Description
This Tropical Coconut Crusted Salmon with Pineapple Salsa brings a taste of the islands to your dinner table. Crispy coconut-coated salmon fillets are baked or pan-seared to perfection and topped with a bright, zesty pineapple salsa — a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp flour (for dredging)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
- For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Place flour in one bowl and beaten egg in another. Dredge each salmon fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press into the coconut mixture to coat all sides.
- Place coated salmon on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted coconut oil.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. (For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.)
- While the salmon bakes, prepare the pineapple salsa: combine pineapple, red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently to mix.
- Serve the coconut-crusted salmon topped generously with pineapple salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor — canned pineapple can make the salsa watery.
- The coconut crust can also be made with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Pair with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a tropical salad for a complete meal.
- To air fry: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes for a crispy, lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion