Salmon is extra delicious and nutrient-rich for the entire household. But if you don’t cook it correctly, it gets chewy and crumbles excessively. Fortunately, top flat top grill outdoor equipment simplifies the cooking process.
When you exercise a little keenness and have a reliable flat top grill, you are less likely to undercook or overcook salmon.
Read on for the professional tips for preparing salmon.
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Cook Salmon on a Flat Top Grill?
The duration of cooking salmon depends on its thickness. The thicker it is, the longer it takes on the flat top grill.
However, as a rule of thumb, an inch thick salmon takes about 5 minutes to cook for each side. That means an average of10 minutes for both sides; twice the time for cooking scallops on a flat top grill[how to cook scallops on a flat top grill].
What’s the Right Temperature for Cooking Salmon on a Flat Top Grill?
Salmon requires a medium-high heat setting. A heat level of about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient for cooking salmon on the griddle.
Such a temperature should make a drop of water sizzle. Alternatively, you can use an infrared thermometer to test the accuracy of the grill’s heat gauge.
When Cooking Salmon on a Flat Top Grill, How Do You Tell it’s Done?
You can use the following methods to gauge if the salmon is ready:
Test with an Instant-Read Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is the most accurate method. Poke the instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and note the reading. If the internal temperature of the salmon reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit, it means it’s done.
Knife and Observation Method
In case you don’t have the instant-read thermometer, there is another option. Take a sharp knife and poke the salmon with it. If the flesh begins to flake, it means the fish is ready for consumption.
Alternatively, you can press on the salmon with either your fingers or fork and see if the flesh easily separates (flakes).
Using a Cake Tester
Some chefs also swear by the cake tester method. So take the cake tester and insert its tip into the thickest part of the salmon. Wait for a couple of seconds, two or three.
Then take it out and test the temperature by placing it against the bottom of your lips. If it feels cold it means the fish is not yet done. But if it feels warm, then it’s ready.
Take care not to overcook the salmon, otherwise it will dry, grow firm and crumble easily when you are cutting it.
How to Cook Salmon on a Flat Top Grill?
Preparation
Before cooking salmon you must check and remove any lingering pin bones on it. Therefore, rest it on a cutting board with the flesh side up. Gently run your fingers on the flesh to feel any lingering pin bones.
If present, remove them with a tweezer. Also, you can pat dry to remove traces of blood or scales from the fish.
Season
After that, make a few diagonal lines on the skin side of the salmon to enable it to sit flat on the flat top grill. After making sure your hands are clean, rub in some salt and pepper on the entire part of the fish except the skin.
Preheat
When you are through with the preparations, preheat the flat top grill to medium-high temperature. That is, heating it on a temperature setting of about 375 to 400 for about 10 minutes.
Oil the Flat Top Grill
Then spread some vegetable oil on the flat top grill. A light layer of canola oil would be perfect. An oil brush becomes ideal for the job.
Load the Salmon Fish
When the flat top grill has heated enough, load the salmon fillets on the griddle. You can use a pair of tongs. Ensure that the skin side cooks first.
Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Then flip over gently (skin facing up) using a spatula and cook further for the next 3 or 5 minutes. If the shape of the cut salmon allows, cook the sides for approximately one minute.
Serve
Switch off the flat top grill. Top up the salmon fillet with your favorite sauce. Wait for two or three minutes then serve.
FAQs
How Do You Know a Fresh Salmon?
Lively Pink Color
Cook only the fresh and healthy salmon. One way to check for freshness is by noting the color. Fresh salmon registers a lively pink color. So if you spot any discoloration on the fillet, it’s most likely that it has gone bad.
Moist and not Slimy
Another trick is checking on the texture. The fresh salmon should have a moist and not slimy texture. If you pull it out of the packaging box and notice some slimy liquid, keep off the fish.
Conclusion
Just like cooking shrimp on a flat top grill[how to cook shrimp on a flat top grill] is easy, salmon is no exception. With the right griddle from a reputable brand, you can prepare salmon for your family in just a couple of minutes. And it requires no lengthy preparations. Why not prepare it for your family dinner?