Description
Pineapple salmon brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table, melding juicy fruit with tender fish in one delightful dish. Baking this salmon creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets
Supporting Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Sauce and Glaze Ingredients:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Crank your oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dry each salmon fillet thoroughly with paper towels, then sprinkle ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper across the surface. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and massage gently into the fish.
- Create the glaze by combining ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add 1 teaspoon grated ginger to the mixture. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir into the simmering glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Position salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and liberally brush with the pineapple glaze. Scatter 1 cup pineapple chunks around the fish for additional flavor.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon easily flakes with a fork. For extra caramelization, switch to broil and cook for 1-2 additional minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, and squeeze fresh lime wedges over the top before serving.
Notes
- Check salmon freshness by ensuring it has a clean ocean smell and firm, shiny flesh without discoloration.
- Avoid overcooking salmon by using a meat thermometer and removing it from the oven when internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory depth.
- When selecting pineapple, choose ripe fruit with a sweet aroma and slight give when pressed for maximum flavor in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-23 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg