How to Skin Raw Salmon: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Fillets

Skinning raw salmon is an essential skill for any home cook looking to prepare delicious and professional-quality seafood dishes While fishmongers are happy to remove the skin for you, learning this simple kitchen technique allows you to purchase whole salmon fillets and remove the skin yourself This guide will walk you through the key methods, tips and tricks for skinning salmon like a pro.

Why Remove the Skin from Salmon?

There are a few reasons you may want to remove the skin from your salmon fillets

• Texture – The skin can have a rubbery, unpleasant texture when cooked. Removing it gives a more tender and delicate fillet.

• Appearance – Skinless fillets have a cleaner, more elegant presentation.

• Cooking method – Skin can hinder even cooking and lead to overcooking the fillet when pan-searing or grilling.

• Flavor – While salmon skin can be delicious when crispy, some prefer removing it for a pure salmon flavor.

• Ease – Skinless fillets are easier to portion and serve.

So while leaving the skin on is an option, skinning your salmon allows for more versatility in recipes and cooking methods.

Equipment Needed

Skinning salmon is a simple process that only requires a few essential tools:

• Sharp filleting knife – A flexible boning knife works best to follow the contours of the fillet.

• Cutting board – Use a board large enough to accommodate the whole fillet. Wood or plastic are ideal surfaces.

• Paper towels – Helpful for holding the fillet steady and drying it after skinning.

• Kitchen shears (optional) – Makes cutting through the thicker skin near the belly easier.

Avoid serrated knives when skinning salmon – the teeth can tear the delicate flesh. And take care with slippery glass or marble cutting boards.

Prepping the Raw Salmon

Proper prep is key for easy, clean skin removal:

• Rinse – Rinse fillets under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Scale – Use the back of a knife to gently scrape off any loose scales.

• Anchor – Place fillet skin-side down on a cutting board. Anchor in place by holding the tail end firmly with paper towels.

Positioning the fillet upside down allows you to see precisely where skin meets flesh. A cutting board with a well or moat around the edge helps keep the fillet in place.

The Best Techniques for Removing Skin

With your sharp knife and raw salmon ready to go, it’s time to remove that skin. Here are two effective techniques to try:

The Slice Method

This method involves slicing between the skin and flesh to separate them:

• Holding the tail end firmly, make an incision along one edge of the skin, cutting down at a 30° angle.

• Move the knife tip side to side in a gentle sawing motion to slide it underneath the skin, while pulling the skin up and away from the flesh with your other hand.

• Once you have enough skin lifted from the flesh, slice it off in one piece.

• For any remaining patches of skin, repeat the lifting and slicing motion.

This technique requires some finesse, but allows you to follow the natural shape of the fillet for a very clean removal.

The Scrape Method

If you have trouble with the slice technique, try this simpler scraping method:

• Hold the tail end in place on the board, skin-side down.

• Starting at the tail end, place the knife edge against the board and roughly scrape the skin off the flesh.

• Apply firm downward pressure with the knife to separate skin from flesh.

• Continue scraping along the length of the fillet until all the skin is removed.

While not as precise, this scrape technique is very quick and effective for removing skin.

Belly Flap and Bloodline Removal

Two tricky areas when skinning salmon are the belly flap and central bloodline:

• For the thicker belly skin, make crisscross cuts through the skin then peel it off. Kitchen shears are perfect for this.

• The bloodline is a thin red-hued membrane. Make a V-cut along both sides then lift it off gently.

Take particular care when removing these parts to avoid wasting any flesh.

Handy Tips for Easy Salmon Skin Removal

Follow these handy tips for quick and easy success when prepping your salmon fillets:

• Work with very fresh, cold salmon – the skin peels off easiest when raw and firm.

• Let gravity help by positioning skin-side down.

• Go slow with a light touch – no need to use force.

• Keep your knife blade flat against the skin as you slice.

• Rinse fillets after skinning and pat dry – they are now ready to use!

• Chill skinned fillets promptly and use within a day for best quality.

• Save skin to make crispy salmon skin snacks!

Common Skinning Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing salmon skin:

Should you skin salmon before or after cooking?

Ideally, remove the skin before cooking when the salmon is raw. Salmon skin adheres tightly to the flesh when cooked.

Can you eat salmon skin?

Yes! Salmon skin becomes deliciously crispy when pan-fried skin-side down. Another option is to remove skin after cooking, season it, and bake until crisp.

Is it OK to cook salmon with skin on?

Absolutely. The skin helps retain moisture, adds flavor, and can provide a nice sear. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.

What’s the healthiest way to prepare salmon?

Baking, poaching, or grilling salmon allows the healthy fats to drip away. Go easy on breading or heavy sauces. Enjoy it skinless or with a light crispy skin.

Is skinning salmon difficult?

Removing skin from a whole raw salmon fillet is much easier than you may think! With the right technique and a sharp, thin-bladed knife, you’ll get the hang of it.

Master the Art of Salmon Skinning

Hopefully this guide has equipped you with the key techniques and knowledge to remove salmon skin quickly and easily. With a little practice, you’ll be prepping perfect skinless fillets in no time.

Remember to use a sharp filleting knife, position the fillet properly, and work slowly with a light touch. Pay extra attention when dealing with the belly and bloodline. Skinning your own salmon allows for delicious, versatile recipes with results as good as any restaurant dish.

To remove skin from raw salmon, you can use boiling water or a knife. The boiling water method loosens the skin, making it easy to peel off.