How To Fillet A Permit

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fillet a Permit

Permit is a delicious and versatile fish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’ve caught a permit yourself or bought one from the market, knowing how to fillet it properly is essential for making the most of this flavorful fish. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of filleting a permit so that you can enjoy it in all its delicious glory.

What You’ll Need:

• Sharp fillet knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels
• Container for the fillets

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Before you begin, make sure your workstation is clean and organized. Lay out all the necessary tools and have a container ready to hold the fillets once they are removed. This will make the process much smoother and more efficient.

Step 2: Remove the Scales

Use a fish scaler or the back of a knife to remove the scales from the permit. Hold the fish firmly by the tail and scrape the scales from tail to head. Rinse the fish under cold water to remove any loose scales.

Step 3: Make the Initial Cut

Lay the permit on the cutting board and make an incision just behind the gills and pectoral fin, cutting down to the spine. Be sure to use a sharp fillet knife for clean and precise cuts.

Step 4: Fillet the Fish

Starting from the head, run the knife along the backbone towards the tail, using smooth and steady strokes. As you do this, gently lift the fillet to separate it from the bones. Once the fillet is removed, set it aside and repeat the process on the other side of the fish.

Step 5: Remove the Skin

Place the fillet skin-side down on the cutting board. Hold the tail end firmly and insert the knife between the flesh and the skin at a slight angle. Use a back-and-forth sawing motion to separate the skin from the flesh, working your way along the length of the fillet. Discard the skin once it has been removed.

Step 6: Check for Bones

Run your fingers along the fillet to check for any remaining bones. Use a clean pair of fish tweezers to carefully remove any bones that you find. This step is important for ensuring a pleasant dining experience without any unexpected crunches.

Step 7: Rinse and Pat Dry

Once both fillets have been removed and the bones have been taken out, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help to remove any remaining scales, skin, or bone fragments.

Step 8: Store or Cook the Fillets

At this point, your permit fillets are ready to be cooked or stored for later use. Whether you plan to grill, bake, or pan-sear them, the fillets are now prepped and ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of filleting a permit, you can confidently prepare this delectable fish whenever the craving strikes. With a little practice, you’ll be able to fillet a permit with ease and enjoy its delicate flavor in a variety of culinary creations.