Honey Pineapple Salmon

This sweet-and-savory salmon dish is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or elegant dinner. The honey adds richness, pineapple juice gives a tropical tang, and soy sauce balances everything with umami.

📝 Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g each)

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned, unsweetened if possible)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or low-sodium)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, fresh pineapple chunks

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

1️⃣ Prepare the sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Honey

• Pineapple juice

• Soy sauce

• Minced garlic

Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

2️⃣ Marinate the salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

• Lightly season with black pepper (salt is optional because soy sauce is salty).

• Place the salmon in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag.

• Pour half of the sauce over the salmon.

• Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes only.
  ⚠️ Do not marinate longer—pineapple juice can break down the fish too much.

Reserve the remaining sauce for cooking.

🔥 Cooking Methods

🥘 Pan-Seared (Recommended)

1. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.

2. Place salmon skin-side down.

3. Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden.

4. Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes.

5. Pour in the reserved sauce.

6. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.

7. Spoon the sauce over the salmon before removing from heat.

🔥 Oven-Baked

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Place salmon in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

3. Pour sauce evenly over the fillets.

4. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes.

5. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for caramelization.

🔥 Grilled

• Grill salmon over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.

• Brush frequently with sauce to avoid drying.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or coconut rice

• Pair with roasted vegetables, green beans, or broccoli

• Add a fresh salad with citrus dressing

• Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor

🌶️ Variations

• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce

• Extra tangy: Add 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

• Asian-style: Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• Thicker sauce: Simmer sauce separately for 3–4 minutes