Name: Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional); Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

This Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweetness from pineapple with a delightful hint of spice. It’s a quick and easy meal, ideal for those nights when you want something delicious yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 salmon fillets

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a small bowl, I whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

I place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the fillets. I make sure to cover them well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Preheat the grill or skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, I heat the olive oil in the pan.

I remove the salmon from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

Grill or cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve the salmon hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add more heat: If you like your dishes spicier, you can add extra sriracha or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Fruit variations: Swap out the pineapple juice with orange or mango juice for a slightly different sweet and fruity flavor profile.

Grilled vs. Skillet: I like grilling the salmon for that smoky flavor, but if I’m indoors, a skillet works just as well. You can even broil it in the oven if you prefer!

Storage/Reheating

If I have any leftovers, I store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend using the skillet or oven, heating the salmon gently to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked?

I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque throughout, with a moist texture. If it’s still translucent in the center, it needs a bit more time.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! If I’m using frozen salmon, I let it thaw completely before marinating and cooking.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! I sometimes make the marinade a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Can I grill the salmon instead of cooking it on the stove?

Yes, I actually love grilling it! It gives the salmon a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy marinade.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as I use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon is not only a quick and easy weeknight dinner but also a dish that bursts with flavors. The combination of sweet pineapple and the kick of sriracha makes it a standout meal. Whether grilled or cooked in a skillet, it’s a surefire way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful dinner any night of the week.

Recipe:

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salmon combines the perfect balance of sweetness from pineapple with a spicy kick from sriracha, elevated by fresh ginger and garlic. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.