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The delicate pink fillet of salmon is probably one of the most popular fish dishes in the country. At the latest when the fish is served, the eternal discussion arises: to eat salmon skin or not to eat salmon skin? This dispute can be applied to all other fish as well, as minds simply differ in taste and preferences. But is salmon skin healthy at all? How to prepare it properly? And what is the etiquette when serving salmon fillets?
Salmon skin: Practical, but also edible?
If it comes to frying or cooking salmon fillet, the skin always stays on. At least this is recommended and also you should prepare the fish including the skin regardless of the salmon skin debate. This is because it ensures that the fillet holds together during frying and doesn’t fall apart into all its pieces. At the same time, this keeps the inside nice and juicy and does not dry out. If the fish is then cooked, the questions arise. It is often assumed that the salmon skin is only a practical helper during cooking. Food? This is out of the question for many.
It depends on the preparation. Labby, soft salmon skin actually does not taste good. Here you would encounter oozing layers of fat and a tough consistency. Therefore, if you have already fried your fillet without considering the preparation of the skin, it is best to roll it up with a fork. Next time, however, the skin may be eaten with the correct procedure calmly.
Is salmon skin healthy?
Salmon house is therefore quite edible and rounds off the soft fillet with the appropriate preparation. However, as it progresses, the question arises as to whether it is healthy at all. In principle, salmon is known to be a particularly fatty fish. At the same time, it is a supplier of the important omega-3, which in most fish is also present in proportion to the fat content. Thus, the fried salmon fillet is healthy, but not particularly low in fat. As far as the ingredients are concerned, the skin does not contain any of the fish’s supposedly toxic mucus glands – so this is a myth.
Even though the salmon is descaled before preparation, even these scales would not be poisonous. There is therefore in no way a health risk when you eat salmon skin. Rather, this matter is a matter of taste.
Etiquette: To serve or not to serve?
Other countries, other customs: In Asia and the Mediterranean region, salmon skin is processed as a delicacy, deep-fried in hot oil and served as a snack between meals. In the same way, it is often found in Asian restaurants in combination with sushi. However, if you prepare a traditional salmon fillet with spinach or mashed potatoes, you will be spoilt for choice before serving it. Because for some of your guests, the salmon skin would probably be an unsightly leftover, which would spread on the plate. Basically: If the salmon skin is prepared crispy, leave it on the fish even when serving it.
However, it is important that the skin is facing upwards. Otherwise it would become soggy and thus inedible. Afterwards, your guests can still decide whether they want to peel off the fish skin. Who eats it, is pleased for it a delicate crust.
Preparing salmon with skin: These are the options
Of course, the salmon skin should not be eaten with every recipe. However, as described above, it is advisable to leave it on top in any case during cooking. This prevents the fillet from falling apart and keeps it nice and juicy on the inside. If you cook your fish, the skin should therefore be rolled off with a fork after preparation. If you want to serve the salmon with skin, it is best fried or grilled in charcoal. For this you turn it before the preparation in flour, whereby in the connection a thick, crispy crust develops. Now fry or grill the fillet on the skin side.
In this position, the fish is cooked until glazed and soft, while the skin side is fried until crispy. If you feel the fillet is well done, you can also cook the other side briefly. However, it is important to keep a short period of time so that the salmon skin that has just become crispy does not soften again. When serving, make sure that the skin side is facing upwards. Alternatively, the salmon skin can also be prepared alone in the international manner. For this purpose, it is peeled off the fish while still raw, dredged in flour and deep-fried in hot fat. Serve with sauces or lemon.
Can you eat salmon skin? Our conclusion
Yes, salmon skin can be eaten and it can also become the palate delight of the plate with different recipes. However, since there are plenty of people in this country who think otherwise, keep this in mind when serving to your guests and always offer them the option of peeling off the skin.