Easy Tips to Cooking Salmon on a Griddle Like Never Before
Nowadays, many people know that salmon is not only delicious, but extremely nutritious too. Packed with Omega 3s, a portion of salmon is a great choice for healthier skin, nails and brain function. However, many people are unaware that you can, in fact, cook salmon on a griddle. In this article, we've created a comprehensive and handy guide for cooking salmon using this method.
Cooking Fish on a Griddle 101
Cooking fish on a griddle
Cooking fish on a griddle is a fantastic way to prepare it, and really couldn't be simpler. No matter what type of griddle you have, it is quick and easy to cook a piece of fish on it. This applies to all different types of fish.
Cooking salmon on an electric griddle
Many people nowadays invest in an electric griddle instead of a regular stove-top model. If this is the case in your kitchen, you may be wondering whether it's possible to cook a piece of salmon on it. the short answer is: of course! As long as your griddle will heat to around the correct temperature, an electric griddle is an extremely convenient way to cook salmon. Also, it may actually be preferable to using a regular stove-top griddle. That's because you can maintain a constant and even temperature on an electric griddle, allowing you to cook the fish very evenly. This can be a little trickier on a regular stove-top griddle.
How do you cook salmon on a griddle?
If you're planning on cooking salmon on a griddle, it's really important to use the correct technique. Below, we've outlined the steps to cooking salmon on a griddle perfectly.
- 1. Spray or lightly brush your griddle with a little oil and preheat to medium-high.
- 2. Season both sides of the fish with a pinch of salt and a twist of pepper. Using your hands, gently rub the seasoning into the salmon flesh. Please be sure to wash your hands very thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap afterwards.
- 3. Start by cooking the side of the salmon that is skin-free first. Place it on the hot, oiled griddle and cook for between 3 and 5 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip the fish and cook the skin side for a further 3-5 minutes.
- 4. As you cook the skin side of the salmon, you can add extra flavourings. A splash of lemon juice or some fresh or dried herbs can add a delicious twist to your salmon.
What temperature to cook salmon on griddle?
Ideally, you would cook on a medium-high heat. There's a simple trick to see if your griddle is hot enough to effectively cook a piece of salmon. Simply add a drop of water to the griddle. If it sizzles and evaporates, the griddle is hot enough and you can start cooking your fish.
How long does it take to cook salmon on the griddle?
As we've already mentioned, around 3-5 minutes on each side should be enough to cook a regular-sized salmon fillet through, making for a total cooking time of no longer than 10 minutes. However, if you're worried about over or undercooking your piece of salmon, there is a more precise method you can use. For every inch that your salmon is thick, you will need to cook it for 10 minutes.
It's well worth checking the cooking time of your salmon before you start cooking. If you're serving it with a carbohydrate such as potatoes or rice, these will take a lot longer to cook than your fish. By working out how long you need to cook the salmon for, you'll be able to ensure that all the components of your meal are ready at the same time.
Cooking cod on a griddle
You can cook cod on a griddle as easily as you cook a piece of salmon. It's a good idea to leave the skin on to prevent the salmon from falling apart as you cook it. You can always remove it later on if you don't like to eat the fish skin. The method for cooking a piece of cod is the same as cooking a piece of salmon. Around a couple of minutes on the griddle on each side should be sufficient. However, if your piece of cod is very thick, you may need to cook it a little longer.
How to cook tilapia on an electric griddle?
Tilapia is a delicious and healthy white fish, and is a great option for adding protein to your meals. Luckily, most fish can be cooked on an electric griddle, and this includes tilapia. Following the process for cooking salmon or cod will also work with tilapia. Don't forget to season both sides of the tilapia fillet with salt and pepper before you put it on the griddle.
How long does it take to cook salmon on the grill?
If you are cooking salmon on the grill, it will usually need a little less cooking time. Allow about 8 minutes for every inch of thickness.
Do you have to flip salmon on the grill?
You do still have to flip salmon if you cook it on the grill to ensure even cooking. Start by grilling the skinless side of the salmon first. After about 5 minutes, you will notice that the salmon will start to rise away from the grill grate. This shows it is ready for turning. Flip it over, and grill for another 3 minutes or so on the skin side. Please note that you will need a little more time on each side if your salmon fillet is thicker than 1 inch.
Which side of the salmon to grill first?
Just like when you cook salmon on a griddle, you should always start by cooking the skinless side first on a grill. This will allow the fish to cook through evenly.
How do I cook salmon in an electric skillet?
The process of cooking salmon on an electric skillet is identical to that of cooking on an electric griddle. If you follow our steps for griddling you fish, you should get perfect results on an electric skillet.
Do you flip salmon when pan frying?
