Honey Pineapple Jalapeno Salmon
This recipe features flaky salmon fillets glazed with a sticky honey-pineapple sauce and a hint of jalapeno heat. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty — refreshing yet rich, with a golden caramelized crust. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a complete, colorful meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings:2–3
Ingredients
For the Salmon
2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Honey Pineapple Jalapeno Glaze
½ cup pineapple chunks
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Pineapple slices or chunks
Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine pineapple, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, jalapeno, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Taste and adjust — add more honey for sweetness or lime for acidity.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until crispy.
Flip, brush with pineapple glaze, and cook another 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over as it caramelizes.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Transfer the glazed salmon to a baking dish and spoon over extra sauce.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until fully cooked and beautifully glazed.
Step 4: Serve
Plate the salmon and drizzle with remaining warm glaze.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, pineapple chunks, and lime wedges.
Serve with steamed rice, coconut rice, or roasted veggies.
Tips
For a non-spicy version, skip the jalapeno or use a small amount of mild chili flakes.
Add bell peppers or green onions to the glaze for extra texture.
Try grilling the salmon for a smoky flavor.
This glaze also works beautifully on shrimp or chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes — just use chunks in juice (not syrup) and reduce honey slightly.
Q2: Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Air fry salmon at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes, brushing glaze halfway through.
Q3: What sides go best?
Coconut rice, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or a tropical mango-avocado salad pair perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g