Cooktop Cove: Made this for my family and it's such a hit!
By Georgia Lynn
Picture a serene Midwestern summer evening, cicadas humming gently in the dusk and a warm breeze carries the sweet scent of cornfields. It's on nights like these that I cherish the simple, comforting foods that tie us to this land and to each other. Baked Pineapple Salmon is somewhat of a unique blend, mingling the steadfast traditions of Midwestern cooking with a hint of the exotic. Now salmon might not be native to our corn-laden plains, but this dish celebrates the beautiful way our table has expanded to include flavours from the coasts. On a wood-aged farm table, under the soft glow of hanging porch lights, this recipe offers a way to share a tale of unity - surf meeting turf right here in our home kitchens. This dish is for those evenings when you long for something that delights the palate and feeds the soul with a touch of sweetness and warmth.
To accompany our beautiful Baked Pineapple Salmon, I recommend something that honors our Midwestern roots while complementing the tender fish and its pineapple companion. A hearty spoonful of wild rice pilaf and a helping of steamed green beans, seasoned just so with a dash of salt and a generous pat of butter, will do nicely. And for a fresh crunch, I like to add a colourful garden salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. Together, they round out the meal perfectly.
Baked Pineapple Salmon
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, approximately 6 ounces each
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and start by tenderly laying out your salmon fillets on a lightly greased baking dish, being sure to season each piece with a loving sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sweetness of the brown sugar, the brightness of the lemon juice, and the warmth of the minced garlic and ginger. Then, stir in the soy sauce to create a lovely, harmonious glaze.
3. Spoon the glaze over each salmon fillet with care, making sure every inch is kissed with flavor.
4. Gently top each filet with the diced fresh pineapple, allowing the juices to commingle as they bake.
5. Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. As the salmon cooks, the kitchen will fill with a fragrance that tells stories of family gatherings and warm embraces.
7. Once the salmon is ready, bestow each piece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill to add both color and a hint of garden freshness.
Variations & Tips
- Feel free to swap fresh pineapple for canned, if that's what you have in the pantry, but make sure to drain it well.
- If you're fond of a bit more zest, a squeeze of lime juice in the glaze can brighten the flavors further.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more or less brown sugar to suit your family's particular song of tastes.
- For a smoky note, try grilling the salmon with the pineapple on top. It brings out a different character in the dish that reminds us of summer barbecues and festivities.
- Always remember to check your salmon's doneness with care. Just like the seasoned wood of an old barn, each piece of salmon has its own story of moisture and texture.
There's a history etched into every bite we take, a legacy of flavors and gatherings. This Baked Pineapple Salmon is more than just a recipe – it's a connection, a tradition, and a new memory in the making. Enjoy every mouthful, dear hearts.
Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove