There are a lot of different opinions about whether or not you should wash salmon before cooking it. To help you make the best decision for your meal, we asked chefs, fishmongers, and experts from the FDA and USDA for their thoughts on the matter.
Should You Wash Salmon Before Cooking?
There are different rules for different types of fish, but when it comes to salmon, the debate over pre-washing is especially heated.
Some say that washing the fish will help remove dirt or kill bacteria that may be present on the surface, while others believe that washing salmon can actually cause the fish to absorb more water and become less flavorful.
So, what’s the verdict? We asked the experts and here’s what they had to say.
USDA:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not recommend washing raw fish, including salmon, before cooking it. According to the USDA, there is no need to wash fish before cooking because “cooking will kill any bacteria or pathogens that may be present.”
FDA:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a similar stance to the USDA and does not recommend washing fish before cooking. The FDA says that “washing raw fish in running water could increase the risk of bacteria contaminating your kitchen.”
Chefs:
Chefs have mixed opinions on whether or not you should wash salmon before cooking it. Some chefs say that washing salmon is a necessary step to ensure that the fish is clean and free of any residual debris from scaling and filleting.
Other chefs believe that washing salmon can actually cause the fish to lose some of its natural flavors. Chef Gordon Ramsay, for example, has said that he doesn’t wash his salmon because “it kills the taste.”
Fishmongers:
Fishmongers are another group of experts with mixed opinions on this topic. Some fishmongers say that they always wash their salmon before cooking it, while others say that they never wash it.
The main concern for fishmongers is making sure that the fish is as fresh as possible. They believe that washing freshly caught salmon removes the smell of the ocean which is an indicator of its freshness.
As you can see most experts don’t recommend washing salmon before cooking it. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide what you want to do with your fish. If you are worried about bacteria or contaminants, the best way to reduce your risk is to cook the salmon properly.
Pros and Cons of Washing Salmon:
Now that you know what the experts have to say, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of washing salmon before cooking it.
Pros of washing salmon:
Cleans the fish: Depending on where you purchase your salmon, there may be residual bits of fish scales, bones, or blood on the surface of the fillet. Washing your salmon will remove these bits and ensure that your fish is clean.
Removes excess salt: If your salmon has been cured with salt (a process often used to preserve the fish), washing it before cooking will help remove some of the excess salt. This is especially important if you are planning on serving the salmon to young children or people with high blood pressure, as they may be more sensitive to the taste of salt.
Reduces fishy taste: While many people eat salmon for its “fishy” taste, others find the flavor to be overpowering. If you fall into the latter group, washing your salmon before cooking may help reduce the fishy taste.
Cons of washing salmon:
Can cause fish to absorb water: One of the main arguments against washing salmon is that it can cause the fish to absorb water. This is because the fish’s flesh is porous and will absorb any liquid it comes into contact with. Too much water can make the salmon less flavorful and more difficult to cook.
Can remove flavor: As we mentioned before, some experts believe that washing salmon can actually remove some of its natural flavors. If you are looking for a more intense fishy flavor, you may want to skip the washing step.
Can spread bacteria: If you choose to wash your salmon, it is important to do so carefully. Improper washing can actually spread bacteria from the fish to your kitchen surfaces. Make sure to use clean hands and cook all surfaces that come into contact with the raw salmon.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are pros and cons to washing salmon before cooking it. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you are concerned about bacteria or contaminants, the best way to reduce your risk is to cook the salmon properly.
If you are looking for a more intense fishy flavor, you may want to skip the washing step. However, if you prefer a milder taste or want to remove any residual bits of scales, bones, or blood, washing your salmon before cooking it is probably the best way to go. Just make sure to do so carefully to avoid spreading bacteria.