What to Do with Salmon Skin: 8 Delicious Ideas

Salmon skin is often discarded but it can be transformed into a crispy flavorful treat. Here are 8 delicious ways to use up salmon skin instead of throwing it away.

1. Make Crispy Salmon Skin Chips

Crispy salmon skin makes an amazing high-protein low-carb snack or sandwich topping. To make crunchy salmon chips

• Remove scales and excess fat from raw or cooked salmon skin.

• Cut into chip-sized pieces if large Season with salt

• Cook skin-side down in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Press down with spatula occasionally.

• Flip and cook a few minutes on the other side until crispy.

• Drain on paper towels. Enjoy plain or season further with lemon juice or garlic powder.

2. Top Salads and Soups

Crumbled crispy salmon skin makes a tasty, nutritious topping for green salads, grain bowls, seafood soups and chowders. Sprinkle it on for a burst of omega-3s and crunch.

3. Make Salmon Skin Bacon

Crispy salmon skin makes a delicious twist on classic bacon. Cook it up and add to egg breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, or anywhere you’d use bacon. It has a milder flavor than pork bacon.

4. Use in Sushi Rolls

Finely crumbled crispy salmon skin can replace roe as a topping for sushi rolls. It provides crunch and rich salmon flavor. Roll it up inside sushi with rice, veggies, avocado, etc.

5. Coat with Seasonings

Before baking, coat salmon skin with Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or BBQ rub. Bake at 400°F until crispy, about 15 minutes. Tasty on tacos, nachos, salads, etc.

6. Make Salmon Skin Cracklings

Simmer salmon skin in water 15 minutes to soften. Pat dry, then fry in oil until puffed and crispy, like pork cracklings. Season to taste. Top soups, salads or eat as a snack.

7. Dehydrate for Dog Treats

Dehydrate leftover salmon skin at low temperature in the oven or a dehydrator. Once dried, break into bite-size pieces for nutritious, high-protein treats for dogs.

8. Make Fish Stock

Simmer salmon skins, heads, and bones in water with vegetables to extract nutrients and make a mineral-rich fish stock. Strain and use for seafood risottos, chowders, etc.

Tips for Preparing Salmon Skin

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your salmon skin:

• Remove scales thoroughly before cooking. Ask fishmonger to do this or scrape off at home.

• Cut away any excess fat or meat before crisping the skin.

• Pat dry before cooking to maximize crispiness. Wet, soggy skin won’t get as crispy.

• Start with skin-side down in oil-free nonstick pan. Salmon fat will render out.

• Cook over medium-low heat. Press down with spatula to prevent curling.

• Once crispy on skin-side, flip and cook briefly on the other side.

• Let cool on paper towels. It will get crispier as it cools.

With these creative ideas, you can put your salmon skin to good use. Transform it into crispy, savory, nutritious treats instead of throwing it away. What will you make with your leftover salmon skins?

Yes, salmon skin is worth eating! It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other nutrients, and can be a tasty addition to your meals.