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If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with flaky, tender salmon, this Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s bursting with tropical freshness from juicy pineapple combined with the warm notes of ginger and garlic, all tied together by a glossy, sticky glaze that clings perfectly to every bite of salmon. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple to make yet impressive enough to wow anyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of cooking this Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe. Each element plays a vital role in creating a balance of flavors, from the rich salmon fillets that provide hearty protein to the fresh pineapple that contributes sweetness and tang. The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates a harmonious glaze that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, skin-on fillets around 6 ounces each for perfect portioning and crispy skin when cooked.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: The star of the glaze offering natural sweetness and bright tropical flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a beautifully caramelized glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Garlic, minced: Adds pungent warmth and complexity.
- Grated fresh ginger: Brings a hint of spice and zestiness that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the glaze for that luscious, sticky coating.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch evenly into the glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon and enhancing natural flavors.
- Green onions, sliced: For a fresh, mild crunch as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nuttiness and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
Start by blending fresh pineapple chunks with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. This creates a vibrant and flavorful glaze that’s the heart of this Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe. The freshness of the pineapple combined with the savory and sweet components will instantly make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Cook and Thicken the Glaze
Pour the blended pineapple mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This step helps meld the flavors beautifully. Then, stir in a cornstarch-water slurry to thicken the glaze until it becomes glossy and luscious, about 2 to 3 minutes. The thick glaze will coat the salmon perfectly, intensifying every bite.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning highlights the fish’s natural flavors and ensures it doesn’t get lost beneath the bold glaze.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add just enough oil to coat the pan. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes to get a nice, crispy skin. The golden crust will add delightful texture to contrast with the tender interior.
Step 5: Add Glaze and Finish Cooking
Flip the salmon carefully and brush half of the pineapple glaze over the top. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and the salmon to cook through to a juicy, flaky perfection.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Glaze
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and drizzle the remaining pineapple glaze over the fillets. This adds a final burst of that sweet and tangy goodness that makes the Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds provide beautiful color contrast and an added crunch that elevates the overall eating experience. They bring lightness that balances the rich glaze wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a crisp green salad. The subtle oils and bright pineapple flavors harmonize with light and fluffy or fresh components, making each bite satisfying but not heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your pineapple glazed salmon on a bed of coconut rice or roasted vegetables. You can also add edible flowers or thin slices of fresh pineapple for a tropical-themed meal that’s as pretty as it is delicious. The glossy glaze catches the light magnificently, making this dish a centerpiece-worthy delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon with the glaze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing, but the flavor will remain vibrant and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in a low-temperature oven or on the stovetop to preserve its delicate texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish. Adding a small splash of water or extra glaze during reheating will keep the salmon moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is preferred for its natural brightness and texture, but if you only have canned, use pineapple chunks packed in juice (not syrup) and drain them well before blending. The glaze might be a bit sweeter and less vibrant, but it will still be delicious.
Is this glaze suitable for other types of fish?
Absolutely! This Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe’s glaze works beautifully on other firm, flaky fish like cod, halibut, or even sea bass. Just adjust cooking times to suit the thickness of your fish.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the pineapple glaze can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat gently before brushing onto the salmon. This can save time when you’re ready to cook.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside. Typically, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes total cooking time for 6-ounce fillets.
Can I grill the salmon instead of using a skillet?
Definitely! Grilling adds a smoky touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet pineapple glaze. Brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe is like inviting a tropical getaway right to your kitchen. It’s incredibly satisfying how such straightforward ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. I encourage you to try it soon—the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors will quickly make this one of your go-to meals. Trust me, once you taste it, it won’t be long before you’re making it again!
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Pineapple Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
This Pineapple Glazed Salmon recipe features tender, pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze made from fresh pineapple, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. This easy-to-make dish combines vibrant tropical flavors with a perfectly cooked salmon, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking (such as vegetable or canola oil), about 1 tablespoon
For the Pineapple Glaze
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined to form the pineapple glaze.
- Simmer the Glaze: Pour the blended pineapple glaze into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering glaze, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency, then remove from heat.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Salmon – Side 1: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to crisp up.
- Flip the Salmon and Glaze: Carefully flip the salmon fillets over. Brush half of the pineapple glaze over the cooked side and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet, place on serving plates, and drizzle the remaining glazed over the tops. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a crispy skin.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor in the glaze; canned pineapple might add unwanted sweetness or water content.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
