How To Fillet Salmon

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fillet Salmon

Salmon is a delicious and nutritious fish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from grilling to baking. One of the key skills every home cook should have is knowing how to properly fillet a salmon. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right technique and a sharp knife, you can easily master the art of filleting a salmon.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• Whole salmon
• Cutting board
• Sharp fillet knife
• Kitchen shears
• Paper towels

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by placing the salmon on a clean cutting board. Use the kitchen shears to trim off any fins that may be sticking out. Then, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to ensure a good grip while filleting.

Step 2: Make the Initial Cut

Hold the salmon firmly with one hand and make a small incision just behind the gills, cutting down to the backbone. This will serve as the starting point for the fillet.

Step 3: Follow the Backbone

Using the backbone as your guide, run the fillet knife along the spine, cutting through the flesh in smooth, even strokes. Use your other hand to gently pull the fillet away from the bones as you work your way down the length of the fish.

Step 4: Remove the Fillet

Once you have separated the fillet from the backbone, carefully lift it away from the fish and set it aside. Take your time to ensure that you remove as much of the flesh as possible without leaving any behind.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side

Turn the salmon over and repeat the process on the other side to remove the second fillet. Remember to take it slow and steady, following the natural contours of the fish to yield the best results.

Step 6: Trim and Skin the Fillets

With both fillets removed, use the fillet knife to trim away any remaining bones or dark flesh. If you prefer skinless fillets, carefully slide the knife between the flesh and the skin, using a back-and-forth motion to separate the two.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Fresh Salmon Fillets

Once you have successfully filleted the salmon, you can now prepare it according to your favorite recipe. Whether you choose to grill, bake, or pan-sear the fillets, you can take pride in knowing that you’ve mastered the art of filleting salmon.

With practice, filleting a salmon will become second nature, and you’ll be able to enjoy the freshest, most flavorful fillets whenever the craving strikes. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a sharp knife, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound filleting skills!