
This baked pineapple salmon brings tropical flair to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. With juicy pineapple, a sweet and tangy glaze, and tender salmon, it is the easiest way to serve a vibrant Thai-inspired main dish that feels special but comes together quickly and creates almost no mess.
Ingredients
- Salmon side: look for a fresh glossy side with firm texture and mild aroma since salmon is the star
- Pineapple slices: either fresh or from a can both work but good quality canned pineapple saves time and comes with juice for sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: brings gentle heat and sticky sweetness choose a Thai brand you trust for big flavor
- Unsalted butter: melted gives the sauce richness and keeps the salmon moist
- Hoisin sauce: adds a deep savory sweet background opt for one with clean ingredients
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens up every bite with acidity fresh squeezed is best
- Garlic: minced to infuse the glaze with a deep aroma make sure it is fresh not jarred
- Salt and pepper: to balance flavors always season both sides of the salmon before baking
- Fresh cilantro: as a garnish for herbal freshness choose bright green bunches
- Lime slices: for squeezing over at serving for extra zing
- Reserved pineapple juice: from the can or fresh for tang and moisture in the sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Get your oven hot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil for the easiest cleanup
- Season The Salmon:
- Put the salmon skin side down on the lined tray and season with salt and pepper evenly on both sides so each bite is well seasoned
- Arrange The Pineapple:
- Place pineapple slices directly underneath the salmon making sure they are evenly spread which helps infuse flavor and stops sticking
- Mix The Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together sweet chili sauce melted butter hoisin sauce minced garlic fresh lemon juice and reserved pineapple juice until smooth and slightly thick
- Glaze And Bake:
- Pour the mixture evenly over the salmon covering the top completely and tuck the pineapple under as desired then bake for fifteen minutes until the fish looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork
- Broil For Caramelized Finish:
- In the last five minutes set the oven to broil and let the glaze bubble and char slightly at the edges for extra flavor
- Garnish And Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime slices on the side to squeeze over each portion for brightness

Storage Tips
You can store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days The salmon will taste just as good cold on a salad the next day For best flavor reheat in the oven at a low temperature and cover with foil to keep it moist Avoid microwaving for too long as this can dry out the fish
Ingredient Substitutions
If fresh salmon is not available frozen works well just thaw thoroughly before baking You can use maple syrup with a dash of chili flakes in place of sweet chili sauce for a different sweetness and mild spice If you do not have hoisin sauce try teriyaki or a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar for a similar effect

Serving Suggestions
Serve this salmon over coconut rice or jasmine rice with a side of simply sautéed greens I also like to slice extra limes so everyone can add their own finish at the table For a fancier presentation arrange the salmon on a platter surrounded by the baked pineapple and garnish with extra cilantro
Cultural Notes
Thai inspired fusion dishes like this one blend the bright clean flavors of Southeast Asia with easy home cooking Pineapple is a classic ingredient in Thai curries and grilled dishes and here it pairs perfectly with sweet chili and savory hoisin for an approachable celebration meal
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you know when the salmon is cooked through?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and changes from translucent to opaque. Baking for 15 minutes at 375°F is usually sufficient for a thick fillet.
- → Can you use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple slices work well. Reserve some juice or use a little more lemon juice to replace the canned juice if needed.
- → What sides complement this salmon best?
Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or a light cucumber salad pair perfectly with the tangy, sweet flavors of the salmon.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble everything on the baking tray, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add garnishes just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
Try a mix of soy sauce with a splash of honey for a similar sweet-savory note if hoisin sauce is unavailable.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
The salmon is naturally gluten-free, but confirm your sauces (especially hoisin and chili sauce) use gluten-free ingredients.