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According to an expert, you should choose salmon that has a moist appearance
Many people love salmon, and especially the dishes that can be made from this fish. However, the question arises whether salmon needs to be rinsed with water before cooking. According to seafood safety expert Razieh Farzad, this fish does not need to be rinsed before cooking, writes Southern Living.
“Food safety guidelines suggest that rinsing meats, including fish/salmon, may increase the risk of spreading pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria in your kitchen,” she explained.
According to her, no matter what kind of salmon you buy, it should not be washed. In particular, the expert also advises to choose salmon that has a moist appearance, because this indicates its freshness. You can even ask the seller to smell the fish, and if the smell is unpleasant, then look for another piece.
What happens if you rinse the fish?
“Splashing water can spread bacteria from salmon to other surfaces and foods in the kitchen,” Farzad noted.
If you want to rinse the fish, however, make sure the sink is clean, says the expert. When you’re done, be sure to clean and sanitise the sink and any other surfaces you’ve touched afterwards.
“Also, avoid fish coming into contact with other food and kitchen items during and after rinsing,” the expert advises.
Do I need to rinse salmon to remove the skin?
Although the skin of salmon does not have to be removed, rinsing the fish does not make it any easier to remove. For this reason, Farzad advises cooking salmon skin-side down in a heated pan, which will allow it to separate from the meat during cooking.
The USDA in particular recommends cooking this fish at 62 degrees Celsius.
The expert summarised that once the fish is cool, you can peel off the skin without much effort. To skin the fish before cooking it, Farzad advises using a sharp knife or putting it in the fridge to make it firmer.
