How Long to Cook Salmon on a Blackstone Griddle? A Guide to Perfectly Cooked Fish
Cooking salmon on a Blackstone griddle offers a fantastic way to achieve that perfectly crispy skin and flaky, juicy interior. However, the cooking time depends on several factors, including the thickness of the fillet, the desired level of doneness, and the heat of your griddle. This guide will walk you through achieving salmon perfection every time.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Before we dive into specific cooking times, let's address the key variables:
- Thickness of the Salmon Fillet: Thicker fillets require longer cooking times than thinner ones. A 1-inch thick fillet will cook significantly faster than a 1.5-inch or 2-inch fillet.
- Desired Doneness: Do you prefer your salmon rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done? Your preference directly impacts cooking time.
- Griddle Temperature: A hotter griddle will cook the salmon faster, but also increases the risk of burning. A medium-high heat is generally ideal.
How to Determine Doneness:
The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Here's a guide:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C) - Translucent center
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C) - Slightly opaque center
- Medium: 140°F (60°C) - Mostly opaque center
- Well-Done: 145°F (63°C) - Fully opaque center
You can also visually check by gently pressing the thickest part of the fillet with a spatula. Flaky salmon that doesn't stick to the spatula is a good indicator of doneness.
How Long to Cook Salmon on a Blackstone (Approximate Cooking Times):
These times are estimations and should be adjusted based on your specific griddle and fillet thickness. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
-
1-inch thick fillet:
- Medium-Rare: 3-4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
- Well-Done: 5-6 minutes per side
-
1.5-inch thick fillet:
- Medium-Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
- Medium: 5-6 minutes per side
- Well-Done: 6-7 minutes per side
-
2-inch thick fillet:
- Medium-Rare: 5-6 minutes per side
- Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
- Well-Done: 7-8 minutes per side
Preparing Your Blackstone for Salmon:
- Preheat your griddle: Bring your Blackstone to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). You should see a light haze of oil begin to shimmer.
- Oil the griddle: Lightly oil the cooking surface with a high-heat oil like canola or grapeseed oil. This prevents sticking.
- Season the salmon: Season your salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Cooking Tips for Blackstone Salmon:
- Skin-Side Down First: Start with the skin-side down to create a crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd the Griddle: Give the salmon fillets enough space to cook evenly.
- Avoid Moving Too Much: Let the salmon sear undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a good crust.
- Use a Spatula: Use a thin, flexible spatula to carefully flip the salmon.
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness.
What temperature should I cook salmon on a Blackstone?
The ideal temperature for cooking salmon on a Blackstone is medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. This temperature allows for a good sear while preventing burning. However, always monitor your griddle temperature and adjust accordingly.
How do I know when salmon is done on a Blackstone?
You'll know your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches your desired internal temperature as measured by a meat thermometer (refer to the doneness guide above). The flesh should also be opaque, except for a very slightly translucent center if you prefer medium-rare.
Can I cook salmon skin-side up on a Blackstone?
While it's generally recommended to start with the skin-side down to create a crispy skin, you can cook skin-side up if you prefer. However, achieving crispy skin may be more challenging this way. If cooking skin-side up, you might need to adjust the cooking time and potentially use higher heat for the last minute or two to crisp the skin.
By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to cooking perfectly delicious salmon on your Blackstone griddle every time! Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust cooking times to suit your preferences and your griddle.
