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Grilled Teriyaki Salmon with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon with Pineapple Salsa features juicy salmon marinated in homemade teriyaki sauce and topped with fresh pineapple salsa. This easy, healthy dinner is perfect for summer grilling and ready in about one hour.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon

  • 4 6–8 ounce wild-caught salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick

For the Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup water
  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional

For the Pineapple Salsa

  • 2 cups finely diced fresh pineapple
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 small cucumber diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ground ginger. Heat over medium heat while whisking until the sugar dissolves, about 2–3 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup water and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) until smooth.
  • Slowly whisk the slurry into the saucepan and continue cooking for 4–6 minutes until the teriyaki sauce thickens.
  • Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
  • Reserve about ½ cup of the sauce for brushing over the cooked salmon.
  • Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining pineapple, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F / 230°C) and lightly oil the grill grates.
  • Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin-side down on the grill.
  • Close the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • During the last 30 seconds of cooking, brush the salmon with the reserved teriyaki sauce.
  • Transfer the salmon to serving plates and generously spoon the pineapple salsa over each fillet.
  • Serve immediately with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Use fresh wild-caught salmon whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  • Oil the grill well to prevent sticking.
  • Avoid overcooking; salmon continues cooking after it's removed from the grill.
  • Fresh pineapple provides the sweetest salsa.
  • Add diced jalapeño for extra heat.
  • Coconut aminos make a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Notes

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or coconut rice.
  • Pair with grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and extra cilantro.
  • Leftover teriyaki sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week