Pin This bold and vibrant baked pineapple salmon brings tangy Thai flavors to your kitchen and makes any weeknight dinner special. Imagine buttery salmon soaked in a savory sweet chili glaze, roasted over juicy pineapple that tastes like sunshine. All you need is one pan and twenty minutes for major flavor with easy cleanup.
This recipe became my go-to whenever I wanted to wow friends but still have time to relax. Now my family begs for it every time fresh salmon is on sale and the house smells amazing while it bakes.
Ingredients
- Side of salmon: choose the best quality you can get look for bright color and firm flesh
- Can of pineapple slices: pick pineapple rings for easy layering and make sure to reserve some juice for the sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: brings the tang and heat of Thai flavors use your favorite brand
- Unsalted butter: adds silkiness and richness to the sauce
- Hoisin sauce: deepens the sweet and savory base select a brand with balanced flavor not overly salty
- Fresh lemon juice: fresh brings brightness that canned juice cannot match
- Garlic cloves minced: for sharp aromatic base choose nice plump cloves
- Salt and pepper: add just enough to enhance fish taste use flaky sea salt if you have it
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: provides a hit of herby freshness rough chop it just before serving
- Lime slices: squeeze over the salmon to finish and cut richness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Tray:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius right at the start so it is ready to go Find a rimmed baking sheet and line it with nonstick foil which helps make cleanup a breeze
- Season and Arrange the Salmon:
- Lay your salmon skin side down on the foil Pat it dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper This ensures a well seasoned fish that holds up to the sauce
- Layer the Pineapple Beneath:
- Evenly space your pineapple slices under the salmon so they peek out at the edges The juices will caramelize and infuse the fish from beneath Trust me this trick keeps things extra juicy
- Mix the Thai-Inspired Glaze:
- Combine sweet chili sauce melted unsalted butter hoisin sauce minced garlic fresh lemon juice and reserved pineapple juice in a bowl Whisk until everything is silky smooth This step combines sweet heat and brightness in one easy pour
- Sauce the Salmon:
- Pour all of the glaze over your salmon Use a spoon or brush to make sure it coats every inch allowing flavors to seep in while baking
- Bake to Juicy Perfection:
- Slide the tray into your preheated oven Bake for about fifteen minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes when prodded with a fork For a charred finish broil the top for five minutes watching closely for those crackly golden edges
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top just as it comes out of the oven Add lime slices for guests to squeeze Right before serving let the salmon rest for a few minutes it helps the juices settle and keeps the fish moist
Pin The pineapple is always the star for me Sometimes I sneak in extra rings because I love the caramelized edges and how the juices soak into the salmon It reminds me of family holidays when there was always competition for the biggest pineapple pieces
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge It stays fresh up to two days Warm gently in the oven to preserve the juicy texture Avoid microwaving which can dry the salmon out Leftovers make a satisfying cold salad addition or sandwich filling
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find sweet chili sauce use regular chili sauce with a spoonful of honey and a splash of vinegar Fresh pineapple works beautifully instead of canned but make sure to cut it into even rings and save some juice for the glaze Butter can be swapped for coconut oil to keep things dairy-free
Serving Suggestions
Serve over jasmine rice or a mound of coconut rice for the ultimate pairing Pair with a crisp cucumber salad for a cool side that balances the spicy glaze Set out extra lime wedges and fresh herbs to let everyone build their favorite bite
Pin This colorful traybake is always worth making again for both family meals and festive occasions Serve immediately and enjoy the sunny flavors in every bite
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the salmon moist while baking?
Covering the salmon with the pineapple slices and sauce helps retain moisture and yields juicy, flaky fish.
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple rings work well; just add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice for best results.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
Enjoy with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- → Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free to keep the dish free from gluten.
- → How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed straight from the oven, but leftovers reheat well for up to two days.