Golden Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe

Sweet & Zesty Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Crisp summer evenings call for a delectable honey pineapple salmon that dances with tropical sweetness and rich marine flavors.

Pacific wild salmon shines when brushed with golden honey and tangy pineapple glaze.

This quick dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

Bright ingredients merge into a harmonious plate that promises satisfaction in every bite.

Fresh herbs and a touch of citrus spark additional depth to this elegant seafood creation.

Home cooks can elevate their dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Dive into a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

How To Pan Sear Or Bake Honey Pineapple Salmon

  • Flavor Fusion

Create a delectable sauce by blending tangy pineapple juice with rich honey in a saucepan. Toss in aromatic garlic and a hint of spicy red pepper for an explosion of tropical flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

  • Sauce Symphony

Heat the mixture over medium flame, letting the ingredients mingle and transform. Gently stir as the liquid begins to bubble and slowly thicken, concentrating the vibrant flavors. Once the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly reduced consistency, remove from heat and let it rest, allowing the flavors to intensify and harmonize.

Sweet And Tangy Swaps For Honey Pineapple Salmon

  • Glaze Perfection Technique: Whisk the sauce constantly while simmering to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the salmon.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos to reduce salt content without compromising flavor depth, perfect for those watching sodium intake.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a gentle hint to a bold kick, making the dish adaptable for mild or adventurous palates.
  • Alternative Protein Swap: Replace salmon with chicken breasts or tofu for a versatile recipe that works wonderfully for different dietary needs, maintaining the delicious tropical glaze profile.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the honey pineapple glaze ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing quick and easy weeknight dinner preparation.

Ways To Serve Honey Pineapple Salmon For Dinner

  • Tropical Dinner Plate Companion: Serve the glazed salmon over a bed of fluffy coconut rice, allowing the sweet and tangy sauce to drizzle across the grains for extra flavor.
  • Island-Style Side Pairing: Add a fresh pineapple salsa with diced red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to complement the salmon's honey-glazed exterior and provide a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Green Veggie Boost: Roast asparagus spears or broccolini with a light seasoning of salt and pepper, creating a crisp green side that balances the rich, sweet salmon glaze.
  • Colorful Garnish Touch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the salmon to add a nutty crunch and fresh visual appeal that elevates the dish's presentation.

How To Store Leftover Honey Pineapple Salmon Safely

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always place the fish in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain optimal quality.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Splash a tablespoon of water or extra sauce to keep the fish moist and delicious.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen salmon maintains excellent taste for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Sauce Separation Solution: Keep the honey pineapple sauce separately from the salmon when storing. Store sauce in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before drizzling over reheated salmon for maximum flavor renewal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything That Goes Into Honey Pineapple Salmon

For Glaze:
  • Pineapple Juice: Provides a bright, tangy base for the sauce that tenderizes the salmon and adds tropical sweetness.
  • Honey: Creates a rich, golden caramelization and balances the savory elements with natural sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and helps create a glossy, rich coating for the salmon.
  • Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the sweet and tangy glaze.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a gentle heat that adds complexity and subtle spiciness to the sauce.
For Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and nutrition.
For Optional Seasoning:
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and help balance the sweet and tangy glaze.

Cooking Tools For Honey Pineapple Salmon

  • Small saucepan: Perfect for simmering the sweet and tangy glaze with all the flavorful ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning out pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps you precisely add garlic and red pepper flakes.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
  • Whisk: Optional tool for blending the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
Print
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Golden Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe

Golden Honey Pineapple Salmon Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent honey pineapple salmon brings together sweet and savory flavors from tropical cuisine. Pacific Northwest ingredients combine with Hawaiian-inspired marinades for a quick, elegant seafood dinner you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) diced fresh pineapple (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Glaze Preparation: Merge pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan, heating over medium flame to create a vibrant, aromatic liquid.
  2. Sauce Development: Gently simmer and reduce the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that will elegantly coat the salmon.
  3. Salmon Preparation: Position the salmon on a baking sheet or grilling surface, ensuring optimal placement for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Glazing and Cooking: Liberally brush the prepared glaze over the salmon, then cook using your preferred method – baking, grilling, or pan-searing – until the fish reaches a translucent pink center and effortlessly flakes with a fork.
  5. Caramelization and Finishing: During the final cooking moments, apply an additional glaze layer to create a glistening, caramelized exterior. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the salmon to rest briefly, enabling residual heat to complete the cooking process and redistribute natural juices.

Notes

  • Prevent Sauce Burning: Monitor the glaze closely while simmering to avoid scorching, which can create bitter undertones and ruin the delicate flavor profile.
  • Optimize Salmon Texture: Pat salmon dry before glazing to ensure crisp edges and better sauce adherence, preventing excess moisture from steaming the fish instead of caramelizing.
  • Control Honey Caramelization: Watch carefully during final glazing stage to achieve golden-brown color without burning, which can quickly turn the sauce bitter and acrid.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan version, or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt content, making the recipe more inclusive and health-conscious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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