Get Creative: 9 Delicious Ways to Use Up Salmon Scraps

As any salmon lover knows, once you’ve filleted a salmon there are lots of tasty morsels left behind. The flavorful fatty belly, the collagen-rich head, the nutrient packed skin – these salmon scraps can make delicious additions to many dishes Don’t let these extra bits go to waste! Here are 9 creative ways to transform your salmon leftovers into appetizing meals

1. Make Your Own Salmon Oil

The oil from salmon scraps contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids Simmer the skin and belly trimmings over low heat for 30-60 minutes Strain out the solids and you’ll be left with pure salmon oil that can be used for cooking, drizzling, or supplements. Store it in the fridge for up to 6 months.

2. Whip Up Salmon Scraps Spread

Blitz roasted salmon bits in the food processor along with cream cheese, lemon juice, dill, capers, and parsley. Spread onto crackers or bagels for easy salmon dip. You can also stuff into celery sticks for a fun presentation.

3. Toss Them into Soups

Short on time? Simply simmer salmon scraps in chicken or veg broth with onions, carrots, and potatoes for a nourishing salmon chowder. For a Southeast Asian twist, try coconut curry salmon soup with ginger, lemongrass, and lime.

4. Top Salads and Grain Bowls

Elevate your greens by sprinkling crispy roasted salmon skin on top. Give your grain bowl a protein punch with flaked salmon belly or meat. The smoky richness pairs perfectly with quinoa, farro, or rice.

5. Blend into Salmon Pate

Pulse cooked salmon leftovers with softened cream cheese, fresh dill, capers, and just enough olive oil to make a spreadable mixture. This makes a fancy appetizer. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.

6. Make Omega-Packed Salmon Burgers

Put cooked salmon pieces in a bowl and mix in egg, parsley, lemon juice, and a little garlic powder. Shape into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Pop onto a whole wheat bun for a nutritious salmon burger.

7. Whisk Up Salmon Fried Rice

Stir bite-sized salmon bits into fried rice along with frozen peas, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, and eggs. The salmon amplifies the savory umami flavor. Serve with sriracha for added heat.

8. Bake Salmon Croquettes

Mix together flaked salmon meat, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, onion, dill, egg, and flour. Form into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy outside and hot within. Kids love these!

9. Transform into Salmon Cakes

One of the most popular ways to use up salmon leftovers is to make salmon cakes. Combine cooked salmon scraps with scallions, spices, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, and just enough mayo to bind. Pan fry into crispy, savory cakes.

With just a little creativity, you can give new life to bits of leftover salmon. Keep the skin, belly, head, and bones out of the trash. Source high-quality salmon and snout-to-tail cooking will give you the most nutritional bang for your buck.

Now that you’ve got some inspiration for repurposing salmon scraps, let’s go over some key tips for handling and prepping your leftovers properly:

• Store raw salmon trimmings in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge for 2-3 days max. Cooked leftovers keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.

• Pick through raw scraps carefully and rinse to remove any stray bones. Pat dry.

• Roast at 400°F for 7-10 minutes until cooked through but not dried out.

• Flake larger cooked pieces into bite-size bits for easier use in recipes.

• Consider freezing leftovers in batches for later use. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

• Salmon scraps pair well with creamy, acidic, and fresh flavors like lemon, dill, capers, parsley and shallots.

• For extra omega-3s, keep the oily belly and skin. Just trim off any discolored bits.

• The head and bones can be simmered into stock. Strain before use.