How to Cook Perfect Salmon on the Griddle

Cooking salmon on the griddle is a quick and easy way to make a delicious healthy meal. With just a few simple steps you can have flavorful salmon ready in minutes. Keep reading for tips on choosing salmon, prepping the griddle, cooking techniques, doneness, and some tasty flavor ideas for griddled salmon fillets.

Choosing the Salmon

The first step is selecting high-quality salmon fillets to griddle Here are some things to look for

• Wild-caught salmon – This salmon is caught in its natural environment and tends to be more sustainable. Wild salmon often has brighter color and richer flavor compared to farmed salmon. Popular wild varieties include sockeye, coho and king.

• Skin-on: Salmon tastes better and stays moist longer when cooked with the skin on. The skin also makes flipping the fish easier.

• Even thickness – Try to pick fillets that are similarly sized with uniform thickness so they cook evenly. Avoid tail sections which taper off.

• Fresh – Fresh salmon has better texture and taste. If buying pre-packaged, check expiration dates and look for vibrant color with no discoloration.

• Portion size – Individual fillets around 6 oz or 4-5 oz are ideal for single servings. Larger fillets can be portioned into individual pieces.

Preparing the Griddle

Before cooking the salmon, properly preheat your griddle:

• Heat – Turn griddle to medium heat, around 350°F. This prevents sticking and gives time to cook through before burning.

• Grease – Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado, grapeseed, or refined coconut oil. Lightly brush or spray oil over the cooking surface.

• Season – Sprinkle a small amount of salt onto the greased griddle before adding the salmon. This boosts flavor.

Cooking the Salmon

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked salmon:

• Season fish – Lightly brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or rubs for flavor. Go light since salmon has a delicate flavor.

• Place on griddle – Lay fillets skin-side down and space evenly so they don’t touch. This prevents steaming instead of searing.

• Cook 4 minutes – Let salmon cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes. Resist poking or moving it so you get a nice sear.

• Flip and cook 4 more minutes – Carefully flip fillets over using two spatulas. Cook another 3-4 minutes on the second side.

• Check doneness – Salmon is done when opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer to check internal temp reads 125°F (rare) to 140°F (medium).

• Rest before serving – Let salmon rest a few minutes off direct heat before eating. This allows juices to redistribute so salmon stays moist.

Checking Doneness of Salmon

Since salmon cooks quickly on the hot griddle, it can easily go from perfection to overcooked. Here are some ways to test when it’s ready:

• Internal temperature – Insert an instant read thermometer into thickest part. 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

• Flake test – Check thickness using a fork. Salmon should flake into segments when gently pierced along the fillet.

• Color – Look for opaque, pale pink color throughout. If any translucent areas remain, it needs more cooking.

• Texture – Properly cooked salmon will be moist and tender. If parts seem dry or tough, it is likely overcooked.

Flavoring Your Griddled Salmon

Salmon takes well to many flavors. Consider rubbing or brushing the fillets with one of these easy seasoning ideas before griddling:

• Lemon pepper, salt, parsley
• Brown sugar and chili powder
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
• Pesto sauce or chimi churri
• Cajun or blackening seasoning
• Teriyaki or hoisin sauce
• Honey mustard and dill
• Balsamic glaze and garlic

Serve griddled salmon with fresh veggies and grains or salad for a fast, healthy meal. Leftovers make excellent salmon tacos or salmon salad the next day too. Enjoy this versatile fish cooked to perfection on your griddle.