Print

Pineapple Chipotle Salmon: 1 Flavorful Sweet Glazed Dish

Pineapple Chipotle Salmon Sweet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Pineapple Chipotle Salmon recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Juicy salmon fillets are coated in a vibrant glaze made from fresh pineapple, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice, then pan-seared and finished to flaky perfection. It’s an easy yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Pineapple Chipotle Glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely diced
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
  • For the Salmon:
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Chipotle Glaze: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced yellow onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in diced fresh pineapple; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and juices release.
  2. Add minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, soy sauce (or tamari), smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. Add ¼ cup water or vegetable broth if needed.
  3. Blend the glaze until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return to the saucepan and keep warm over very low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using) into the hot skillet. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  6. Flip the salmon fillets. Immediately brush a generous layer of the warm pineapple chipotle glaze over the top and sides of each fillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Alternatively, finish on the stovetop or grill.
  7. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the heat. Brush one more generous layer of the pineapple chipotle glaze over the top of each fillet. Transfer to a serving platter and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe can be made ahead of time: The pineapple chipotle glaze can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before mincing.
  • Ensure salmon is patted completely dry for a better sear.
  • Internal temperature for medium-cooked salmon is 135-140°F (57-60°C).

Nutrition