How to Buy Salmon Fillets
Producing the best salmon dishes starts at the fish counter. Here’s what to look for when buying salmon fillets.
Cut Individual Fillets Yourself
Buying a piece that is the total amount you need and cutting the individual fillets yourself ensures those fillets will be evenly sized. Pre-cut fillets could come from different areas of differently sized fish, which leaves the potential for uneven sizes that cook at different rates.
Don't Buy Thin Fillets
Stay away from thin fillets. These are cut from the tail end, and they cook so fast that it is impossible to get a nice sear before the fish is overcooked—plus one end is very, very thin while the other is always much thicker.
Buy Thick, Center-Cut Fillets
We recommend buying what you need and cutting it into fillets yourself, If you only need one fillet, opt for one cut from the head end or center. These fillets are the prime cut of the fish. They are thick enough to sear nicely without overcooking and are easy to skin (if desired).
Don't Be Afraid To Be Picky
You don’t have to buy the first fillet you see. If the fillet on top doesn’t look perfect, ask the fishmonger to show you more fish until you find one that’s up to your standards.
