Can You Eat Salmon Skin?

You’re probably already familiar with the taste of salmon — whether it's grilled, baked, or smoked. However, you might not have considered the potential of salmon skin. This often-overlooked part of the fish can add a delightful crunch to your meal when cooked properly.

Salmon skin is packed with nutrients, which can be advantageous to your health! In this article, we’re going to explore its taste, nutritional benefits, and ways to prepare and cook it.

Can You Eat Salmon Skin?

Yes — you can definitely eat salmon, and it can be quite tasty and nutritious. Once cooked, salmon skin can become crispy and flavorful. Many people enjoy the texture and flavor it adds to dishes like rice bowls, sushi, and salads.

What Does Salmon Skin Taste Like?

Salmon skin has a slightly salty and savory flavor. It also carries a slightly fatty taste, which can be more pronounced depending on how much fat is present in the skin.

You can think of the taste as somewhat similar to the flesh of the salmon but with a distinctive crunchy texture that many find enjoyable.

Note that when you season or marinate the salmon skin before cooking, it can absorb these flavors to taste better. For example, a marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger will impart these flavors to the skin.

Related: What Does Salmon Taste Like?

Is Salmon Skin Good For You?

Salmon skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon skin is beneficial for improving heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. Salmon skin nutrition also includes protein for muscle preservation and repair, potassium for normal cellular function, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for better mood and brain health.

These benefits of salmon skin make it an valuable addition to your diet. For a balanced and more nutritious diet, incorporate salmon skin into various recipes!

Related: 8 Health Benefits of Salmon

Can Eating Salmon Skin Cause Any Health Risks?

Eating salmon skin generally does not pose health risks if properly cooked. However, it may contain environmental pollutants like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can accumulate more in fatty tissues, including the skin.

To minimize the risk associated with these pollutants, it’s important to cook salmon thoroughly, and opt for sustainably sourced and wild-caught salmon.

Individuals who have fish allergy should avoid eating all parts of the fish, including the skin. Fish allergies can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives to more severe symptoms [*].

How to Remove Skin from Salmon

To remove the skin from salmon, follow these steps:

1. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a clean cutting board. Make sure you have a sharp, flexible knife and a clean surface to work on.
2. Begin at the tail end of the fillet. Insert the knife between the flesh and the skin at a shallow angle. This will give you a starting point for separating the skin from the flesh.
3. With one hand, gently hold the skin taut. This helps keep it stable and prevents it from tearing as you work.
4. Carefully slide the knife along the length of the fillet, maintaining a shallow angle. Use smooth, even strokes to separate the flesh from the skin.
5. Continue this method from the tail end to the head end of the fillet. Once you’ve separated the skin from the flesh, check for any residual bits of skin or scales. Remove these if necessary.
6. With the skin removed, proceed with cooking or preparing the salmon fillet as desired. You can reserve the skin for other recipes, such as crispy salmon skin snacks or as a garnish.

How to Cook Salmon Skin

Cooking salmon skin can be done in several different methods! Each method can bring out a unique flavor and texture. Below are some popular techniques:

• Pan-seared. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. Place the salmon skin-side down and press gently to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately for a crispy and flavorful dish.
• Baked. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. This results in evenly cooked skin with a crisp texture!
• Dehydrated. For a unique snack, use a dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature to dehydrate the salmon skin until crisp. Now, you have a crispy, lightweight snack. Fun fact: Dogs can eat salmon, including dehydrated salmon skin!

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your desired level of crispiness.

Summary

There’s no reason to discard salmon skin, as it can be a great addition to your diet. Enjoy salmon skin as a snack, a flavorful garnish, or an ingredient that gives you healthy fats and micronutrients — plus a nice crunch to your recipes.

For the best quality, consider choosing Alaskan Salmon Company for premium wild-caught salmon!