Salmon Trimmings with Garlic... and Get Your Kids to Eat it too....

Want to get a quick and easy dish on the table in a flash, that's cheap, delicious and healthy too? I find this is my most favourite way to get the kids to eat fish.

Pick up a package of salmon trimmings at your local Asian supermarket. Browse the seafood and fish area, and you will find them stored alongside containers of fresh oysters and other prepared fish cuts. If you're lucky, you can sometimes find generous hunks of meat still attached to the bones and lots of skin that pan-fries up crispy and delectable! Always look for the packed on date and make sure you have the most freshest package of the bunch. Salmon should be bright and even in colour; avoid if the skin also looks grey and discoloured.

From the health perspective, the skin provides collagen, protein and omega-3 fatty acids which the layer of fat just underneath the skin also has the nutritional benefits of the latter.

Lay the pieces of salmon on a plate; lightly season both sides with a little kosher/sea salt and ground white pepper.

 



Heat pan on medium high and place salmon in a large non-stick pan or skillet. Pan fry both sides for four minutes each or until crispy golden. For odd shaped pieces, make sure the skin side gets fried until it crisps-up. Sprinkle two coarsely chopped garlic on top; turn over and cook for two minutes more until garlic-fragrant. 

Lastly, sprinkle one chopped green onion over top, let sizzle for one more minute, then remove onto paper towel-lined plate to remove the excess oil. Your pan will be coated with a thin layer of salmon oil. Best to wipe up with a paper towel or two, and discard it into your organic bin.

Fish trimmings prepared this way can be appetizing for young children for its crispy texture and aromatic flavour. Trimmings are cheap and the meaty parts next to the bone and skin tend to be more tender.

Make sure the salmon gets picked through for its bones before serving to the children. I usually give them the meatier parts after thorough inspection and my husband and I savour on the bony and fatty pieces. And of course we all share what crispy skin is offered- the kids love their crispy slightly salty garlicky crunch!