Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing pineapple and preparing salmon.
Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Extracts fresh lemon and lime juice easily.
Spatula or Tongs: Helps transfer salmon from tray to serving plate.
Optional Broiler: Adds delicious charred edges to the fish.
Cooking Instructions for Pineapple Salmon
Oven Preparation Warm up your kitchen companion to create the perfect cooking environment for a delightful seafood adventure.
Salmon Setting Gently place the salmon on a foil-lined stage, ready to be transformed into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Tropical Bedding Spread sweet pineapple slices as a golden carpet beneath the fish, creating a tropical foundation.
Flavor Fusion Craft a magical sauce by blending sweet chili, butter, hoisin, garlic, and citrus notes that will dance across the salmon's surface.
Cooking Magic Slide the culinary creation into the oven, allowing heat to work its transformative powers for about 15 minutes until the fish becomes perfectly tender and flaky.
Finishing Touch Give a quick broil to create irresistible caramelized edges that add a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Brilliance Sprinkle fresh cilantro and add a squeeze of lime to bring a final burst of brightness to this oceanic delight.
Pineapple Glaze Tips for Salmon Flavor Boost
Marinate salmon in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before baking to intensify the tropical taste profile.
Replace salmon with white fish like halibut or cod for a different yet equally delicious seafood experience.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for those craving extra heat and bold flavors.
Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus alongside the salmon to create a complete one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
Transform remaining salmon into fish tacos or flake into a fresh salad the next day, maximizing your culinary creativity and reducing food waste.
Serve Baked Pineapple Salmon with Rice or Greens
Tropical Plate Paradise: Arrange the salmon on a bed of coconut rice, letting the vibrant pineapple sauce drizzle beautifully across the grains.
Fresh Island Accompaniment: Create a quick side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich salmon flavors.
Protein Power Pairing: Serve alongside grilled asparagus or roasted sweet potato wedges to add nutritious green and orange vegetables that complement the sweet and savory salmon profile.
Bright Citrus Finish: Offer additional lime wedges and a small sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro to let guests customize their plate with extra zesty brightness.
How to Store Leftover Pineapple Salmon
Quick Chill Technique: Store leftover salmon in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Fridge Storage Strategy: Refrigerate remaining fish for up to 3 days, keeping the salmon sealed tightly to retain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve the delicate texture of the fish.
Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, allowing storage for 2-3 months without compromising taste or quality.
Succulent baked pineapple salmon delivers tropical flavors through a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Juicy pineapple glaze and tender fish create an effortless weeknight dinner that delights both palates and senses.
Ingredients
Scale
2.5 lbs (1.2 kg) side of salmon
½ cup sweet chili sauce
4 tbsps hoisin sauce
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can pineapple slices, drained
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
2 tbsps fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Lime slices, for serving
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and release.
Salmon Seasoning: Thoroughly dry salmon fillets and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
Fruit Foundation: Create a vibrant base layer of pineapple slices across the baking sheet, positioning fillets directly on top to maximize moisture and infuse tropical essence.
Flavor Fusion: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pineapple juice in a mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
Sauce Application: Evenly drizzle the prepared sauce over salmon, coating each fillet completely to enhance taste and moisture retention.
Roasting Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until salmon turns opaque and flakes effortlessly with minimal fork pressure.
Caramelization: Activate broiler for 3-4 minutes to develop a rich, slightly charred exterior and intensify flavor profiles.
Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, allow 2-3 minutes resting time for juice redistribution, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty complement.
Notes
Moisture Magic: Use fresh pineapple slices to create a natural, juicy base that prevents salmon from drying out and adds incredible tropical flavor.
Sauce Secrets: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors, ensuring each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Doneness Detection: Check salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F and looks opaque with easy flaking to guarantee perfectly cooked fish without overcooking.
Broiler Brilliance: Watch carefully during final 3-4 minutes of broiling to achieve beautiful caramelization without burning the delicate salmon surface.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.