Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely use a George Foreman grill to cook salmon. The George Foreman grill provides an easy and convenient way to cook salmon fillets that are moist, tender and flavorful. The grill’s sloped surface drains away excess fat and grease, resulting in a healthier cooking method compared to frying. Salmon fillets only require 3-6 minutes per side to cook through on a George Foreman grill, making it a quick weeknight dinner option. Just be sure to lightly oil the grill plates first and use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. With some simple seasoning and the right timing, George Foreman grills can make delicious, easy salmon anytime.
Advantages of Using a George Foreman Grill for Salmon
There are several advantages to using a George Foreman grill to prepare salmon fillets:
- Convenient and Easy – George Foreman grills are designed for quick and easy cooking. No need to heat up the oven or prep a skillet.
- Cooks Evenly – The sloped grill plates heat evenly to cook food thoroughly without burning.
- Removes Fat – The grills are designed to drain away excess fat and oils for healthier cooking.
- Versatile – George Foreman grills can be used for a variety of proteins, vegetables, paninis and more.
- Easy Cleanup – Removable grill plates go right in the dishwasher after cooking.
- Compact Storage – Most models are slim and store easily on the counter or in a cabinet.
These convenient features make a George Foreman grill a quick and easy way to cook moist, tender salmon fillets any night of the week.
How to Cook Salmon on a George Foreman Grill
Cooking salmon fillets on a George Foreman grill is simple and only takes a few minutes from start to finish:
- Pat dry salmon fillets and brush lightly with oil – Dry the salmon fillets with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil or olive oil. This prevents sticking.
- Season the salmon as desired – Season simply with salt and pepper or get creative with cajun seasoning, herbs, honey mustard glazes or teriyaki.
- Preheat and oil the grill – Preheat your grill for a few minutes. Use cooking spray or brush grill plates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place fillets on the grill – Carefully lay the fillets on the preheated grill skin-side down if they have skin.
- Close the lid and cook 3-6 minutes – Close the lid and cook for 3-6 minutes depending on thickness. Do not move the fillets during cooking.
- Flip and cook an additional 3-6 minutes – Carefully flip each fillet using a thin spatula and cook for another 3-6 minutes.
- Check temperature and remove – Use a food thermometer to confirm the thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F, then remove from the grill.
The exact cooking times will depend on the model of your George Foreman grill and thickness of the salmon fillets. Using a meat thermometer ensures the fish reaches a safe internal temperature and prevents overcooking.
Tips for Cooking Salmon on a George Foreman Grill
Follow these tips when cooking salmon on your George Foreman grill for best results:
- Cut fillets to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill – cook fillets in a single layer with space between.
- Use the lid for fastest cooking times. The lid traps heat to quickly cook the fish.
- Cook skin-on fillets skin-side down first to crisp the skin.
- Brush a maple glaze or teriyaki marinade on the fish during the last 1-2 minutes only to avoid burning.
- Do not press down on the lid or move the fish during cooking.
- Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after cooking for juicier results when serving.
Experiment with different seasonings and glazes on the salmon to suit your tastes. Clean your grill well after each use.
Common George Foreman Grill Salmon Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook salmon on a George Foreman grill if you aren’t careful. Here are some common grilling mistakes to avoid:
- Not oiling the grill – Salmon skin and delicate fillets will stick without oil.
- Grilling frozen salmon – Always thaw fish fillets before cooking.
- Cooking with the lid open – The lid is key for fast, even heating.
- Cooking too long – Use a meat thermometer instead of timing alone.
- Turning the fish too early – Resist flipping before 3 minutes.
- Turning the fish too late – Check for grill marks and doneness at 6 minutes.
- Pressing down on the lid – This risks uneven cooking and sticking.
- Overcrowding the grill – Leave space between fillets for even heating.
Avoid these mistakes for tender, flaky and delicious grilled salmon every time.
