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Elevate your salmon game with this easy griddle-cooked salmon bites recipe. These crispy, juicy bites are seared to perfection on the Traeger Flatrock, a top-tier griddle known for its exceptional features like a 3-zone cooking surface and an EZ-Clean bucket. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy this delicious, healthy dish in under 20 minutes. Salmon is packed with omega-3s and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. Versatile and flavorful, these salmon bites are perfect as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping.
Ingredients for Salmon Bites
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For your salmon recipe, you’ll need a whole Atlantic salmon plank. For the best flavor, choose the freshest, deepest pink-colored farm-raised salmon if necessary. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Use 1 tablespoon of Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning, which is a classic salt, pepper, and garlic blend, and 1 tablespoon of Smoked Q Rock’s Big Easy Spice Blend for a Cajun-inspired flavor. Finish with 2 teaspoons of artisan finishing salt, like Applewood smoke or mesquite, to enhance the depth of flavor.
Instructions for Making Salmon Bites
Create a deliciously easy appetizer with these instructions for making Salmon Bites. Cut fresh salmon into bite-sized pieces, season with your favorite spices, and cook until perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Preheat Griddle
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Heat the griddle to high.
Prepare Salmon
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Make a small incision to separate skin, then use a paper towel to pull off the skin.
Cube Salmon
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Cut salmon into 1 to 1½ inch cubes and place in a bowl.
Season Salmon
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Drizzle with olive oil, add 1 tbsp each of Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime and Big Easy spices, mix gently. Repeat seasoning.
Sear and Cook
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Turn griddle to medium-high, sear salmon bites 3 minutes per side.
Salt, Rest, and Serve:
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Apply finishing salt (optional), let cool for 1-2 minutes, and serve.
Variations and Substitutions
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- Alternate Rubs: For a spicy kick, use Traeger’s Blackened Saskatchewan Rub. Mix it with any all-purpose rub like Heath Riles Everyday for a flavor similar to the Smoked Q rubs.
- Herb-Crusted: Create an herb-crusted dish by adding finely chopped dill, parsley, or cilantro to the Rock’s Anytime Seasoning for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Asian-Inspired: Transform the dish with a quick sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Tips and Tricks for Making Salmon Bites
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- Use Fresh Salmon: Opt for fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Frozen salmon can dry out on the flat top.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each salmon piece enough space on the griddle to ensure a nice sear. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of frying.
- Control the Heat: Start with a hot griddle and then reduce to medium-high heat for the remainder of the cook. This prevents burning and ensures a crispy crust without undercooking.
