Pineapple Glazed Salmon is a fresh and flavorful dish that balances the rich, buttery taste of salmon with the sweet and tangy punch of pineapple glaze. The glaze brings a delightful shine and a tropical twist to the tender, flaky fish, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
I love making this when I want something that feels a little special but is still super easy to prepare. The sweet pineapple glaze caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, giving the salmon a lovely sticky coating that is both juicy and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together in no time.
My favorite way to serve this is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some roasted veggies, so you get a nice mix of textures and flavors on your plate. Plus, it makes for a colorful and inviting meal that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are great, but frozen also works if thawed properly. Look for wild-caught if you can for a richer flavor. Skin-on helps keep the fish moist during cooking, but skinless is fine too.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice makes a big difference with its bright, natural sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, canned juice works in a pinch—but avoid any with added sugar.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Honey adds a nice floral sweetness, but brown sugar gives a deeper caramel flavor. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good swaps if you want a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: It adds umami and saltiness. For a lower sodium option, use light soy sauce or tamari. Coconut aminos also work well here for a gluten-free choice.
How Do I Get the Pineapple Glaze Just Right Without It Being Too Runny or Too Thick?
Balancing the glaze thickness is key for coating the salmon beautifully. Here’s how I handle it:
- Start by simmering the pineapple juice mixture to concentrate flavors gently—avoid boiling hard, so it doesn’t get bitter.
- Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while whisking to prevent lumps. This thickens the glaze without overpowering it.
- Cook 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
- If the glaze feels too thick, stir in a little water or extra pineapple juice.
- If too thin, let it simmer a bit more before removing from heat.
- Brush the salmon generously during the last minutes of cooking to build a sticky, flavorful layer without burning.
Following these tips helps you get a sticky, balanced glaze that clings nicely to the salmon, giving every bite a boost of sweet and tangy flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for getting a nice sear on the salmon and easy glaze caramelization.
- Small saucepan – to simmer and thicken the pineapple glaze smoothly.
- Whisk – helps you blend the cornstarch slurry into the glaze without lumps.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to coat the salmon evenly with the pineapple glaze.
- Spatula or fish turner – for flipping the salmon without breaking it apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for mahi mahi or cod for a milder white fish that soaks up the glaze nicely.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a bit of heat.
- Stir in fresh chopped mint or basil at the end to brighten the tropical flavors.
- Mix diced mango or orange segments into the pineapple glaze for extra fruity sweetness.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For The Pineapple Glaze:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Diced pineapple and chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. Total time is roughly 20 minutes, making it a quick and delicious meal option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Prepare the Salmon:
Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each salmon fillet. This will bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
2. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Then, remove it from the heat.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they turn a golden brown color.
4. Glaze and Finish Cooking:
Flip the salmon to the other side and brush generously with the pineapple glaze. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the salmon from the skillet. Spoon some extra glaze over the top of the fillets. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. If you like, add diced pineapple and chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice and your favorite cooked vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear.
How Can I Make the Glaze Thicker or Thinner?
If the glaze is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, whisk in a little extra pineapple juice or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I Substitute the Pineapple Juice?
Fresh pineapple juice gives the best flavor, but canned juice works well too. Avoid juices with added sugar to keep the glaze balanced. You can also mix orange juice with a bit of lime for a similar tropical taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra glaze to keep it moist.
