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Flavorful Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Recipe Perfect for Easy Pineapple Marinade

grilled teriyaki salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled teriyaki salmon recipe featuring a fresh pineapple marinade that tenderizes the fish and adds a tropical sweetness, perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely crushed or blended
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pineapple Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well blended (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the pineapple teriyaki marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover or seal, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Salmon: Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off (reserve marinade). Place fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to develop grill marks and crispy skin.
  5. Flip and Baste: Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Brush the top side with reserved marinade, then grill for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove salmon from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

Do not marinate salmon longer than 1 hour to avoid over-tenderizing due to pineapple’s bromelain enzyme. Use a fish spatula to flip carefully to prevent breaking the fillets. Control grill heat to avoid burning sugars in the marinade. If flare-ups occur, move salmon to a cooler part of the grill. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If no grill is available, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear for a crisp finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, teriyaki salmon, pineapple marinade, easy salmon recipe, summer grilling, healthy dinner, quick dinner, seafood recipe