Description
This Baked Pineapple Salmon features tender salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s visually appealing and pairs well with lime for a zesty finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the diced pineapple to the marinade, stirring gently to coat the pineapple pieces evenly. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- While the marinade is resting, prepare the salmon fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the marinade adhere better.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the pineapple marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, be cautious not to exceed 2 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to “cook” the salmon.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon, allowing it to cook through while keeping it moist and tender.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Once the salmon has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Discard the marinade, as it has been in contact with raw fish.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Arrange the marinated pineapple pieces around the salmon for added flavor and presentation.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For an extra touch, you can broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will give the top a nice caramelized finish. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
- Using a spatula, carefully transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fillets apart.
- Top each salmon fillet with the roasted pineapple pieces from the baking sheet. This adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. This herb complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
- Serve the baked pineapple salmon with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the salmon just before eating enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Notes
- For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing quinoa salad.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes