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Pineapple Glazed Salmon

Pineapple Glazed Salmon

This Pineapple Glazed Salmon recipe is a simple and reliable method for achieving tender, flaky salmon with a sticky, sweet and savory caramelized glaze. The combination of tangy pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and aromatics creates a delicious, restaurant-quality weeknight meal in about 30 minutes. This dish is designed to be a stress-free way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 salmon fillets, approximately 6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple, diced and well drained
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Find a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the salmon fillets with a little space between them and give it a light coating of grease. Crowding the pan will cause the fish to steam rather than bake.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger if you're using it. This is your magical Pineapple Glaze. Stir until the sugar mostly dissolves.
  3. Now for a crucial step: pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Don’t skip this! A dry surface helps the oil and seasonings adhere properly and promotes a better overall texture. Rub each fillet with olive oil and then season them well with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in your prepared baking dish. If they have skin, place them skin-side down.
  5. Spoon about two-thirds of that beautiful glaze mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. You want a nice, even coating. Scatter the diced pineapple pieces in the dish around the salmon.
  6. Time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The goal for perfect Baked Salmon is for it to be just cooked through. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but still look incredibly moist.
  7. If you love a little extra caramelization (and who doesn't?), you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it like a hawk during this step, as the sugar in the glaze can go from caramelized to burnt very quickly.
  8. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the salmon rest right in the baking dish for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the fish, guaranteeing a tender, juicy bite every time.
  9. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Serve the salmon warm, spooning some of the extra pan juices and pineapple over the top.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon; check for doneness with a fork when it flakes easily, the center should still look slightly moist. Ensure fresh or canned pineapple is drained very well to prevent a watery glaze. For crispy skin, pan-sear the salmon skin-side down before glazing and finishing in the oven. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.