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Flavorful Hawaiian Teriyaki Grilled Salmon Recipe with Easy Pineapple Salsa

hawaiian teriyaki grilled salmon - featured image

Juicy, tender salmon grilled with a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki glaze and topped with a bright, fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical, flavorful meal perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)
  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz each, fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Teriyaki Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water until sugar dissolves. Stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch if a thicker glaze is desired. Set aside.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the teriyaki marinade over the salmon, coating each piece well. Reserve the other half for basting. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: Combine diced pineapple, chopped red bell pepper, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Preheat Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F). Oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Salmon: Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with reserved teriyaki marinade. Grill until caramelized with grill marks and salmon flakes easily, about 8-10 minutes total.
  6. Serve: Plate salmon with pineapple salsa on top or on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate salmon for 20-30 minutes for best flavor; avoid marinating longer than an hour to prevent texture changes. Use skin-on salmon to help hold fillets together and add crispy texture. Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broil in the oven carefully. Pineapple salsa is best fresh but can be made up to 2 hours ahead. Adjust jalapeño for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki salmon, grilled salmon, pineapple salsa, Hawaiian recipe, easy salmon recipe, summer grilling, healthy seafood