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Easy Honey Pineapple Salmon

Featured in: 30-Minute Dinners

Transform plain salmon into something special with this Honey Pineapple Salmon. A 3-pound fillet sits on juicy pineapple and gets baked with a luscious honey-brown sugar marinade. Add optional caramelized pineapple for extra flavor. Bake to tender perfection and finish with fresh herbs. This mix of sweet and savory comes together in around 45 minutes.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:21:13 GMT
Juicy salmon coated in caramelized honey pineapple glaze for tropical flavor. Pin it
Juicy salmon coated in caramelized honey pineapple glaze for tropical flavor. | pinchofyummy.com

Succulent flaky salmon pairs with tangy, sun-kissed pineapple in this knockout Honey Pineapple Salmon creation. The blend of honey, sesame oil, and subtle paprika forms a glaze that browns gorgeously while baking, and the pineapple brings a sunny pop that makes this dish stand out. Since getting this cooking method just right, it's turned into my favorite pick for both casual family meals and when friends drop by.

I stumbled across this idea during a beach-themed dinner I threw last year. The mix was such a winner that even my pals who usually skip fish came back for more. These days it's our family's top salmon choice, especially when we're stuck inside during cold months and need something that feels like vacation.

Key Ingredients That Matter

  • Fresh salmon: Go for pieces with bright color, firm to touch with no gray spots or fishy odor
  • Pineapple: Works with both fresh or canned - its natural juices help soften the fish
  • Sesame oil: Gives a toasty richness that works against the sweetness
  • Honey: Makes that lovely shiny coating while keeping everything moist
  • Smoked paprika: Adds that hint of campfire taste that makes salmon even better

Easy-to-Follow Cooking Steps

Step 1: Setting Up Your Salmon
Wipe salmon completely dry for the marinade to stick better. Try to find pieces that are the same thickness for even cooking. Make small cuts in skin if you're keeping it on. Put pineapple down first to make a tasty foundation.
Step 2: Getting Your Sauce Right
Mix all wet stuff first, then sprinkle in your dry spices. Try the sauce before putting it on fish - it should taste a bit stronger than you want. Drizzle slowly over your salmon so it covers everything. Don't let it sit too long or the fish will break down.
Step 3: Cooking It Just Right
Put your baking dish on the middle shelf for the best heat. Watch the sides of the fish turn opaque. Check the thickest part with a fork to see if it flakes. Let it sit after cooking to finish up.
Step 4: Making Sweet Pineapple Topping
Use a pretty hot pan to get good browning. Turn gently so pineapple chunks stay whole. Look for a nice golden color all around. Let it cool a bit before adding to your fish.
Mouthwatering honey pineapple salmon with sweet glaze and tropical flavor notes. Pin it
Mouthwatering honey pineapple salmon with sweet glaze and tropical flavor notes. | pinchofyummy.com

As someone who used to think fish only tasted good fried or thrown on a grill, finding this approach totally changed how I feel about salmon. The way the sweet meets savory reminds me of the local dishes I tried during my first trip to Hawaii years ago.

Sweet honey salmon topped with bright pineapple creating a tropical taste sensation. Pin it
Sweet honey salmon topped with bright pineapple creating a tropical taste sensation. | pinchofyummy.com

Ways To Enjoy This Dish

  • Pairings: Put it on top of coconut rice or riced cauliflower to catch all the yummy sauce
  • Leftovers: Break up cold salmon and mix with the sweet pineapple over some greens for a quick lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can frozen salmon be used?
Absolutely, just thaw it completely and dry it off first.
→ Is caramelized pineapple required?
Not at all, but it adds some great flavor and texture.
→ Can I swap canned pineapple for fresh?
Yes, no problem—just make sure the pineapple is ripe and sweet.
→ How do I check if the salmon is done?
When it flakes easily and hits 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, it's ready.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
You can make the marinade ahead of time, but cook the salmon fresh for the best result.

Honey Pineapple Salmon

Flaky salmon paired with caramelized pineapple and a honey drizzle—each bite is packed with tropical sweetness and savory depth, ready for any night.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: 30-Minute Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Items

01 3–4 mint leaves, chopped into small bits for topping
02 One onion, small, diced if you'd like
03 3-pound salmon fillet, halved into two portions
04 A 14 oz can of pineapple chunks or rings, cut smaller

→ For the Marinade

05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 1 to 2 big garlic cloves, finely minced
07 2 tablespoons butter, melted, no salt added
08 1/8 teaspoon white pepper for a touch of spice
09 1 1/2 tablespoons honey for sweetness
10 1 teaspoon sea salt for seasoning
11 A quarter cup of pineapple juice
12 2 tablespoons sesame oil, light
13 1 tablespoon brown sugar, lightly packed
14 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smoke

→ Optional Caramelized Pineapple

15 Half a cup light brown sugar
16 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted

Instructions

Step 01

Turn the oven temperature to 400°F and cover a large baking tray with parchment or foil.

Step 02

Cut the salmon into two parts after patting it dry. Place the pieces on top of the pineapple bits laid on the foil.

Step 03

Stir together the butter, pineapple juice, sesame oil, garlic, honey, paprika, lemon juice, sugar, white pepper, and salt until everything combines.

Step 04

Pour the marinade over the salmon evenly. Let it sit in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes to soak in flavor.

Step 05

Cook in the oven for around 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F, checking for an internal temp of 145°F. Cover with foil toward the end if needed to keep it juicy.

Step 06

Let the salmon sit for around 10 minutes after cooking. Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Can work with either fresh or canned pineapple
  2. Option: Add caramelized pineapple as a topping if you like
  3. How long it cooks depends on how thick the salmon is

Tools You'll Need

  • A big baking tray
  • Foil or parchment paper lining
  • Thermometer for checking doneness
  • A skillet for caramelizing pineapple if using

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has salmon, so it contains fish
  • Includes butter, which is dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 432
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 1 g