Before salmon fillets make it into the supermarket seafood case, a fishmonger has already removed the backbone and ribs. However, they don't always catch the thin, soft pin bones that "float" in the flesh. These tiny, flexible bones can be a hassle, but with a simple technique, you can easily remove them at home. Here’s how.
How to Remove Pin Bones from Salmon
Step 1: Locate the Pin Bones
Run your index finger along the center seam of the fillet, moving against the grain. If there are any pin bones, you'll feel them protruding at about ½-inch intervals.
Step 2: Remove the Bones
Using clean tweezers or fish bone pliers, grasp the tip of the bone firmly. Tug gently, pulling at a slight angle instead of straight up. (Pin bones grow slanted toward the fish’s head.) Repeat as necessary until all bones are removed.
Pro Tips
Use dedicated fish tweezers for better grip and control.
Work in good lighting to spot the tiny bones more easily.
Chill the fillet slightly before removing bones—this makes them firmer and easier to grasp.
With this quick trick, you'll have a perfectly bone-free fillet ready for cooking. Enjoy your salmon hassle-free!
