Cooking Salmon to Perfection on Your Blackstone Griddle

Cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle is a great way to prepare this delicious and nutritious fish. The Blackstone griddle provides a large, flat surface that allows for even cooking and a nice sear on the salmon. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to cook salmon on a Blackstone griddle, including the different cooking methods, seasonings, and techniques to achieve a perfect dish.

Choosing the Right Salmon

Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to choose the right type of salmon for your dish. There are several types of salmon, including:

• Chinook (King) salmon: This is the largest and most prized species of salmon, known for its rich flavor and firm texture.
• Sockeye (Red) salmon: This type of salmon is known for its deep red color and rich flavor.
• Coho (Silver) salmon: This type of salmon is milder in flavor than Chinook or Sockeye salmon but still has a rich flavor and firm texture.
• Atlantic salmon: This type of salmon is farmed and has a milder flavor than wild-caught salmon.

For cooking on a Blackstone griddle, it’s best to choose a type of salmon that is at least 1-1.5 inches thick. This will allow for even cooking and a nice sear on the outside.

Preparing the Salmon

Before cooking the salmon, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:

Cleaning and Scaling

• Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
• Remove any scales or bloodlines from the salmon.

Seasoning

• Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
• Add any other seasonings you like, such as lemon juice, garlic powder, or dill.

Oil and Acid

• Brush both sides of the salmon with oil, such as olive or avocado oil.
• Squeeze a sliver of fresh lemon juice over the salmon.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook salmon on a Blackstone griddle, including:

Grilling

• Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
• Place the salmon on the griddle, skin side down (if it has skin).
• Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
• Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Pan-Sealing

• Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium heat (around 300°F).
• Add a small amount of oil to the griddle and swirl it around.
• Place the salmon on the griddle, skin side up (if it has skin).
• Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the salmon is cooked about halfway through.
• Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Blackening

• Preheat the Blackstone griddle to high heat (around 500°F).
• Add a small amount of oil to the griddle and swirl it around.
• Place the salmon on the griddle, skin side up (if it has skin).
• Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is blackened and crispy on the outside.
• Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Tips and Techniques

Here are some tips and techniques to help you achieve a perfect dish:

Don’t Overcook

• Salmon cooks quickly, so make sure to check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should be cooked to at least 145°F.

Don’t Press Down

• Resist the temptation to press down on the salmon with your spatula, as this can cause it to break apart and lose its juices.

Use a Cast Iron Press

• If you have a cast iron press, use it to weigh down the salmon and achieve a crispy crust.

Add Aromatics

• Add aromatics such as lemon slices, garlic, or herbs to the griddle while cooking the salmon for added flavor.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle:

Not Preheating the Griddle

• Make sure to preheat the griddle to the right temperature before cooking the salmon.

Not Oil the Griddle

• Make sure to oil the griddle before cooking the salmon to prevent it from sticking.

Overcrowding the Griddle

• Cook the salmon in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough room to cook evenly.

Conclusion

Cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle is a great way to prepare this delicious and nutritious fish. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve a perfect dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to choose the right type of salmon, prepare it properly, and cook it to the right temperature to ensure a delicious and safe meal.

By following the guidelines outlined in this table, you can ensure that your salmon is cooked to perfection on your Blackstone griddle.

What is the ideal temperature for cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle?

The ideal temperature for cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle is between 400°F to 425°F (200°C to 220°C). This temperature range allows for a nice sear on the outside while cooking the inside to the desired level of doneness. It’s essential to preheat the griddle for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature.

To check the temperature, you can use an infrared thermometer or the thermometer that comes with your Blackstone griddle. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready for cooking.

How do I prepare the salmon fillets for cooking on the Blackstone griddle?

To prepare the salmon fillets for cooking on the Blackstone griddle, start by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Remove any bloodlines or dark meat, as they can be bitter and affect the overall flavor. You can also season the salmon with your desired herbs and spices, such as salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dill.

Make sure to oil the griddle before cooking the salmon to prevent sticking. You can use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or avocado oil. Place the salmon fillets on the griddle, skin side up if they have skin. If not, you can cook them either side up.

How long does it take to cook salmon on a Blackstone griddle?

The cooking time for salmon on a Blackstone griddle depends on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick fillet. For a 1.5-inch thick fillet, cook for 5-6 minutes per side.

It’s essential to cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). You can check the internal temperature by inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. Make sure not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough.

Can I cook frozen salmon on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon on a Blackstone griddle, but it’s essential to thaw it first. Thawing the salmon will help it cook more evenly and prevent it from steaming instead of searing. You can thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water.

Once thawed, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season the salmon as desired and cook it on the preheated griddle. Keep in mind that cooking frozen salmon may affect its texture and flavor, so it’s best to use fresh salmon whenever possible.

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the Blackstone griddle?

To prevent the salmon from sticking to the Blackstone griddle, make sure to oil the griddle before cooking. You can use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or avocado oil. Apply a thin, even layer of oil to the griddle using a paper towel or a brush.

Additionally, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help the salmon sear better and prevent it from sticking to the griddle. If the salmon does stick, don’t force it to flip. Instead, use a spatula to gently loosen it from the griddle.

Can I cook salmon with the skin on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on a Blackstone griddle. In fact, cooking the salmon with the skin on can help it stay moist and add flavor. To cook salmon with the skin, place the fillet skin side down on the preheated griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Then, flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Make sure to oil the griddle before cooking to prevent the skin from sticking. Cooking salmon with the skin on can also help it cook more evenly and prevent it from breaking apart.

How do I store leftover cooked salmon?

To store leftover cooked salmon, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it in the oven or microwave.