Gather the necessary tools
Before you start filleting your salmon, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand:
- Sharp filleting knife
- Cutting board
- Tweezers or pliers
- Disposable gloves (optional)
Preparing the salmon
1. Start by laying the salmon on the cutting board, belly facing down.
2. Use the tweezers or pliers to remove any remaining scales, ensuring the skin is clean.
3. Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat it dry using a paper towel. This will make it easier to grip the fish during the filleting process.
Begin the filleting process
4. Hold the tail end of the salmon with your non-dominant hand, keeping the knife in your dominant hand.
5. Make a slight incision behind the gills, angling the knife towards the head of the fish.
6. Continue cutting along the backbone, using gentle sawing motions while keeping the blade close to the rib bones.
7. As you reach the halfway point of the fish, slide the knife under the fillet to separate it from the backbone.
Filleting the other side
8. Flip the salmon over and repeat the process from step 4 to step 7 on the other side of the fish.
Removing the skin
9. Lay one of the fillets, skin side down, on the cutting board.
10. Starting from the tail end, insert the knife between the skin and flesh at a slight angle.
11. Hold the tail end firmly and guide the knife along the length of the fillet, separating the flesh from the skin.
12. Repeat the process for the other fillet to remove the skin entirely.
Trimming and deboning
13. Examine both fillets carefully for any remaining pin bones. Use your tweezers or pliers to remove them gently.
14. Trim any excess fat or uneven edges from the fillets to ensure a clean presentation.
Final steps
15. Rinse both fillets under cold water to remove any loose bones or scales.
16. Pat the fillets dry and store them in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
17. Your fresh salmon fillets are now ready to be cooked in your favorite recipes!
Filleting a salmon can be a rewarding experience, providing you with the freshest fish for your culinary adventures. With practice, you will improve your speed and efficiency, making it an intricate yet enjoyable task. So, put on your chef’s hat and start filleting that salmon today!