What is Salmon Belly? A Complete Guide to this Treasured Cut

Salmon belly is one of the most prized and delicious parts of the salmon. This tender fatty cut is cherished by chefs and seafood lovers alike for its incredibly rich flavor and velvety texture. But what exactly is salmon belly? And what makes it so special compared to other parts of this popular fish?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about salmon belly from what it is and where it’s located on the fish to how to buy, store, and cook it properly. Read on to learn why this premium cut is so highly coveted and how you can enjoy its succulent taste and texture at home.

What is Salmon Belly?

Salmon belly refers to the fatty, flavorful underside portion of the salmon, located along the belly region between the head and tail. It is the area right below the top fillet, on the underside of the fish.

This part contains streaks of fat marbled throughout the tender pink flesh, which provides salmon belly with its signature rich taste and velvety texture. It’s considered by many seafood experts to be the best part of the salmon.

On a whole salmon, the belly is a long, thin, triangular strip that runs from the head down to the tail along the belly. When salmon is cut into fillets for selling, the belly is removed from the underside and sold separately.

What Makes Salmon Belly Special?

There are a few key attributes that set salmon belly apart from other cuts:

• High fat content – The belly contains the highest concentrations of healthy omega-3 fats in the salmon, resulting in a luscious, buttery mouthfeel.

• Tender texture – The high fat content allows the belly to cook up incredibly moist and tender. It practically melts in your mouth!

• Robust flavor – The belly has a deeper, more concentrated salmon flavor compared to the milder tasting fillets.

• Limited supply – Less belly is available since it makes up a small portion of the fish. The scarce supply adds to its appeal.

Salmon belly provides the best of salmon’s taste and texture in one incredible cut. It’s easy to see why it’s so highly coveted by salmon aficionados.

Benefits of Salmon Belly

Beyond being delicious, salmon belly has some excellent nutritional benefits:

• Rich in omega-3s – The fats in salmon belly provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA.

• High in protein – Salmon bellies offer around 17g protein per 3 ounce serving. Protein supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full.

• Loaded with B vitamins – Important for producing energy and supporting neurological function.

• Good source of minerals – Provides potassium, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium and more.

So savoring salmon belly offers both a tasty culinary experience and excellent nutritional value. It’s a satisfying and healthy choice.

Buying Salmon Belly

Since it’s not as widely available as traditional salmon fillets, it takes a bit more effort to find fresh salmon bellies. Here are some tips:

• Check specialty seafood stores or high-end grocers, where you’re most likely to find it. Regular supermarkets often don’t carry it.

• Inspect the bellies for freshness. Look for glistening, shiny skin and firm, elastic flesh. Avoid any dull or dry looking bellies.

• Smell for a mild, ocean-like scent, not a strong fishy odor. Off-putting smells mean it’s past its prime.

• For sashimi or raw preparations, ensure salmon was previously frozen to kill any parasites.

• Expect to pay around 1.5 to 2 times more per pound compared to salmon fillets.

Once you get your hands on this treasure, be sure to use it soon for the best quality. Properly stored, fresh salmon belly keeps 1-2 days at most.

Storing Salmon Belly

Because salmon belly is so perishable, proper storage is key:

• Keep fresh bellies well-wrapped in parchment or butcher paper. Avoid direct contact with air.

• Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, like the bottom back.

• Use within 1-2 days of purchasing for best flavor, texture, and food safety.

• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze. Frozen, it will keep 2-3 months.

• Once thawed, use within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen salmon belly.

Following these guidelines preserves freshness and prevents waste of this precious ingredient.

Preparing and Serving Salmon Belly

The ultra-rich taste and tender texture of salmon belly lends itself to certain cooking methods. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

Sashimi and Sushi

• Thinly sliced raw salmon belly is heavenly. It’s a highlight at higher end sushi restaurants.

• The richness enhances nigiri sushi. Salmon belly sashimi melts in your mouth.

Pan Searing

• A hot skillet crisps the fatty skin beautifully. The inside remains succulent and tender.

• Simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon or lime juice keeps the focus on the salmon’s flavors.

Broiling and Grilling

• Broil or grill salmon belly with a light brush of oil to encourage browning and caramelization.

• Cook over very high heat just until opaque in center for a luscious texture.

Glazing and Roasting

• Sweet fruit glazes complement the salmon belly’s richness nicely.

• Roast at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Curing

• Curing concentrates the flavor even further. Gravlox (dill cured) salmon belly is exquisite.

• Cold smoke cured bellies for an extra level of flavor and silky texture.

However you choose to prepare it, salmon belly is a cut best enjoyed simply to let its natural richness shine. Savor this sublime seafood experience.

Common Questions about Salmon Belly

How is salmon belly different from salmon fillet?

Salmon fillets come from the back of the fish and tend to be leaner with a milder flavor. Salmon belly contains more fat, has a more concentrated taste, and richer texture.

Is salmon belly healthy?

Yes, salmon belly provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s, high-quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can you eat salmon belly raw?

Yes, it is safe to eat raw when prepared as sushi and sashimi from sushi-grade fish. Always freeze first to kill any potential parasites present.

Is the salmon belly skin edible?

Yes, the skin crisps up beautifully and adds great texture. Remove scales and pat dry before cooking.

What’s the best way to cook salmon belly at home?

Quick, high-heat methods like pan searing, broiling, and grilling work best. Low, slow cooking can make the belly greasy rather than luscious.

Indulge in Delicious Salmon Belly

With its outrageously velvety texture and rich, succulent salmon flavor, it’s easy to see why salmon belly is considered a delicacy. When you get the chance to enjoy this hard-to-find treasure, savor its full fatty decadence.

Salmon belly provides a singular taste experience and new perspective on just how delicious salmon can be when honing in on its most prized part. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in seafood excellence.