How to Cook Crispy, Flavorful Salmon Belly Strips

Salmon belly is one of the most prized yet affordable cuts of salmon Unlike the flaky flesh of salmon fillets, the belly is fattier, more succulent, and loaded with omega-3s When cut into strips and cooked properly, salmon belly transforms into irresistible crispy, salty and umami-rich treats. Here’s a simple guide to cooking perfect salmon belly strips at home.

What is Salmon Belly?

Salmon belly refers to the fatty underside section of salmon. It is the mirror opposite of the back muscle or fillet which is leaner and commonly used for salmon steaks or fillets.

Salmon belly makes up about one-fourth of the fish It contains high levels of healthy fats, collagen, and oils that keep the salmon moist and supple These qualities make salmon belly ideal for cooking methods like grilling, pan-frying, deep frying or baking where you want crispy skin and tender, moist meat.

Compared to the back or tail muscles, salmon belly offers a more indulgent texture and naturally rich flavor The strips of belly are often singed to create a crispy skin with a luscious layer of salmon fat underneath

Benefits of Salmon Belly

Here are some of the top benefits of cooking and eating salmon belly:

• Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon belly has a higher fat content which provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s like DHA and EPA. These healthy fats protect your heart, brain and joints.

• Full of protein—Salmon is a great way to get all the proteins your body needs to help muscles grow and heal. The belly provides around 6-8g protein per 3 oz serving.

• High in B-vitamins – It provides B-vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and B12 which help convert food into cellular fuel.

• Contains antioxidants – Belly salmon has the antioxidant astaxanthin which reduces inflammation and damage by free radicals.

• Budget-friendly – The belly costs significantly less than premium salmon fillets. Using this affordable cut reduces waste and saves money.

So don’t throw away those precious belly scraps the next time you slice up a whole salmon. Cook up these nutritious and tasty strips instead to get the most out of the fish.

How to Choose Salmon Belly

Here are some tips to help you choose the best salmon belly strips:

• Look for thick, meaty strips from fresh wild-caught Pacific salmon varieties like king, sockeye or coho salmon.

• Choose strips with shiny, taut and evenly colored skin without any blemishes.

• Opt for thicker 3-4 oz strips which will be juicier when cooked vs. thin scraggly ones.

• Make sure the strips don’t have a strong fishy odor and look moist, not dried out.

• For better flavor, pick strips with some visible white fat marbling rather than lean ones.

With high-quality salmon belly in hand, you’re ready to cook up a flavorful seafood feast.

How to Prepare Salmon Belly for Cooking

Before cooking salmon belly strips, it helps to prep them properly:

• Rinse the strips and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture prevents browning and leads to steaming instead of searing.

• Portion into individual 3-4 oz strips about 1-inch thick. Thinner strips cook faster while thick cuts stay juicier.

• Season all over with salt, pepper and any other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder or thyme. Rub it in evenly.

• Chill for 30 mins to an hour so flavors penetrate. Chilled belly crisps up better than room temperature.

With the skins patted dry and strips seasoned and chilled, you’re ready to sizzle up these strip baits!

How to Cook Salmon Belly Strips – 3 Easy Methods

Salmon belly can be cooked in several ways. Here are the three top methods to try:

1. Pan-fry

Pan-frying is a quick and easy way to create crispy, caramelized salmon belly strips.

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Place the seasoned salmon belly strips, skin-side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until deep golden. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

The high heat helps render the fat and achieve a crackly crisp skin. Be careful not to overcook the tender meat. Serve these seared salmon strips with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

2. Deep fry

Deep frying seals in all the juices and amps up the crunch factor of the belly.

In a wok or pot, heat 2 to 3 inches of neutral oil to 350°F. You can also use a tabletop deep fryer.

Drop the salmon strips carefully in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden crispy.

Drain on paper towels. Enjoy the perfectly fried strips solo or with soy dipping sauce.

3. Bake

For a healthier option with less fat, bake the salmon belly until browned and caramelized.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned salmon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down.

Bake 12-15 minutes until the meat easily flakes and the skin is browned. Broil 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispness if desired.

Baked salmon belly is delicious in tacos, rice bowls or on salads. The strips bake up nicely oiled or plain.

6 Delicious Ways to Serve Salmon Belly

Salmon belly strips shine on their own but pair well with many flavors. Here are 6 tasty meal ideas:

• Appetizer with wasabi mayo or lemon aioli for dipping
• In bibimbap or donburi rice bowls
• Tacos with slaw, avocado and cilantro crema
• Poke bowls with sushi rice and veggies
• Salad with greens, oranges, walnuts and pomegranate vinaigrette
• Sandwich with garlic aioli, tomatoes and watercress

However you choose to serve them, perfectly cooked salmon belly strips make for a simply sensational seafood meal.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Belly

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking salmon belly:

• Dry the strips well before cooking for crispy browned skin

• Use a hot pan and don’t move the strips as they sear for a lacquered crust

• Cook skin-side down first to render the fats and crisp up the skin

• Flip only once during pan/deep frying to prevent overhandling

• Cook until opaque and flakes easily with a fork but not falling apart

• Be extra careful not to overcook as salmon belly can dry out fast

• Serve immediately once cooked for the best texture and flavor

Getting that balance of crispy salty skin and tender flaky meat takes some practice. But once you master cooking salmon belly strips, you’ll be hooked on these scrumptious seafood treats.

With their plentiful omega-3 fats, protein power and ample flavor, salmon belly strips make a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal. Follow this handy guide to pan-frying, deep-frying or baking the perfect salmon belly strips. Then get creative serving them in everything from rice bowls to tacos, salads and sandwiches. A fish lover’s delight, crispy salmon belly strips will fast become a favorite seafood for the whole family.