There is something about a glossy, tropical glaze pooling around a golden fillet of salmon that instantly brightens the whole table. Pineapple Glazed Salmon is uplifting, full of sunshine flavors, and surprisingly simple to make—perfect for a weeknight that needs a little celebration. I love how the sweet-tart pineapple and warm ginger coax the salmon into juicy, flaky perfection.

Why Pineapple Glazed Salmon Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Bright balance of flavors: the sweetness of pineapple juice and honey meets salty soy sauce for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Effortless elegance: this dish looks restaurant-worthy while staying simple enough for a busy evening.
Fast and forgiving: it bakes quickly and tolerates small timing differences, so you rarely overcook it.
Versatile for sides: it pairs beautifully with rice, greens, or a crisp slaw, making dinner planning easy.
A weeknight treat with tropical vibes: whenever I make it, my kitchen smells like summer and everyone at the table perks up.

I often turn to this glaze when I want to impress without fuss. If you enjoy exploring glazes, you might also like this take on a brown butter honey option I found especially rich: brown butter honey glazed salmon.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Glazed Salmon

4 salmon fillets — Choose center-cut fillets, skin on or off according to preference; skin helps hold shape while baking.
1 cup pineapple juice — The backbone of the glaze, it brings sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the fish.
1/4 cup soy sauce — Adds salty umami and depth, balancing the juice.
2 tablespoons honey — For shimmer and sticky gloss; you can swap for maple to vary the character.
1 tablespoon olive oil — Helps the glaze cling and promotes gentle browning.
2 cloves garlic, minced — Aromatic punch that complements the pineapple.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger — Adds warmth and bright spice; fresh works far better than ground.
Salt and pepper to taste — Season the fish lightly; soy sauce already contributes sodium.
Chopped green onions for garnish — A fresh, sharp finish that cuts through the sweetness.

If you love maple-sweet glazes, a similar recipe that leans on maple syrup is a lovely alternative: easy maple glazed salmon.

How to Put It All Together

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Assemble your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the glaze do the magic. A brief tip before you begin: give the ginger and garlic a little extra time to release their aroma into the glaze for more character.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the pineapple glaze over them.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious pineapple glazed salmon!

After the salmon comes out, spoon some of the pan glaze over each fillet for that glossy, restaurant-style finish. If you enjoy tiny bites of concentrated pineapple flavor, try serving a spoonful of caramelized pineapple on the side, similar in spirit to these sweet glazed pineapple bites: glazed kielbasa pineapple bites.

My Favorite Tricks for Reliable Results

Pat the salmon dry before glazing: it helps the glaze adhere and the surface to brown slightly rather than steam.
Taste the glaze before you pour it over the fish: you can tweak salt, honey, or ginger to match your taste and avoid surprises.
Watch the timing closely: oven temps vary, so check at 12 minutes for thinner fillets. A fork should meet slight resistance and then flake.
Use a shallow baking dish: it allows the glaze to pool and coat the fish without submerging it.
Make extra glaze for serving: reducing a little of the glaze on the stove intensifies the flavor and gives a syrupy finish. For a spicy counterpoint, you might enjoy a version with sriracha notes similar to this bold bowl idea: sriracha honey glazed salmon bowl.

Creative Twists to Make It Your Own

Add chili flakes or a squirt of Sriracha for a sweet heat lift.
Swap pineapple juice for orange or a 50/50 mix of pineapple and lime juice to brighten the acidity.
Brush on a glaze midway through baking and again during the last 2 minutes for layered shine and deeper caramelization.
Top with a pineapple-mango salsa for texture and fresh pop.
Finish with toasted sesame seeds for a gentle nutty crunch.

Perfect Pairings and Presentation

This salmon shines against simple, complementary sides. Try it atop fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up the glaze, or serve beside a coconut-lime cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A crisp cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro adds a crunchy counterpoint, and roasted fingerling potatoes bring comforting weight to the plate. For a weeknight when I want colors and texture, I serve the fish on a bed of steamed greens with a scattering of sliced avocado and chopped peanuts for a tropical, textural feast. If you enjoy nutty finishes you might be tempted by a maple and pecan pairing in another salmon idea: maple pecan glazed salmon.

Saving for Later

Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if you want to preserve texture.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 8 to 12 minutes depending on thickness. Re-warm glaze on the stove and spoon over the fish for a fresh finish.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice?
A: Yes. Blend chopped fresh pineapple and strain for juice, or use small pineapple chunks in a salsa to serve over the cooked fish. Fresh fruit adds texture and brightness.

Q: Is this safe for children or picky eaters?
A: Absolutely. The flavors are familiar and sweet without being overpowering. If little ones are sensitive to ginger or garlic, reduce those amounts.

Q: Can I cook this on the grill?
A: Yes. Grill over medium heat in a foil packet to keep the glaze from dripping into flames, or use a fish basket. Grill time varies, but the fish is done when it flakes easily.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
A: Look for a tender, opaque flake. A thermometer should read about 125 to 130°F for medium-rare, or 145°F if your preference follows the higher recommended temperature.

Conclusion

If you want a dish that tastes like a mini getaway, pineapple glazed salmon brings bright, glossy comfort to your table with minimal effort. For other takes on pineapple-salmon combinations and inspiration, I like to compare techniques and ideas from recipes like Well Plated’s Pineapple Glazed Salmon, the sweet and spicy twist at Meaningful Eats’ EASY Glazed Pineapple Salmon, and the fruit-forward approach in Little Spice Jar’s Pineapple Salsa Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze. Give this recipe a try the next time you want something bright, flaky, and a little bit celebratory. I hope it becomes a weeknight favorite for you, too.