GRILLED PINEAPPLE SALMON – Page 2

Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Drizzle this marinade over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings or wedges on the grill over direct heat. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the pineapple has nice grill marks and starts to caramelize. Remove from the grill and set aside.
Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down (if they have skin). Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be cooked through but still juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can also use a grill basket to keep the fillets from sticking or falling apart.
Check for Doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using thicker fillets, you may need to cook them a little longer.

Assemble the Dish: Place each grilled salmon fillet on a plate. Top with a grilled pineapple ring or wedge, and drizzle with any remaining honey-lime glaze from the pineapple. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Serve: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa. You can also serve it over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Marinate the Salmon: If you have the time, marinate the salmon for longer—up to 1 hour—so the flavors have time to penetrate the fish.
Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated properly to achieve those beautiful grill marks. Too high of a heat can burn the fish, while too low can result in undercooked salmon.
Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe, as it has the perfect level of sweetness and moisture. If you must use canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well and grill it carefully to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
For Extra Flavor: You can add a touch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the honey-lime glaze for a sweet-spicy kick. A dash of sesame seeds on top of the salmon adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.

If you have any leftover Grilled Pineapple Salmon, here’s how to store and reheat it:

Store in the Refrigerator: Place the salmon and pineapple in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the salmon and pineapple in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or heat in a skillet over medium heat. To preserve the crispiness of the grilled pineapple, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two.

Grilled Pineapple Salmon is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages:

Side Salad: A fresh, tangy side salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the salmon.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or sweet potatoes are great choices to round out the meal.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir would pair well with the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the pineapple.
Tropical Drink: Pair with a refreshing mango smoothie or coconut water to enhance the tropical flavors.