Pineapple Glazed Salmon is a bright and delicious dish that pairs the natural sweetness of pineapple with tender, flaky salmon. The glaze is sticky and slightly tangy, giving the fish a wonderful shiny finish and a burst of tropical flavor that feels fresh and light.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take too much time. The pineapple glaze is easy to whip up, and it makes the salmon taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. One trick I always use is to let the glaze thicken just enough so it coats the salmon perfectly without running off.
My favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a side of steamed rice and some lightly sautéed greens; it makes for a simple dinner that feels like a little celebration. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, people always ask for seconds—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for this dish. If unavailable, frozen is fine—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Sockeye or Atlantic salmon are great choices; farmed salmon can be milder but still tasty.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds the best brightness here. Canned pineapple can be used in a pinch, but choose chunks packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid excess sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the glaze balanced. If you want gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos make good substitutes without losing depth of flavor.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. You can swap this for maple syrup or agave if vegan or to switch things up.
Rice Vinegar: This adds the tang needed to balance sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work, but use a bit less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Do You Get the Pineapple Glaze to Stick and Look Shiny on the Salmon?
The glaze’s shine and stickiness come from properly thickening it and brushing it well on the salmon while cooking. Here’s how I make it work:
- Blend the pineapple and other glaze ingredients fully to a smooth texture so it coats evenly.
- Simmer the glaze to reduce excess liquid and concentrate flavor.
- Add a little cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken it just right. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- When salmon is nearly cooked through, spoon or brush the glaze over the fish and let it cook a few minutes more. The heat helps set the glaze and caramelize the sugars.
- Keep basting to build layers of shiny glaze that cling beautifully to the salmon.
Patting the salmon dry ensures the glaze sticks instead of sliding off. This method helps you get that amazing glossy finish you see on the plate!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for searing salmon evenly without sticking.
- Blender or food processor – makes the pineapple glaze smooth and well mixed.
- Small saucepan – to simmer and thicken the pineapple glaze nicely.
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – helpful for stirring the glaze and basting the salmon.
- Tongs or fish spatula – handy for flipping salmon gently without breaking it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try teriyaki sauce instead of pineapple glaze for a familiar, sweet soy flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick that balances the sweetness.
- Swap salmon for mahi-mahi or cod to keep the tropical vibe with a different fish texture.
- Mix diced jalapeño into the glaze for a fresh, spicy twist I like on warm days.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (plus extra for sides if desired)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. The glaze simmers and thickens in about 7 to 10 minutes, and the salmon cooks in under 10 minutes, so it’s a quick yet flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:
In a blender or food processor, mix the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
2. Cook the Glaze:
Pour the blended pineapple mixture into a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors mingle nicely.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Keep stirring and cook for another 1 or 2 minutes until the glaze thickens up. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the green onions.
4. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
5. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan, skin side down if it has skin. Let it cook about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds of the way through.
6. Add the Glaze to Salmon:
Flip the salmon pieces carefully, scoop the pineapple glaze over them, and keep spooning it onto the fish as it cooks for 2 to 3 more minutes. This helps the glaze stick and gives it a glossy finish.
7. Serve:
Place the salmon on plates, spoon extra glaze from the pan on top, and sprinkle with more green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
8. Optional sides:
This salmon tastes wonderful with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks warmed alongside, just like in the picture.
Enjoy your beautifully flavored and glistening Pineapple Glazed Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat the fillets dry before cooking to ensure the glaze sticks well and the salmon sears nicely.
How Can I Store Leftover Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
Store leftover salmon and any extra glaze in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the salmon moist and the glaze flavorful.
Can I Make the Pineapple Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it up slightly before adding to the salmon to make sure it coats smoothly and tastes fresh.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Pineapple Glazed Salmon?
Steamed rice and sautéed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or snap peas all pair wonderfully and help balance the sweet and savory flavors of the glaze.
