One warm summer morning, I came to a bustling coastal farmer’s market with my sister-in-law. The sun was just reaching over the stalls, and we paused at a seafood vendor who offered samples of fresh salmon. We chatted about family recipes and she mentioned her grandmother’s sweet-glazed salmon, brightened with pineapple juice. That image stayed with me all afternoon as I wandered home, basket full of herbs and fresh fruit.
A few evenings later, I decided to bring that memory into my kitchen. As the oven warmed and I whisked honey with pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, the aroma filled the air—like a vacation captured in a single pan. My husband walked in from the garden, his shirt smeared with fresh basil, and paused at the counter to taste the glaze. His eyes lit up at the balance of sweetness and warmth.
We baked the salmon gently, basting it halfway through so each fillet became glossy and caramelized. When I presented the finished dish—salmon ruby-bright and topped with fresh pineapple slices, it felt like a simple celebration on the plate. That night, we shared it with our grown children over wine and laughter on the patio, the ocean breeze carrying away any leftover stress.
Short Description
Oven-baked salmon fillets brushed with a sweet honey-pineapple glaze, mellowed with garlic and ginger, for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced pineapple and fresh cilantro for garnish
Tools Needed
- Small bowl and whisk
- Baking sheet lined with parchment or foil
- Pastry brush or spoon for glazing
- Spatula or fish turner for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Make Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil until smooth.
Step 3: Season Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry and place skin-side down on the baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Apply Glaze
Brush half of the honey-pineapple glaze over the top of each salmon fillet.
Step 5: Bake and Baste
Bake for 6–8 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Continue baking another 6–7 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and edges begin to caramelize.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and garnish with sliced pineapple and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey and tangy pineapple bring bright balance to tender salmon
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
Health-Conscious: Loaded with protein and omega-3s, with a light glaze
Versatile: Great on its own or served alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies
Colorful Presentation: Pineapple slices and cilantro make it feel festive and fresh
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Glaze burns too fast
Solution: Brush halfway through baking and watch closely during the last minutes
Salmon overcooks
Solution: Bake until fish flakes easily—usually 12–15 minutes depending on thickness
Salmon sticks to foil
Solution: Use parchment or lightly brush olive oil before placing fillets
Glaze runs off
Solution: Pat salmon dry before seasoning and glazing
Salmon is bland
Solution: Use good-quality honey, fresh pineapple juice, and freshly grated ginger
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Plate with coconut rice or cilantro-lime quinoa
Add sides of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp cucumber salad
Offer lime wedges, extra pineapple, and cilantro garnish on the side
Great plated individually or family-style for gatherings
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cooled salmon covered in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat gently in oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly
Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads or tacos for a quick second meal
Sauce can be stored separately in a small container for up to 3 days
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I grill instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat, brushing with glaze and cooking about 4–6 minutes per side.
3. What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
Substitute orange juice with a splash of vinegar for tang.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
5. How do I know salmon is done?
It flakes easily with a fork, is opaque throughout, and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Tips & Tricks
Reserve salmon skin for salmon skin chips—bake until crisp
Marinate salmon in half the glaze for 10 minutes before baking for deeper flavor
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra caramelization
Use fresh pineapple for garnish and cubes for a fruit salad side
Recipe Variations
Spicy Sweet: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for heat
Citrus Twist: Swap pineapple juice for freshly squeezed orange or mango juice
Maple-Pineapple: Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer flavor
Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze
Final Thoughts
The moment my sister-in-law and I tasted that farmer’s-market sample, I knew it belonged on my dinner table. This salmon recipe carries that sunny market memory and ocean breeze into our home sweet, savory, and bright. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal yet special enough for guests.
I love seeing how it brings people together: my husband, hands smelling of basil, my daughter surprised by its flavor, and laughter that feels just like that market morning. This one-pan wonder has earned a favorite spot in my recipe files and on our plates.
Honey Pineapple Salmon
Print ThisIngredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced pineapple and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Step 2: Make Glaze
Whisk honey, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil in a bowl.
Step 3: Season Salmon
Place salmon skin-side down on the sheet. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Glaze
Brush fillets with half the glaze.
Step 5: Bake and Baste
Bake 6–8 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and bake 6–7 minutes more until flaky.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with pineapple slices and cilantro. Serve warm.