George Foreman Grill Salmon Cooking Times
Salmon fillet thickness determines the cooking time on a George Foreman grill. Use these cooking time guidelines:
| Salmon Fillet Thickness | Cooking Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 3 minutes |
| 3/4 – 1 inch | 4-5 minutes |
| 1 1/4 inches or more | 6+ minutes |
Remember to use a quick-read meat thermometer to check for doneness, not just timing. The salmon is done when the thickest part reaches 145°F. Adjust time up or down if needed based on your particular grill model.
How to Clean a George Foreman Grill After Salmon
It’s important to properly clean your George Foreman grill after cooking salmon to prevent bacteria growth and smells:
- Unplug and allow the grill to cool slightly after cooking.
- Remove and discard excess grease from the drip tray.
- Wipe the grill plates down with a paper towel to remove any food debris.
- If your model has removable plates, pop them out and wash with hot soapy water.
- For fixed plates, scrub the surface clean using a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush.
- Rinse away any soapy residue and allow plates to dry completely before next use.
- Wipe down the outer surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
Be careful not to immerse any electrical components in water when cleaning. For tough buildup, use baking soda and vinegar to scrub, then rinse. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Letting the grill cool before cleaning helps prevent burning yourself.
9 Delicious George Foreman Grill Salmon Recipes
Mix up your salmon grilling routine with these tasty recipes perfectly suited to George Foreman grills:
1. Lemon Pepper Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, lemon pepper seasoning, butter or olive oil
- Directions: Coat fillets with lemon pepper seasoning and drizzle with butter or olive oil. Grill 3-6 minutes per side until flaky.
2. Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, sweet chili sauce, chopped green onions
- Directions: Grill fillets 5 minutes per side, then brush with glaze and grill 1 more minute. Top with green onions.
3. Mediterranean Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon, basil, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil
- Directions: Mix herbs, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Coat fillets and grill 5-6 minutes until flaky.
4. Cranberry Walnut Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon, whole berry cranberry sauce, chopped walnuts
- Directions: Spread cranberry sauce on fillets, top with walnuts and grill. Broil 1 minute to melt the sauce.
5. Cajun Blackened Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, Cajun seasoning, butter
- Directions: Coat fillets with Cajun seasoning and melted butter. Grill 5 minutes per side.
6. Teriyaki Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon, teriyaki marinade
- Directions: Marinate fillets in teriyaki sauce 1 hour. Grill 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Honey Garlic Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce
- Directions: Mix honey, garlic and soy sauce into a glaze. Grill salmon 5 minutes per side, brush with glaze and grill 1 more minute.
8. Jerk Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon, Jamaican jerk seasoning, lime wedges
- Directions: Rub fillets with jerk seasoning. Grill 5-6 minutes per side. Squeeze lime juice over cooked fish.
9. Everything Bagel Salmon
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning
- Directions: Grill plain salmon 3 minutes per side. Top with cream cheese and bagel seasoning, then grill 1 more minute.
Helpful Resources
For more guidance on grilling delicious salmon fillets in a George Foreman grill, check out these helpful resources:
- George Foreman – How to Cook Salmon – Step-by-step instructions from the official George Foreman site.
- AllRecipes George Foreman Salmon Recipes – Wide range of user submitted Foreman grill salmon recipes.
- Food Network George Foreman Grill Salmon – Simple grilled salmon and helpful tips from Food Network.
- The Spruce Eats – Grilling Salmon on a George Foreman Grill – Helpful guide covering common mistakes and fixes.
With a few simple guidelines, George Foreman grills make it easy to enjoy restaurant-quality salmon fillets in the comfort of your own home any night of the week.
Conclusion
George Foreman grills provide a quick, convenient way to cook moist, tender salmon fillets in just minutes. The sloped grill plate drains away excess oils and fats for a healthier cooking method compared to frying. Be sure to preheat the grill, lightly oil the plates and avoid overcrowding for best results. Cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. With the right prep, seasoning and cook times, George Foreman grills allow anyone to easily make delicious grilled salmon. Experiment with different glazes and spice rubs to keep your salmon grilling interesting. In no time, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality salmon without leaving your kitchen.