How to Cook Salmon Perfectly on a Griddle: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results

Cooking salmon on a griddle is one of my favorite ways to prepare this healthy, delicious fish The high, direct heat of the griddle gives the salmon a lovely crispy skin and seals in the moisture so the fish stays tender and juicy inside

I love cooking salmon on my home griddle, and I’ve learned some great ways to make sure I always get great results. I will share everything I know in this easy guide so you can make succulent, tasty grilled salmon every time.

Why Cook Salmon on a Griddle?

There are a few key advantages to cooking salmon on a griddle rather than by other methods

For a nice crust, place the salmon directly on the hot griddle. This gives it a browned, crispy crust that adds a lot of flavor. The crusty outside and moist inside are what make great griddle salmon unique.
Quick to cook: The salmon cooks quickly on the griddle, in just 10 to 15 minutes. This makes griddle-cooked salmon ideal for busy weeknight meals.
Adds smoky flavors: The salmon gets infused with a light smoky flavor from the griddle, taking on the taste of an outdoor grill.
Retains moisture: Unlike oven baking which can dry out the fish, the griddle seals in the natural juices and oils, keeping the salmon very moist and tender.
Easy and convenient: Cooking on a griddle indoors is so much easier than grilling outdoors. Just place the fillets on the preheated griddle and flip once halfway through.

Tips for Choosing Salmon for the Griddle

To get the best results, start with high-quality salmon fillets:

Go thick: Choose fillets that are at least 1-inch thick so they can get browned on the outside without overcooking. Thinner pieces will dry out too quickly.
Opt for skin-on: Salmon cooked skin-side down on the griddle gets an extra-crispy skin that’s full of flavor.
Pick fattier varieties: Fattier salmon like king and sockeye hold up better to the high heat and have more omega-3s. Leaner fish like Atlantic can still work but be careful not to overcook.
Buy responsibly: Look for sustainability-certified salmon like Marine Stewardship Council to support healthy oceans.
Ensure freshness: Salmon should smell ocean-fresh, not fishy. The color should be bright.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Salmon on a Griddle

With quality salmon in hand, now let’s go over the simple process for cooking it to perfection on the griddle:

1. Pat the Salmon Dry

Before cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drying the surface helps ensure the fish browns nicely and doesn’t stick.

2. Brush with Oil and Season

Lightly brush both sides of the salmon with oil. I like avocado oil for its high smoke point but olive oil also works well.
Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. I also love adding garlic powder, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning.

3. Preheat the Griddle

Heat up your griddle on medium-high, around 375°F to 400°F. An infrared thermometer helps get the right temp.
When hot, the griddle should sizzle when sprinkled with water.

4. Sear the Salmon Skin-Side Down First

Place the fillets skin-side down on the hot griddle.
Sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin gets crispy and browned. Resist the urge to move them around.

5. Flip and Cook Second Side

Flip each fillet over with a thin metal spatula.
Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until lightly browned.
Total cooking time is just 9-11 minutes for 1-inch thick pieces.

6. Check for Doneness

The best way to test for doneness is by temperature. Use an instant thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillets.
Salmon is perfectly cooked at 110°F to 125°F, any higher and it will be dry.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check for flakes separating with a fork.

7. Let Rest Before Serving

When the salmon comes off the griddle, let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
This allows the juices to reabsorb so they don’t run out when you cut into it.
Serve the salmon warm with lemon wedges, fresh dill, or your favorite sauces.

And that’s it – just follow these simple steps and you’ll get professional-level salmon from your griddle!

Common Griddle Salmon Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know how to do it right, here are some key mistakes to watch out for:

Cooking too hot – If the griddle is ripping hot, the salmon can burn and dry out. Keep the temp at medium-high.
Overcooking – It only takes 10 minutes max for 1-inch fillets. Carefully monitor thickness and use a thermometer.
Turning too early – Let that first side get nicely browned before flipping. Don’t move the fillets around.
Not letting rest – Those delicious juices will spill out without a brief resting period after cooking.
Using too much oil – Just a light brushing is needed. Too much oil will prevent browning.

Follow the tips provided here and you’ll be rewarded with tender, flaky salmon with the perfect crisp crust every time you cook it on the griddle!

Serving Ideas for Griddle Salmon

A good piece of salmon needs little accompaniment but here are some tasty serving ideas:

Salmon over greens with lemon vinaigrette
On toasted baguette with garlic aioli and arugula
In a bowl with sushi rice and diced avocado
In a lettuce wrap with hoisin sauce and pickled vegetables
On a loaded baked potato with bacon bits and sour cream
In tacos with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle crema
As the protein in a Buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing
On top of creamy polenta cakes with sun-dried tomato pesto
Mixed in a pasta salad with fusilli, shaved fennel, olives and creamy dill dressing
Served on a bed of curried lentils or smoky black beans

The simple flavors of griddle-cooked salmon pair so nicely with crunchy, creamy, and acidic condiments. Get creative with your own tasty combinations!

Cooking Other Types of Fish on a Griddle

While salmon may be the most popular, you can use a griddle to cook many types of fish to succulent perfection:

Firm fish like tuna, halibut, swordfish and mahi mahi – These hold up very well to the high heat. Cook to medium or medium-rare like a good steak.

Arctic char and trout – Similar to salmon, cook these fatty fish skin-side down first for crispy skin.

