Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

Whenever I think of summer barbecues, I can’t help but recall the delightful moments I spent grilling with friends and family. One dish that always made an appearance was my Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish never failed to impress. Picture vibrant slices of fresh pineapple grilling alongside succulent salmon, all coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce. The aroma fills the air, transporting me back to those sunny days filled with laughter and love. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate any meal.

Main Ingredients for Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

When it comes to creating a memorable dish, the right ingredients are essential. For the Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon, we focus on fresh, vibrant components that work harmoniously together. The star ingredient, salmon, is complemented by the sweetness of pineapple and the bold flavors of the sauce. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish.

• Pineapple: Fresh slices or rounds of pineapple add a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the salmon. They caramelize beautifully when grilled, creating a delightful texture.
• Salmon fillet: A fresh salmon fillet is the main protein for this dish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and deliciously flaky when cooked.
• Peanuts: Roasted and roughly chopped, peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, contrasting with the tender fish.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Sweet chili sauce: This sauce is the key flavor component, providing sweetness and a hint of spice.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
• Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and a zesty kick, elevating the flavor profile.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish, balancing the sweetness with acidity.
• Brown sugar: This adds a touch of caramelization and sweetness to the glaze.
• Oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce: These sauces deepen the umami flavors, creating a rich and complex sauce that complements the salmon.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

Cooking the Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon is a breeze, and the results are incredibly satisfying. Follow these easy steps to create a gorgeous and tasty dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and develops a lovely texture.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients together. Combine the sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings, ensuring they blend well.
4. Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. They should be spread out to allow for even cooking.
5. Place the salmon fillet on top of the pineapple layers. This allows the flavors to meld as they cook.
6. Brush the sauce mixture generously over the salmon, ensuring it’s fully coated for maximum flavor.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through. Look for a beautiful, flaky texture indicating it’s ready.
8. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top of the dish for a pop of brightness just before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions for an added layer of flavor and a burst of color.
10. Serve with lime slices on the side for those who love an extra zing!

Recipe Variations about Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

This recipe lends itself to various adaptations while retaining its core deliciousness. Here are some ways to put your spin on it:

• Grilled Option: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon and pineapple on an outdoor grill instead of baking them.
• Vegetable Additions: Add some bell peppers or zucchinis to the baking sheet for a colorful vegetable medley.
• Rice Pairing: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal.
• Fruit Variations: Swap pineapple for mango or peach—these fruits caramelize beautifully and offer a different flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prepping. Just store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Flavor with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to the garnish for a refreshing twist.

Side Dish Ideas for Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

Pairing sides with your Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice complements the flavors of the salmon beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Fresh steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a pop of color and a healthy crunch.
• Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette enhances the sweet notes of the dish.
• Grilled Corn: Sweet grilled corn on the cob provides a fun, summery touch.
• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with fresh herbs and lemon dressing pairs nicely and adds texture.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a fantastic balance with the salmon.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing can help cut through the richness of the salmon.
• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad can serve as a refreshing end to your meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon brings together sweet and savory flavors in a delightful way that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. I encourage you to try making this dish for your next gathering or even for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with memorable flavors and a touch of summer nostalgia.

Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon

The ultimate flavor-packed dish that combines sweet pineapple with savory salmon, creating a delightful culinary experience. This Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon is perfect for any occasion, and it's so easy to prepare that you'll want to make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Pineapple sliced in about 10 slices that are ¼ inch thick or use canned pineapple rounds
• 1.5-2 Salmon fillet pounds, deboned
• ¼ Peanuts roasted and roughly chopped
• 1 Cilantro tablespoon, chopped
• to taste Green onions chopped
• ½ Sweet chili sauce cup
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Ginger tablespoon, grated
• 1 Lime juice tablespoon
• 2 Brown sugar tablespoons
• 1 Oyster sauce teaspoon
• 2 Fish sauce tablespoons
• 2 Soy sauce tablespoons

Equipment

• Grater
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients together.
4. Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place the salmon fillet on top of the pineapple layers.
6. Brush the sauce mixture generously over the salmon.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes or until just cooked through.
8. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top of the dish.
9. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions for an added layer of flavor.
10. Serve with lime slices on the side.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before or after cooking, but it's best fresh.
• Pairing: Serve with coconut rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Try using different fruits like mango for a tropical twist.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.