Pineapple Chili Salmon : This perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory recipe, succulent salmon fillets are glazed with a vibrant pineapple chili sauce, balancing sweetness with a kick of heat for weeknight dinners or dinner parties.
What is Pineapple Chili Salmon?
At its core, pineapple chili salmon is a dish where fresh or glazed salmon fillets are paired with a pineapple-chili sauce. The sauce usually combines crushed pineapple, chili flakes, garlic, soy sauce, honey, or brown sugar, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The dish is typically baked, grilled, or pan-seared, and it pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pineapple Chili Salmon
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible. Its rich flavor and firm texture stand up well to the bold pineapple chili glaze.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by using more or fewer chili flakes. For a milder kick, substitute with smoked paprika or sweet chili sauce.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the salmon marinate in the sauce for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate the fish.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s tender and flaky. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (medium-rare) or 145°F (fully cooked).
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Grilled Pineapple Chili Salmon: Grill the salmon fillets and pineapple slices for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Pineapple Chili Salmon Bowl: Serve the salmon over steamed rice, topped with sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds for a complete meal.
- Pineapple Chili Glazed Salmon: Make a thick glaze using pineapple juice, honey, and chili flakes, then brush it over the salmon while baking or grilling.
- Sheet Pan Pineapple Chili Salmon: Add broccoli, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Swap out honey or brown sugar for a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit.
How to Serve Pineapple Chili Salmon
- With Rice: Steamed jasmine or coconut rice perfectly complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Over Salad: Flake the salmon and toss it with arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, wholesome meal.
- In Tacos: Break the salmon into chunks and serve it in soft tortillas with pineapple salsa and a dollop of sour cream.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the salmon on a large platter with grilled pineapple slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
How to Store Pineapple Chili Salmon
- Refrigerating: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the salmon in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the salmon dry to ensure the sauce adheres well.
Is pineapple chili salmon spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much chili you use. It can be adjusted to suit your taste.
What type of chili should I use?
Crushed red pepper flakes are the most common choice, but you can also use fresh chili peppers, chili powder, or a splash of sriracha.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pineapple chili sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the salmon fresh for best results.
What sides go best with pineapple chili salmon?
Steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and tropical fruit salsas are excellent accompaniments.
Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other meaty fish like mahi-mahi, halibut, or cod.
Pineapple Chili Salmon
Pineapple Chili Salmon : This perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory recipe, succulent salmon fillets are glazed with a vibrant pineapple chili sauce, balancing sweetness with a kick of heat for weeknight dinners or dinner parties.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed), minced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice from 1 lime
- ½ tsp salt
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 oz lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp sriracha
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
For the Grilled Salmon:
- 4 (4–6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
Make the Pineapple Salsa:
- Mix together pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:
- Whisk cornstarch, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lime juice, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, whisking often, until it thickens slightly. Keep warm.
Grill the Salmon:
- Preheat your grill to 450-550°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and pepper.
- Grill skin-side down with the lid closed for 5-7 minutes, until the fish lightens and releases easily.
- Flip the fillets and cook for 2 more minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F.
- Let the salmon rest, covered, for 3-5 minutes to lock in moisture.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle the pineapple glaze over each salmon fillet.
- Top generously with the pineapple salsa for a vibrant, flavorful finish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 112Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1433mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 2g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple chili salmon is a recipe that brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Its combination of tropical sweetness and a hint of spice makes it versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you bake it, grill it, or serve it in a creative variation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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