Tilapia, flounder and sole – More delicate so cook these thin, quick-cooking fillets gently on a lower temp.

Shrimp and scallops – No need to flip, just cook on one side until opaque. Shrimp cooks fast so watch carefully.

Calamari steaks – Get them nicely charred on the griddle then serve with lemon and marinara sauce.

Mussels and clams – Cook in a flat pan or griddle skillet until the shells pop open.

Just about anything from the sea tastes amazing with that lovely crust from the griddle! Adjust temps and cook times based on thickness and delicacy.

Preparing a Whole Salmon on the Griddle

For an impressive centerpiece meal, try cooking a whole salmon side on a large griddle:

Choose wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture. Aim for about 5 pounds.
Remove pin bones with tweezers or pliers so guests don’t get surprised.
Season generously all over the fish and inside the cavity. Consider stuffing lemon and herbs in the cavity.
Place skin-side down and cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until skin crisps.
Turn carefully using two spatulas. Cook on second side for another 7-10 minutes.
Check temp in thickest part until it reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving with your favorite sauces and sides.

The flesh should be moist and flaky, and the top layer of skin beautifully crisped. Serve carve

How To Cook Salmon On The Blackstone

Salmon is a delicious and nutritious fish that can be cooked in many different ways. One popular method is cooking salmon on the Blackstone griddle. The Blackstone griddle provides a unique cooking experience, with its large flat surface and even heat distribution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly cooked salmon on the Blackstone.

Fresh salmon filets
Salt and pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges
Optional: your favorite herbs and spices

Preheat your Blackstone griddle on medium-high heat. This will make sure the salmon cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.
Put salt and pepper on both sides of the salmon filets while the griddle heats up. You can also make it taste better by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Extra virgin olive oil should be drizzled on the salmon filets to keep them from sticking and to give them a subtle richness.
When the griddle is hot, put the salmon filets on it with the skin side down. Make sure there is enough space between each filet so that they cook evenly.
Depending on how thick the filets are, cook the salmon for 4 to 6 minutes on each side. To see if the salmon is done, use a spatula to gently press on it. It should be firm yet still slightly springy.
Use a fish spatula or tongs to carefully flip the salmon, making sure it stays together and doesn’t fall apart.
For an extra 4 to 6 minutes, or until the fish is done the way you like it, cook the other side of the salmon. Keep in mind that salmon keeps cooking after it’s taken off the heat, so it’s better to cook it just a bit less than done to keep it moist and tender.
Put the salmon on a plate after it’s done cooking and let it rest for a few minutes so the juices can spread out again.
For a brighter taste and a hint of acidity, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon.
Enjoy the hot salmon that was cooked just right with your favorite sides.

You can make this tasty dish to wow your family and friends now that you know how to cook salmon on the Blackstone griddle. The Blackstone griddle will give you a great cooking experience and delicious results, whether you like your food with just salt and pepper or want to try out different flavors. So fire up your griddle and get ready to enjoy tender and flavorful salmon!.

More Delicious Salmon Recipes to Try on Your Blackstone

Now that you know how to cook salmon on the Blackstone, it’s time to add some more tasty recipes that use this skill to your repertoire. Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus is a simple but delicious dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the freshness of asparagus. It’s great for a healthy dinner. If you want to try something from around the world, the Moroccan Spiced Salmon Couscous takes salmon and adds exotic spices that make the dish colorful. If you like things that are tried and true, the Classic Lemon Herb Salmon Blackstone is a great choice. The classic mix of lemon and herbs brings out the natural flavors of the salmon. Each recipe gives you a different way to enjoy the delicious variety of salmon cooked on the Blackstone, so you’ll be the hit of any dinner party. Share your tips and tricks for cooking salmon on the Blackstone griddle in the.

Salmon on the Griddle – Healthy Griddle Recipe

FAQ

How to grill salmon on a flat top?

Once the griddle is hot, place the salmon filets skin-side down on the griddle. Make sure to leave enough space between each filet to allow for even cooking. Cook the salmon for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filets. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the salmon with a spatula.

Should you oil salmon before grilling?

Right before placing it on the grill, lightly rub the salmon with olive oil on both sides, and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Always season fish just before grilling to avoid moisture loss and flare-ups.

Do you have to flip salmon on the grill?

As always use these times as a base, true times will depend on the thickness of your salmon and temperature of your grill. But as a general rule you’ll grill salmon for 6-8 minutes skin side down, flip once and then grill 1-2 minutes flesh side down.

How do you cook salmon on a griddle?

Preheat the griddle to 375°F. Lightly brush the griddle with oil. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on all sides. Place the seasoned salmon skin-side down on the griddle. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Gently turn the salmon over with a spatula and cook the other side for 3-5 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.

What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?

It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.

Can you cook salmon on a grill without a griddle?

As long as the fish is patted dry with a paper towel, it will brown up nicely. If you don’t have a griddle you can place the salmon in foil and cook it directly on the grill grates. Surprisingly, you can get similar results by doing this and lowering the grill lid to keep the heat inside the grill while cooking.

How do you know if salmon is cooked on a griddle?

An instant read internal thermometer is the best way to judge when your salmon is done cooking on the griddle. However, if you don’t have an internal thermometer, you can tell when salmon is done by the texture and color of the meat. The fish should be light pink in color, and it should easily flake apart with a fork.