Why peel fish skin in some recipes (like when making ceviche)?

Question

Find out why you might peel the skin from fish. For recipes like ceviche, removing the skin results in a more pleasant, tender texture.

Answer 1

Fish skin is peeled in some recipes, like ceviche, because it can be tough, have a strong flavor that overpowers the dish, or contain bacteria or parasites that are harmful when consumed raw. Removing the skin improves the texture and taste of the final product and ensures food safety.

Detailed Explanation:

When preparing certain fish dishes, especially those involving raw or lightly cooked fish like ceviche, the skin is often removed for several key reasons:

1. Texture: Fish skin can be quite tough and chewy, especially when not cooked at high temperatures. In dishes where the fish is meant to be tender and delicate, leaving the skin on can detract from the overall eating experience.

2. Flavor: Some fish skin has a strong, fishy flavor that can be overpowering, particularly in raw preparations. Removing the skin allows the more subtle flavors of the fish to shine through and prevents the dish from tasting overly pungent.

3. Food Safety: Fish skin can harbor bacteria or parasites, especially if the fish hasn't been handled or stored properly. While cooking typically kills these harmful organisms, raw preparations like ceviche rely on the acidity of the marinade to 'cook' the fish. Removing the skin reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a safer eating experience.

4. Aesthetics: In some cases, removing the skin simply improves the appearance of the dish. Skin can sometimes curl or become unsightly during the marinating process, so removing it beforehand can result in a more visually appealing final product.

Pro Tip:

If you're unsure whether to remove the skin, consider the type of fish and the recipe. Fish with thick, tough skin, like mackerel, often benefit from skin removal, especially in raw preparations. For fish with thinner skin, like salmon, you might choose to leave it on if you're grilling or pan-frying to achieve a crispy texture.