If you are on the hunt for a flavorful, healthy, and impressively easy-to-make seafood dish, the Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. This recipe brings together tender, flaky salmon filets infused with a zesty lemon and herb marinade, all cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle that locks in juices and delivers a lightly crisped exterior. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish serves up bright, fresh flavors and a mouthwatering texture that highlights the natural beauty of salmon in a way that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that could already be hiding in your kitchen, yet each plays an essential role in building a balanced, vibrant flavor profile. Every item adds a layer of taste, moisture, or aroma that makes this salmon truly sing on the plate.
- Soy sauce or gluten-free tamari: Brings a savory umami depth while keeping the marinade moist and flavorful.
- Avocado oil: Adds smooth richness and a high smoke point perfect for cooking on the griddle.
- Brown sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and herbaceous notes.
- Dried basil: Infuses a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal nuance to enhance the fish.
- Dried thyme: Provides earthy, minty undertones that complement the salmon beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Delivers warm pungency and a familiar, comforting backbone to the marinade.
- Sea salt: Elevates all the ingredients and seasons the fish perfectly.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and peppery bite.
- Salmon filets (16 ounces): The star of the show – fresh, high-quality fish is key for the best results.
- Oil for the griddle: Ensures a non-stick cooking surface to achieve that beautiful sear.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (for serving): Brightens and lifts the finished dish with vibrant acidity.
How to Make Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, avocado oil, brown sugar, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This marinade is the secret behind the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and herbal flavors that will infuse the salmon as it soaks up all these delicious notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon filets in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the fish. Make sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator to let those flavors meld beautifully — at least one hour is ideal to really maximize the taste.
Step 3: Preheat and Oil Your Blackstone Griddle
Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-low heat, aiming for around 350° F. Let it reach this temperature before you start cooking. Then apply a generous coating of oil to the surface. This step helps develop a crispy skin and prevents sticking, getting you closer to salmon perfection.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Lay the salmon filets on the griddle with the skin side down if your salmon still has the skin. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side to reach medium-rare—this timing depends on the thickness of your filets. You’re looking for a delicately seared exterior while keeping the center tender and juicy. The Blackstone griddle’s even heat distribution ensures a flawless cook every time.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Lemon
Once cooked, transfer the salmon to your plate and drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top. The citrusy brightness complements the herbal marinade perfectly and wakes up all the flavors in a delightful way.
How to Serve Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions add a pop of color and fresh herbs to echo those in the marinade. A few lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to add an extra splash of zest if they like.
Side Dishes
This salmon is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Think bright and crisp options such as a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or a creamy quinoa pilaf. Each side brings different textures that balance the rich, tender salmon beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe on a bed of herbed couscous or atop a colorful ratatouille for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For casual entertaining, flake the cooked salmon over fresh greens with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a delightful salmon salad bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep safely for up to two days. Leftover salmon can be enjoyed cold in salads or gently reheated, making for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
Freezing
While freezing cooked salmon is possible, it’s generally not ideal because the texture can suffer after thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s best to do so before cooking by freezing raw salmon filets tightly wrapped, which locks in freshness much better.
Reheating
To reheat your Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe, warm it gently in the microwave using a lower power setting or in a skillet over low heat. This cautious approach helps preserve moisture and flavor, keeping your salmon flaky and succulent.
FAQs
Can I use other fish instead of salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this marinade and cooking method shine with salmon’s rich, fatty texture, you can try it on trout or steelhead for a similar flavor experience. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fish.
Can I grill the salmon instead of using a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, grilling works well too, but the Blackstone griddle provides even heat and a flatter surface which helps prevent sticking and offers a bit more control, especially for delicate fish like salmon.
Is it necessary to marinate the salmon for a full hour?
One hour really lets the marinade penetrate and develop those flavorful layers, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can add a nice boost to the overall taste.
What if I don’t have avocado oil? What are good substitutes?
You can substitute avocado oil with other neutral oils that have a high smoke point like grapeseed oil or light olive oil. These will work well on the griddle without compromising the flavor.
How can I tell when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but still feel moist inside. Using an instant read thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare or up to 145°F for fully cooked, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, lively flavors yet incredibly straightforward, do not hesitate to try the Blackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe. It’s the perfect way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress at a weekend gathering, bringing bold taste and effortless cooking together in one delicious package. Once you try it, it’s sure to hold a special place in your recipe rotation!
PrintBlackstone Griddle Salmon Filet with Lemon and Herb Marinade Recipe
This recipe for Salmon Filet on the Blackstone Griddle offers a flavorful and uniquely grilled salmon dish using a Blackstone griddle. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, herbs, and spices, the salmon cooks to a perfect medium-rare with a delicious smoky flavor that can’t be replicated by traditional grilling. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for a healthy American-style seafood main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salmon
- 16 ounces salmon filets
- Oil for the griddle (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
For Serving
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, avocado oil, brown sugar, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon filets in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
- Preheat Blackstone Griddle: Heat the Blackstone griddle to medium-low heat, approximately 350°F. Liberally oil the griddle surface to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Cook Salmon on Griddle: Place the salmon filets skin-side down onto the hot, oiled griddle. Cook for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time depending on salmon thickness and desired doneness.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the griddle, drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or enjoyed cold on a salad for a light meal.
- Freezing: While cooked fish can be frozen, it is not recommended for this recipe as freezing can negatively affect the texture of the salmon.