In order to cook your salmon evenly, it is important to flip it when pan frying. Always start with the skinless side first. After around 3-5 minutes, you should flip it over onto the skin side and cook for a further 3-5 minutes. If you don't flip, you could end up with one side burnt and one side undercooked.
When is salmon done?
If the salmon is just beginning to flake when you poke at it with a knife, then this is a sign that it is cooked through and ready to eat. The easiest and most reliable way to tell whether your salmon is properly cooked, however is to use a meat thermometer. To use this method, you will need to poke the thermometer into the centre of the very thickest part of the salmon. Measuring the temperature of the outside is no good as it will not tell you whether the inside is cooked. As soon as the innermost part of the salmon has reached a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, you can be sure that it's cooked through.
How to season salmon: What is good to season salmon with?
To cook basic salmon fillets, you should definitely season then with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the delicious flavour. Other seasonings that go really nicely with salmon are lemon juice, soy, ginger, garlic powder and fresh or dried herbs. The best ones to put with salmon are parsley or dill. Remember, if you are cooking salmon with soy sauce, it's best to hold the salt. Soy sauce will give your salmon all the saltiness it needs to be delicious.
Can you eat raw salmon fillet?
If you love eating raw salmon in sashimi or sushi, the good news is that you can continue to do so. Eating raw salmon is safe as long as the fish is extremely fresh. Alternatively, go for salmon that has been frozen. Freezing kills a lot of the harmful bacteria that could potentially cause food poisoning or illness. However, if you are going to eat raw fish, take extra care to make sure it is very fresh and has not been hanging around in your fridge for any period of time.
Can you eat undercooked salmon fillet?
There is a very small risk when it comes to eating undercooked salmon. However, as raw salmon is usually safe to eat, chances are you'll be absolutely fine as long as the salmon that you ate was either very fresh or had been frozen. On the other hand, if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system, we recommend that you avoid undercooked or raw salmon. Take a little extra time to make sure your fish is really thoroughly cooked to avoid any potential risk.
How do you know if salmon has gone bad?
Salmon that has gone bad can cause a really nasty bout of food poisoning. Therefore, it's very important to make sure that your salmon is fresh before eating it. There are a few ways to tell when salmon has gone bad:
- Check the color: Fresh salmon should have a lovely, vibrant pink color. If you can see any areas that look discolored, the likelihood is that your salmon has turned bad and should be thrown out.
- Examine the texture: Fresh, safe-to-eat salmon should be moist but never slimy. If your fish has turned dry, or has a slimy sheen, give it a wide berth. You may also notice some slimy liquid pooled in the bottom of the packaging. Never eat fish that looks like this.
- Give it a sniff: While this may sound strange, a strong fishy smell is an indicator that your salmon has gone bad. The bacteria that can build up in salmon that's past its best are what produce the fishy odor. Really fresh fish should actually have no distinctive smell at all. A fishy whiff is a red flag that your salmon is off and unsafe to eat.
Can you eat salmon every day?
There's really no reason that you can't eat salmon every day. It's high Omega 3 content makes it an extremely healthy addition to your diet. If you love it and want to eat it daily, go right ahead. Some celebrities even swear by a daily portion of salmon on the menu to keep them healthy. On the other hand, don't feel bad if you can't stand the idea of eating salmon every single day, or can't afford to. A couple of servings a week will still benefit you.
Griddle pan salmon recipe
Salmon is such a versatile fish, and there are many ways that you can cook it into a variety of delicious and healthy meal. Our favourite way is this simple recipe with tomatoes, fresh french beans and olives. This dish is so simple that it is ideal for beginners, making a fresh, light lunch or evening dinner. The recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of fresh salmon, seasoned with salt and pepper on both sides
- 12 olives, with the stones removed
- 5 tomatoes, cut into chunks
- A generous handful of trimmed french beans
- A handful of chopped fresh basil
Method
- 1. Start with the griddle preheated to medium-high and brushed with olive oil.
- 2. Place the fish skin-side up and griddle for 3-5 minutes.
- 3. Carefully, flip the fish onto the skin side. While it cooks for another 3-5 minutes, add the beans, tomatoes and olives. Stir them gently around the edges of the fish so they cook simultaneously. You still want a little texture to the veggies, hence the short cooking time.
- 4. Plate up a salmon portion for each person and top with the vegetable mixture. You may find the veggies need another couple of minutes on the griddle once you've removed the fish. This is fine.
- 5. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh basil, serve and enjoy!
The Final Word
Hopefully, we have provided you with some inspiration to get you started cooking fish on a griddle. Luckily, cooking salmon on a griddle is a delicious and healthy way to prepare a meal. Remember to check that your salmon is nice and fresh, and you'll be well on your way to a yummy dinner packed with Omega 3s for the whole family to enjoy!
