How Do You Prepare Raw Salmon?

Preparing raw salmon may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. Whether you’re making sushi rolls or simply serving it as sashimi, here’s a guide on how to properly prepare raw salmon.

Choosing the Right Salmon

When it comes to selecting salmon for raw consumption, freshness is key. Look for bright, firm flesh with no discoloration or dullness. The smell should be fresh and mild, not overly fishy.

Tools You’ll Need

To properly prepare raw salmon, you’ll need a few essential tools:

  • A sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tweezers or pliers (to remove any remaining bones)
  • Clean towels or paper towels (to dry the fish)

Preparing the Salmon

First, rinse the salmon in cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Place the fish on a cutting board with its skin-side down.

Using your chef’s knife, make sure it is sharp enough to cut through the salmon smoothly without tearing it apart. Cut thin slices against the grain of the flesh for sashimi or thicker pieces for sushi rolls.

If there are any remaining bones in the flesh, use tweezers or pliers to remove them carefully.

Serving Raw Salmon

Once you’ve prepared your raw salmon slices or pieces, you can serve them immediately. For a traditional Japanese-style presentation, arrange them attractively on a plate alongside wasabi paste and pickled ginger.

Alternatively, try using your raw salmon in sushi rolls by rolling it up with rice and other fillings such as cucumber or avocado. Or serve it as part of a poke bowl with rice, vegetables, and other toppings.

Conclusion

Raw salmon is a versatile and healthy food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With the right tools and techniques, preparing it at home can be both easy and satisfying. Just remember to always choose fresh, high-quality salmon and handle it with care to ensure the best possible results.

Photo of author

Michael Allen