces where the sauce bubbles and turns golden brown I think this recipe may finally be the reason my family adores fish nights
Storage Tips
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat gently warm the salmon in a low oven or a covered skillet so it does not dry out. For best results spoon a little extra sauce over before reheating to keep the fish nice and juicy.
Ingredient Substitutions
No pineapple juice on hand Try orange or mango juice for a different bright fruitiness. If you need it glutenfree swap in tamari for regular soy sauce. You can substitute maple syrup for honey if you want a deeper flavor or use brown sugar with a splash of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious glaze. Roasted broccoli or snap peas work perfectly as quick sides. For a lighter meal pile the salmon on mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette and sliced avocado for extra richness.
Save For a gorgeous finish garnish with sliced green onions sesame seeds or fresh herbs and enjoy sweet savory salmon that truly shines any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice enhances the sauce's flavor and adds natural sweetness to the glaze.
- → How can I tell if the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- → Can I marinate the salmon longer for more flavor?
Marinating up to 1 hour is recommended for deeper flavor, but avoid much longer to prevent mushy texture.
- → What are good sides for this salmon dish?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads pair well and complement the sweet and savory glaze.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce such as tamari. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.
- → Can I use other types of fish?
This glaze also works with mild white fish fillets, but adjust cooking times as needed.