Name: Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness); 2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup; ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple can); 1 can pineapple rings (reserve ½ cup juice for marinade); 4-6 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons corn starch; 2-3 scallions, sliced on the diagonal

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 57 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, then this Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tropical flavors and grilled to perfection, the salmon and pineapple rings soak up a luscious marinade that elevates every bite. This recipe is a celebration of island-inspired ingredients coming together simply yet irresistibly, making it a favorite for warm nights, casual dinners, or impressing friends with a taste of aloha right from your own grill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single piece of grilled meat covered with a shiny, reddish-brown sauce placed on a white marbled surface. On top of the meat, there is a grilled pineapple ring with distinct dark grill marks creating a textured pattern. Bright green sliced scallions are scattered over the meat and pineapple, adding a fresh touch. The meat looks juicy and slightly charred around the edges, and some of the sauce has drifted onto the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this flavorful Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe. Each element plays a unique role, from the salty kick of soy sauce to the sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar, combining to give this dish its signature tropical harmony.

Low sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor without overpowering the dish.

Water: Balances the marinade for the perfect consistency.
Sesame oil: Brings a toasted, nutty aroma essential to Hawaiian flavors.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the marinade, helping the salmon caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Ground ginger: Offers a subtle warmth and zing that brightens the marinade.

Crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic crushes add pungent depth to the marinade.
Tomato ketchup: Contributes tangy sweetness and body to the sauce.

Can of pineapple rings: The tropical star that adds juicy sweetness and a beautiful char when grilled.
Fresh salmon filets: Make sure they are thick, fresh, and skin-on for optimal grilling.
Corn starch: Used to thicken the marinade into a luscious glaze.

Scallions: Freshly sliced for a pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.

How to Make Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Start by combining the low sodium soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, tomato ketchup, and reserved pineapple juice in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients well until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This marinade is the heart of the Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe, infusing each piece with a perfect blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place your fresh salmon filets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. Let the salmon soak up these beautiful flavors for at least 10 minutes and up to an hour in the refrigerator. Marinating longer allows the fish to absorb more taste, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Spray your grill with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then heat it to medium-high. A properly heated grill is crucial for getting those signature grill marks and searing the salmon just right without it falling apart.

Step 4: Grill the Salmon and Pineapple

Carefully place the salmon filets and pineapple rings onto the hot grill. Set the reserved marinade aside to prepare the sauce later. Grill the salmon for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side depending on the thickness, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. You can rotate the salmon halfway through for fancy crosshatch grill marks, but it is perfectly fine to cook without flipping, just extending the cooking time to 10-15 minutes. The pineapple gets a lovely caramelized char that brings out its natural sugars and pairs beautifully with the fish.

Step 5: Rest the Salmon

Once grilled, remove the salmon and pineapple rings from the heat and let them rest gently for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the salmon, keeping it moist and tender.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the salmon rests, strain the marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together corn starch with a little water to form a slurry, then slowly whisk this into the boiling marinade. Reduce to low heat and allow the sauce to thicken to a shiny glaze, stirring occasionally for a couple of minutes. This glaze will be drizzled over the salmon and pineapple, adding a luscious finishing touch.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle the warm sauce over the plated salmon and pineapple rings, then sprinkle with fresh sliced scallions for a burst of color and mild crispness. Serve immediately to enjoy the Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe at its freshest and most flavorful.

How to Serve Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe

A white plate holds a piece of grilled meat as the base layer, topped with a large, circular grilled pineapple ring with dark grill marks, placed neatly on top. The meat is covered in a glossy brown sauce, with small pieces of green onion scattered over both the pineapple and meat. Surrounding the meat on the plate are several bright green broccoli florets, adding a fresh color contrast. In the background, green onions and garlic rest on a white marbled surface, adding a fresh and natural touch to the scene. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet vibrant garnishes like thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. These fresh little touches bring brightness and texture contrasts, enhancing the tropical mood of the meal without overpowering the delicate salmon.

Side Dishes

This Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options include fluffy steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the luscious glaze. For something lighter, try a crisp cucumber salad or grilled asparagus to complement the smoky, sweet flavors of the salmon and pineapple.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, island-inspired presentation, serve the salmon and pineapple over a bed of mixed greens layered with shredded coconut and diced mango. Using banana leaves as serving plates or wrapping the salmon in tortillas for a casual taco night also adds an exciting tropical touch. Let your creativity flow to make mealtime feel like a mini vacation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hawaiian Grilled Salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Try to keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, freezing the grilled pineapple is not recommended as its texture will deteriorate. Label and date your frozen packages so you can enjoy them later without losing track.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low-temperature oven or microwave just until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the fish moist and tender. Warm the reserved sauce separately and drizzle over the salmon for that freshly made taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor and grill results.

Is it necessary to use pineapple juice in the marinade?

Pineapple juice adds a lovely natural sweetness and tenderizing effect, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with orange juice or a bit of honey and water for a similar balance.

How spicy is this Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe?

The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your preference.

Can I prepare this dish indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Sure! You can use a grill pan or broil the salmon in the oven. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking and try to get some nice caramelization on the pineapple.

What if I want to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap the salmon for firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, and grill them with the same marinade and pineapple rings for a delicious plant-based twist.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the bright, tropical flavors and tender grilled salmon in this Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring sunshine to your table, whether for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend cookout with friends. Give it a try and let the sweet and savory harmony transport you straight to the islands. You won’t regret it!