Imagine biting into a perfectly baked salmon fillet—flaky, buttery, and infused with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Now, add to that the bright, juicy notes of pineapple, the richness of hoisin, and a touch of heat from sweet chili sauce, and you’ve got a dish that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. This Thai-inspired baked pineapple salmon is not only irresistibly delicious but also comes together effortlessly in just 20 minutes, making it a weeknight dinner hero.
What’s even better? This entire meal is cooked in a single pan! That means minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its unique yet comforting combination of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Just 5 minutes of prep, 15 minutes in the oven, and dinner is served!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is baked together, meaning fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Incredible Flavor: The blend of sweet pineapple, rich hoisin, and a hint of citrus creates a mouthwatering harmony.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and tropical goodness.
- Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors:
- Salmon Fillet: Fresh, flaky, and full of healthy fats.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the fish.
- Pineapple Slices: Sweet and juicy, adding a tropical flair.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A touch of heat with a gentle sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce: Deep, rich umami flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the flavors.
- Garlic: Aromatic depth that enhances the overall taste.
- Cilantro: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that ties everything together.
- Lime Wedges: Served on the side for an extra citrus kick.
How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil to make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon & Pineapple
Place the salmon fillet on the baking sheet and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the pineapple slices underneath and around the fish. Save the pineapple juice from the can for later.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and ¼ cup of pineapple juice. This creates a tangy-sweet glaze that will coat the salmon beautifully.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon. Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish is flaky and cooked through. For a slightly charred finish, broil for the last 5 minutes until the edges caramelize.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Honey-Ginger Glaze: Swap sweet chili sauce with honey and add grated ginger for a different take.
- Coconut Infusion: Mix in a bit of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor twist.
- Grilled Option: Instead of baking, wrap the salmon in foil and grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to extract some juice for the sauce.
2. What can I serve with this salmon?
It pairs beautifully with coconut rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the salmon in the sauce for a few hours before baking to enhance the flavors even more.
The Goods
Baked Pineapple Salmon
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Recipes
- 2 ½ pounds salmon fillet side
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can pineapple slices drained, reserve ¼ cup of juice
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- Lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Layer the pineapple slices underneath the salmon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Melted butter
- Hoisin sauce
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Reserved pineapple juice
- Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. For a caramelized finish, broil for the last 5 minutes until the edges are slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime slices.
- Enjoy! 🎉
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