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Quick Sweet Spicy Pineapple Salmon Recipe Easy Tropical Dinner Idea

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A quick and flavorful sweet and spicy pineapple salmon recipe that brings tropical vibes to your weeknight dinner with minimal effort and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple chunks drained)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to preferred spice level)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice. Whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust sriracha if desired. Let flavors meld for about 5 minutes.
  2. Prep the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat Your Pan: Over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Sear the Salmon: Place fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and releases easily. Flip carefully and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the Glaze: Pour pineapple glaze over salmon and scatter diced pineapple chunks around the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Let glaze simmer and thicken, spooning over salmon for another 3-4 minutes until glossy and sticky.
  6. Check for Doneness: Salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist. Total cook time is about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh pineapple for best flavor and texture. Adjust sriracha to control heat level. Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin and better glaze adherence. Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it moist. Simmer glaze on low heat to prevent burning. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently with added pineapple juice or water to loosen glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple salmon, sweet and spicy salmon, quick salmon recipe, tropical dinner, easy weeknight dinner, pineapple glaze, healthy salmon recipe