master-cooks | The Mistake Everyone Makes With Salmon Skin

Many people preparing salmon tend to overlook the potential of its skin, often removing and discarding it before cooking. This common mistake stems from a lack of understanding about the benefits and culinary delight salmon skin can offer. When cooked properly, salmon skin provides a delightful crunch and a rich flavor that complements the tender flesh. Moreover, the skin is packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Ignoring the skin means missing out on these nutritional benefits as well as the opportunity to add texture and depth to your dish. To make the most of salmon skin, it's important to cook it correctly. Ensuring the skin is dry before cooking and using a hot pan can help achieve a crispy texture. Additionally, leaving the skin on during cooking can protect the delicate flesh from overcooking, serving as a barrier that retains moisture. By embracing the use of salmon skin, home cooks can elevate their dishes and make full use of this nutritious and flavorful component. Making a conscious effort to incorporate the skin into your salmon recipes not only enhances your meals but also promotes a more sustainable and waste-conscious approach to cooking.

Keep the skin on

Keeping the skin on salmon can simplify the cooking process, as it helps maintain the integrity of the fillet, reducing the chances of it breaking apart while cooking and serving. If you need to remove it afterward, it easily peels off. Moreover, the skin serves as a natural shield during cooking, safeguarding the tender flesh of the salmon from direct heat. If your pan or grill is extremely hot, let the skin endure the heat. Cooking salmon with the skin side down helps prevent the flesh from overcooking, ensuring it remains moist and tender.

Let’s not overlook the flavor and texture aspects. Who doesn’t enjoy crispy salmon skin? The skin is rich in natural oils that enhance the fish's flavor as it cooks. When properly crisped, it offers a delightful textural contrast to the soft flesh.

When shopping, be sure to ask your fishmonger to scale the skin for a clean and smooth finish. Most fillets will already have this done. Removing the scales eliminates any unpleasant textures, leaving you with beautiful, shiny skin that’s ideal for cooking. You should only request the fishmonger to remove the skin if you’re making sushi or poaching the fish.

The health benefits of salmon skin

Taste and texture? Check. And it’s nutritious too? Absolutely! As noted by Healthline, salmon skin boasts the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in the fish. It’s also an excellent source of protein, vitamins B and D, and essential minerals like niacin and phosphorus. However, these health advantages are only present in fish sourced from clean, unpolluted waters. Farmed salmon, especially from the Atlantic, tends to accumulate the most toxins, so it’s best to steer clear of the skin from those. Opting for wild-caught Pacific salmon is your safest choice due to its cleaner habitat. Investing a little extra in wild-caught salmon is always worthwhile.

Incorporating the skin into your cooking not only enhances the flavor and texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the salmon. You can even toss crispy leftover salmon skin into your salads for a delightful crunch and an umami kick. So, the next time you’re shopping, reconsider choosing skinless fillets—you might be missing out on the best part of the fish!

The Mistake Everyone Makes With Salmon Skin

Keep the skin on

The health benefits of salmon skin

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