Once I’m done marinating, I preheat my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s essential to get that griddle nice and hot for that ideal sear. I take the marinaded salmon fillets and place them directly onto the grill. The sound of sizzling is music to my ears! I typically grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side. Before I flip them, I like to brush a little more of the glaze on top for that extra flavor kick, which really elevates the dish. The sweet fragrance of honey combined with the smokiness makes me feel like I’m on a beach vacation.
Now, while the salmon is grilling away, I throw those fresh pineapple chunks onto the grill as well. I leave them on for just a couple of minutes on each side until they get beautiful grill marks and caramelize slightly. This step is optional, but if you’re like me and enjoy those roasted flavors, I highly encourage it! Once everything is cooked, I remove the salmon and pineapple from the grill, serve them together on a platter, and drizzle any remaining glaze on top. This dish is as stunning as it is delicious, and I can’t wait to dig into it.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of the best tips I discovered when making this salmon is not to rush the marination process. I tested this three ways—no marination, a quick 5-minute marinade, and a longer 30-minute soak. The deeper the flavor developed, the more delicious the salmon turned out! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for those extra minutes.
Another pro tip is to keep an eye on the grill’s heat. If it’s too hot, you risk burning the fish before it’s cooked through. I’ve made that mistake! I usually find medium-high works perfectly, allowing for a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. A meat thermometer can be handy here, as salmon should ideally be cooked to 145°F (63°C).
Lastly, don’t skip the grilled pineapple! The sweet juxtaposition of the savory salmon with the charred tang of the pineapple takes this dish to the next level. I also like to experiment by adding some lime juice before serving, giving it a zingy freshness that brightens everything up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not drying the salmon fillets before seasoning. This can prevent the glaze from sticking properly, resulting in a mess on the grill. Ensure you pat the fillets dry with a paper towel first! (See the next page below to continue…)