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Honey Pineapple Salmon
Servings: 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin on or off, patted very dry
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (plus extra rings for garnish)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (garnish)
1 tbsp neutral oil (for searing; skip if baking only)
Pinch sesame seeds (optional)
Honey‑pineapple glaze
1/3 cup pineapple juice (from the fruit or canned, not from concentrate if possible)
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra lacquer)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha (optional heat)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry; for thick, glossy finish)
Method A — Skillet‑sear + oven finish
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy, vinegar/lime, brown sugar (if using), garlic, ginger, and chili. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry; simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy. Remove from heat.
Prep salmon: Lightly season fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper (soy adds salt later).
Sear: Heat a large oven‑safe skillet over medium‑high. Add oil; when shimmering, place salmon flesh‑side down. Sear 2 minutes to get color, then flip skin‑side down.
Sauce + pineapple: Spoon some glaze over salmon. Scatter pineapple chunks (or a few rings) around the fish; toss them in a little glaze.
Oven finish: Transfer skillet to a 400°F (204°C) oven for 6–8 minutes, until salmon flakes easily (125–130°F for medium; 135°F for more done). Brush once more with glaze in the last minute.
Serve: Spoon pan juices over salmon. Top with green onion, herbs, and sesame seeds. Add extra pineapple on top.
Method B — Sheet‑pan (hands‑off)
Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly oil. Place salmon and pineapple; brush salmon generously with glaze. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 9–12 minutes (thickness varies). Broil 1 minute to caramelize.
Method C — Grill
Oil grates well. Grill pineapple rings first 2–3 minutes/side to char. Grill salmon over medium‑high, skin‑side down 5–7 minutes; brush with glaze, flip 1–2 minutes to lacquer. Warm remaining glaze and spoon over to serve.
Tips for success
Dry fish = better sear and lacquer.
Don’t overcook: pull at temp; carryover heat finishes it.
Extra sticky finish: brush with hot glaze right after cooking.
No fresh pineapple? Use canned chunks in juice; use the juice for the glaze.
Serving ideas
Coconut rice or jasmine rice and steamed broccoli/asparagus
Lime wedges for squeezing
Quick cucumber salad (rice vinegar, a little sugar, sesame oil)
Quick coconut rice
Simmer 1 cup jasmine rice with 3/4 cup coconut milk + 3/4 cup water + pinch salt. Rest 10 minutes; fluff.
Make‑ahead
Glaze keeps 4–5 days refrigerated. Warm gently to loosen before using.
Enjoy the sweet‑tangy, garlicky glaze with that charred pineapple pop!