Question:
Silly question for those living near the coast

but in land-locked Oklahoma, I have no idea what to do about the skin on salmon when cooking it. I bought some salmon steaks the other day for the first time because I recently found some good ideas on how to cook salmon. But the recipes say nothing about the removal of the skin. Do you remove the skin before you cook it or after? Do you remove it at all? I've ordered salmon out before, and there was no skin on it. Any suggestions? Thanks.    — Kristie B. (posted on June 7, 2002)

June 7, 2002
hello. not a silly question! :) Salmon can be cooked any which way, but a popular way around the coast of NJ is to cook it grilled or baked with the skin on, and once it is thoroughly cooked you can easily slide the salmon off the skin and put on a plate and enjoy. hope this helps. I have worked in several seafood and Italian restaurants, so I know this :)
   — Lezlie Y.

June 7, 2002
LOL, we live on the ocean. When you buy the salmon from a regular grocery store, it is usually packaged with the skin on only one side. We actually make steaks out of a small package (get 4-5 steaks). Personally, I like to pan fry it in Pam spray and a tiny-tiny bit of olive oil. My favorite way is to shake it in Progresso seasoned bread crumbs. That is the ONLY time I eat "breaded" anything. If you buy your salmon fresh off the boat at the docks, they sell you the whole fish. Then you have to fillet it.Almost everybody cooks salmon with the skin on and removes it while serving. Salmon tastes great barbecued or broiled or baked. I am not too crazy about poached salmon.
   — Barbara B.

June 7, 2002
Over here in Oregon, we cook the salmon with skin on and just take skin off after cooking or just don't eat it. it would seem the salmon would get too dry if you took skin off first
   — Grace H.

June 7, 2002
Hi Kristie. It's not a silly question at all. First of all, congratulations on making an excellent food choice. Salmon is one the the best sources of protein that you can eat. I, however, could not eat it as soon after my surgery as you are. I agree with all the other repliers, prepare it with the skin on and it is quite easy to remove after cooking. Be sure that the salmon is VERY moist and tender as it tends to dry out quickly and easily and chew, chew, chew! Feel free tto share your recipe with me if you get a chance. Hope this helps~!
   — Ellen H.