Should You Wash Salmon Before Cooking It?

Salmon is one of the most popular types of fish that people love to cook and eat. Its rich, omega-3 filled flesh makes it a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. However, when it comes to preparing salmon, many home cooks wonder if they should wash the raw salmon before cooking it. There seems to be conflicting advice out there, so what’s the best practice when prepping this tasty fish?

Why Some People Wash Their Salmon

There are a few reasons why some cooks choose to rinse salmon under cold water before cooking it

• To remove any blood scales or slime – Raw salmon straight from the packaging may have some residual blood loose scales or slime on the skin. Rinsing it briefly seems like an easy way to wash this away.

• Trying to get rid of bacteria—Some people think that rinsing will help get rid of bacteria that could be harmful from the surface.

• Lessen fishy smells—Some people think that quickly washing salmon gets rid of any fishy smells, especially if the fish isn’t very fresh.

So in theory, rinsing makes the salmon cleaner, safer and less smelly before cooking. But is this actually effective?

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Your Salmon

While the intention behind washing salmon is good research shows that this practice is not recommended

• It doesn’t remove bacteria – Simply rinsing salmon briefly under water does little to eliminate bacteria on the surface. Any bacteria present after harvesting would need to be killed by proper cooking.

• Bugs get spread: Scrubbing and splashing water can actually make bugs grow on your sink and other kitchen surfaces. This creates more opportunities for cross contamination.

• Alters texture – Letting moisture seep into the flesh can change the delicate texture of the salmon, making it less tender when cooked.

• Loosens flavor – Salmon gets much of its savory flavor from the natural oils in skin and fat. Exposing it to moisture can dilute this taste.

The United States Department of Agriculture therefore recommends against washing any raw meat and seafood as a way to remove bacteria. So when it comes to salmon, skipping this rinsing step is best.

Alternative Salmon Preparation Tips

Rather than washing your salmon, here are some better ways to handle it before cooking:

• Start with quality salmon – Purchase fresh salmon from a reputable seller and use it soon after buying. Choose salmon that is glistening, firm and without overt fishy odors. Properly handled salmon shouldn’t need extensive cleaning.

• Keep it cold – Store salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator until ready to use. Keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic to prevent contamination.

• Use a designated board and knife – Place your salmon on a separate cutting board (not one used for other foods). Use a specific knife just for the raw salmon to prevent bacterial transfer.

• Wash up thoroughly after – Once the salmon is cooked, carefully wash any surfaces, utensils and hands that touched the raw fish. This removes any lingering bacteria.

• Cook salmon thoroughly – Heat it to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any potential harmful bacteria present.

How to Clean Salmon Safely

If your salmon does need some light cleaning or preparation before cooking, follow these safe handling tips:

• Prepare other ingredients first so your sink and hands are clean when handling the fish.

• Use a clean spoon or paper towels to scrape off any bloodline or dried bits rather than rinsing.

• Pat skin dry with paper towels if any water beads up after thawing.

• If gutting a whole salmon, rinse out the body cavity thoroughly under cold water.

• Trim off gills, fins and tail if desired after protecting other foods from contact.

• Rinse cutting board immediately after use before anything else touches it.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the raw salmon.

So focus on keeping your salmon cold, separate from other foods and properly cooked. This will allow you to enjoy delicious, bacteria-free salmon, without the risks of washing it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Salmon

Many home cooks have questions about the best practices for prepping salmon. Here are some common salmon washing FAQs:

Should you wash salmon before smoking it?

No, avoid rinsing salmon fillets before smoking them. The outer salmon skin helps preserve moisture and flavor during the smoking process. Quickly pat dry with paper towels if needed.

Can I soak salmon in milk or lemon juice?

It’s best not to soak salmon in other liquids which can draw out its natural flavors and oils. Simply pat dry if needed.

Does rinsing remove fishy smell?

Washing won’t eliminate odors if the salmon has started to spoil. Avoid prep steps that spread bacteria and buy the freshest salmon possible.

Can I use vinegar or other cleaners on salmon?

Don’t use any soaps, detergents, vinegar, lemon juice or other chemicals. They are not approved for use on foods.

Should you wash salmon after thawing?

Don’t rinse thawed salmon unless using immediately. Pat dry with paper towels if excess moisture is present on the skin or surface.

Is it okay to rinse wild salmon?

Both farmed and wild salmon are best prepared without washing. Handle wild salmon gently as it has a more delicate texture.

Can I wash canned salmon?

Canned salmon is pre-cooked so rinsing is not needed for safety, though some people rinse it to remove excess salt and oil.

Is it safe to soak salmon in bourbon or wine?

It’s not recommended. Soaking fish in alcohol doesn’t kill bacteria. Only thorough cooking to proper temperature will make salmon safe.

The Takeaway on Washing Salmon

To summarize, food safety experts agree that you should skip rinsing your raw salmon before cooking it. This ineffective practice can spread bacteria in your kitchen. Instead, start with fresh high-quality salmon, store it properly, and cook it thoroughly. With the right techniques, your cooked salmon will be delicious and bacteria-free, even without a wash. Handled safely, this omega-3 powerhouse can be enjoyed as the tasty and nutritious fish it is.