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
- 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.
- 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.
- Salmon Preparation: Position the salmon on a baking sheet or grilling surface, ensuring optimal placement for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 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.
- 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