Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe
Honey Pineapple Salmon is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy honey-pineapple sauce. Paired with a fresh pineapple salsa, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, ideal for a tropical-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Honey Pineapple Glaze
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup fresh pineapple juice (or canned, unsweetened)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice (for balance)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a better sear. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to add flavor and color.
- Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if the skin is on, and cook for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip and cook: Turn the fillets over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are nearly cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the glaze: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, minced garlic, lime juice, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a luscious glaze.
- Glaze the salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the thickened glaze over each piece. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, basting frequently with the sauce, until the salmon is fully cooked and coated with the glossy glaze.
- Prepare the pineapple salsa: In a small bowl, combine diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the salsa sit for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Serve: Place the glazed salmon fillets over a bed of rice or quinoa. Drizzle extra glaze on top, then add a spoonful of the pineapple salsa for a fresh, tropical finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant tropical salmon masterpiece!
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for the best flavor; canned unsweetened juice works well in a pinch.
- Skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist during cooking, but you can remove the skin if preferred.
- The ginger and red pepper flakes are optional but add wonderful depth and mild heat to the glaze.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Leftover pineapple salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best served fresh.
Keywords: honey pineapple salmon, glazed salmon, tropical salmon recipe, stovetop salmon, pineapple salsa, easy salmon dinner