Pineapple Glazed Salmon is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with tender, flaky salmon. The glaze gives the fish a beautiful, sticky coating that’s both tangy and sweet, making every bite a delight. This recipe feels light and bright, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
I love making this salmon because it’s so simple but tastes like you spent hours on it. The pineapple glaze is easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, and it brings out the best in the salmon without overpowering it. Plus, cooking the salmon with the glaze caramelizes the outside, giving it such a nice texture. I find that marinating the fish just a little bit before cooking really helps the flavors soak in.
My favorite way to serve Pineapple Glazed Salmon is over a bed of steamed rice or with some roasted veggies on the side. It’s also great with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. This dish reminds me of summer dinners and good times with friends, and I always get excited when I have leftovers for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Choose fresh or thawed salmon fillets with skin on for better flavor and to keep the fish moist. If unavailable, trout or cod can be used but cooking times may vary.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds bright sweetness, but canned juice works well too. For a twist, replace with orange juice or mango nectar.
Soy Sauce: It adds saltiness and umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt or try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: Balances tartness and caramelizes nicely. Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh grated ginger and garlic give the glaze a warm, zesty aroma. Ground ginger can be used but fresh offers best flavor.
How Do You Get the Pineapple Glaze to Stick Perfectly to the Salmon?
Getting a sticky, glossy glaze is key. Start by patting the salmon dry, which helps the glaze cling better.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down first; this crisps the skin and keeps the fish together.
- After flipping, pour the glaze over the fish to coat it evenly.
- Spoon the glaze continuously as it simmers. This builds layers of sticky flavor and helps the sugar caramelize without burning.
- If the glaze seems too thin, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the pan. Cook for a minute more until thick and glossy.
Keep the heat medium to low after adding glaze to avoid burning while allowing it to reduce and stick to the salmon beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet – great for cooking salmon evenly without it sticking and breaking apart.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together your pineapple glaze ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – help you get the glaze balance just right every time.
- Spatula or fish turner – gently flips the salmon without tearing the fillets.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the glaze ingredients quickly and without lumps.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for mahi-mahi or cod for a milder fish that soaks up the glaze well.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Stir in finely chopped fresh cilantro or basil at the end to brighten up the flavors.
- Mix diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks into the glaze for extra texture and sweetness.
Pineapple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in under 30 minutes you can enjoy a tasty, glazed salmon dinner that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps the glaze stick better. Then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the salmon easily releases from the pan and the edges turn opaque.
4. Flip and Add Glaze:
Turn the salmon fillets over gently. Pour the pineapple glaze over the salmon and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the glaze simmer gently around the fish.
5. Glaze the Salmon:
Spoon the glaze over the salmon continuously as it cooks for another 3-5 minutes. This helps the salmon soak up flavor and lets the glaze thicken. If you want a thicker glaze, add the cornstarch and water mixture now and cook for about a minute until shiny and syrupy.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the salmon to plates and spoon extra glaze over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
7. Optional Sides:
Serve your pineapple glazed salmon over steamed rice with sautéed or roasted asparagus and bell peppers for a full, colorful meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to help the glaze stick well.
How Can I Make the Glaze Thicker?
If the glaze is too thin, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook the salmon for an extra minute or two. This helps the sauce become glossy and coats the fish nicely.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can make the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook the salmon fresh for best results. Leftover cooked salmon with glaze can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
What Should I Serve with Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
This salmon pairs perfectly with steamed rice and roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers. You can also add a fresh salad or quinoa for a wholesome, balanced meal.
