Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon recipe featuring tender baked salmon glazed with a tangy sweet chili pineapple sauce, enhanced with rice vinegar and soy sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Ingredients
Salmon and Pineapple
- 2-2.5 lbs. salmon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (8 oz.) cans pineapple slices, drained (reserve pineapple juice for glaze)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon and Pineapple: Place the 2-2.5 lbs. salmon on the prepared foil. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the drained pineapple slices around the edges of the salmon. Fold up the edges of the foil to create a sealed packet that will keep moisture in during baking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice. This glaze will add a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Apply Glaze and Bake: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the salmon inside the foil packet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook gently and absorb the glaze flavors.
- Broil for Finish: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the salmon for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the edges of the salmon just start to blacken, adding a slight char and enhancing the flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, open the foil carefully, and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving. This adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweet and spicy glaze beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the glaze by modifying the amount of brown sugar or sweet chili sauce to your taste.
- Broiling at the end gives the salmon a slightly caramelized finish but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Foil helps in easy cleanup and keeps the salmon moist during cooking.
