Pineapple Chipotle Salmon brings together the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will transform your weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. The natural sweetness of pineapple creates a beautiful caramelized glaze when combined with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, complementing the rich, flaky texture of salmon fillets.
This dish has quickly become a favorite in my home, offering a tropical twist on traditional salmon recipes. It’s impressive enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a quick family meal. The vibrant colors and bold flavors will transport you to a beachside restaurant, even on the busiest weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of sweet pineapple and smoky chipotle creates an unforgettable flavor profile
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- Naturally gluten-free and packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Minimal prep work with maximum flavor payoff
- Leftovers make excellent cold salmon for salads the next day
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened to a glaze consistency.
- While the glaze is simmering, pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon in the skillet skin-side down and sear for 3 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Brush the top and sides of the salmon generously with the prepared pineapple chipotle glaze. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet, until the salmon is just cooked through but still moist.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute or two. Serve the salmon with additional glaze drizzled over the top.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or substitute with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- No fresh pineapple? Canned pineapple chunks (drained) work well too.
- Make the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator for quicker prep time.
- Try this glaze on other proteins like chicken thighs or pork tenderloin.
- For a crispier top, broil the salmon for the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Add diced jalapeño to the glaze for an extra kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Chipotle Salmon pairs beautifully with coconut rice or cilantro lime rice to complement its tropical flavors. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with avocado.
For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve the salmon over a bed of mango slaw and garnish with extra pineapple chunks and a wedge of lime. A side of black beans with a touch of cumin would round out the meal perfectly.
Notes
- Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or flakes easily with a fork.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The glaze can be quite spicy – adjust the chipotle amount to your heat preference.
- Pat the salmon dry before glazing to ensure better adhesion and caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding the glaze. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or substitute with smoked paprika for the smoky flavor without the heat.
Can I grill this salmon instead of baking it?
Yes! Grill skin-side down over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, brushing with glaze throughout.
How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
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