How to Cook Delicious Salmon Fins – Grilled, Baked or Fried

Salmon fins may seem like an unusual cut but they are a treasure trove of flavor and nutrition. These collagen-rich gelatinous fins attached to fatty belly nuggets offer a sweet umami depth ideal for grilling, baking or frying. Here’s how to transform this under-appreciated salmon cut into tender succulent morsels.

What are Salmon Fins?

Salmon fins refer to the fan-shaped pectoral fins trimmed off during salmon filleting. The fins are left attached to a lip of belly fat and skin, forming flaps 2-4 inches long.

There are cartilage rays in the fins of salmon, and there is a lot of collagen around them. The fins are more gelatinous and wobbly than the flaky fillet. When it’s cooked right, the belly nugget gets crispy and the fins become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

The V-shaped fins that are turned upside down are full of healthy fats and taste slightly sweet. When cooked, they become sticky and smooth. Even though they aren’t common everywhere, they are becoming more and more popular because they are so healthy.

Benefits of Eating Salmon Fins

Here are some of the top health benefits of salmon fins:

• Excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s

• Contain high quality readily absorbed protein

• Loaded with collagen for youthful skin and joints

• Provide vital vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium

• Have a high glutathione content for immune and liver health

• Offer cardioprotective CoEnzymeQ10 and astaxanthin

So don’t discard the fins – they are a superfood powerhouse!

How to Select Salmon Fins

For the best quality salmon fins, look for:

• Meaty fins at least 2 inches long attached to a fat nugget

• Moist, glistening fins that are not dried out

• Clear fin tissue without any darkening or mushiness

• Bright orange-red belly strip with minimal blemishes

• Pleasant mild aroma without any rancid odor

• Fatty belly portion makes up half the total flap

With quality fins in hand, it’s time to prep and cook them up.

Preparing Salmon Fins for Cooking

Proper prep ensures tender, flavorful cooked fins:

• Rinse fins and pat dry thoroughly to prevent steaming.

• Portion fins by cutting along the membrane into pieces 3-4 inches wide.

• Season all over with salt, white pepper and other spices as desired.

• Chill for 30-60 minutes to firm them up before cooking.

With the excess moisture removed and seasonings absorbed, the fins are ready for the cooking method of your choice.

How to Cook Salmon Fins – 3 Easy Ways

Here are simple ways to coax out the rich savory sweetness of salmon fins:

1. Grill

Grilling imparts a lovely char while melting the collagen into gelatin.

• Heat grill to medium-high. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

• Grill fins for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through.

• Brush with soy-ginger glaze or other sauce in the last 2 minutes if desired.

Grilled fins make finger-licking good beer snacks or appetizers.

2. Bake

Baking gently renders the fat to crispy perfection.

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Arrange fins on the sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until browned.

• For extra crispy skin, broil 2-3 minutes at the end.

Baked fins pair beautifully with rice or roasted veggies.

3. Pan-fry

Pan-frying creates an irresistible crispy crust on the fatty belly.

• Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Pan-fry fins for 2-3 minutes on each side until skin is browned and crispy.

These crispy pan-fried fins are fantastic in tacos, sandwiches and wraps.

5 Tasty Ways to Serve Salmon Fins

While delicious on their own, salmon fins also combine splendidly with many flavors:

• Appetizer with lemon and cracked pepper
• Rice bowls with soy-ginger dressing
• Tacos with spicy mayo and purple cabbage
• Salad with oranges, fennel and citrus vinaigrette
• Pasta with mushrooms and creamy white wine sauce

With their rich and meaty texture, salmon fins adapt well to both Asian and Western cuisines.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Fins

Follow these tips for the most tender and flavorful fins:

• Pat fins completely dry before cooking

• Brush racks/pans with oil to prevent sticking

• Cook fins skin-side down first to render fat and crisp up

• Don’t move fins while grilling/frying to get a nice sear

• Cook until browned on the outside but still glossy inside

• Be careful not to overcook as they go from tender to rubbery quickly

Mastering cooking salmon fins does take some practice. But once you get the technique down, you’ll be hooked on these succulent and nutritious morsels.

While salmon fillets may get all the love, the humble fins have just as much to offer. Brimming with healthy fats, protein and collagen, salmon fins provide a rich depth of flavor. Grill, pan-fry or bake these underrated fins to crispy perfection. Then incorporate them into tacos, poke bowls, pasta and more for a nutritious seafood feast. With their impressive nutritional profile and mild sweet taste, salmon fins are worth splurging on.