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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Basics

    Published: Apr 9, 2020 · Modified: Feb 11, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Get Rid of the White Stuff- Brine Your Salmon

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    We have all had the unpleasant experience of weird white stuff oozing out of our salmon. Have you wondered if you can eat it? Does it mean the fish is bad? We can answer all your questions and help you banish it forever!

    Also be sure to check out our tutorial on how to brine chicken!

    how to brine salmon graphic

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • FAQ
    • How to Quick Brine Salmon
    • How to Roast Salmon
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    FAQ

    To start, lets get some of your questions answered.

    What is the white stuff on salmon?

    The white/ grey substance that often appears on salmon after it is cooked may look like fat‚ but it is actually a protein.  More specifically albumin. Despite what the internet says I am told that it is not albumen (which is what eggs whites are).

    Can I eat the white stuff on cooked salmon?

    Absolutely! It is just part of the fish's protein composition and is fine to eat.

    If you don’t like the way it looks you can wipe it off.  But remember you are also wiping off the seasoning.  We suggest you prevent it from forming in the first place.

    How do I prevent the white stuff from oozing out of cooked salmon?

    There are two schools of thought.  Soaking in a brine solution or cook low and slow. The brine solution is the most effective for all salmon cooking methods.

    However, the longer you cook salmon the more white stuff you will get. Overcooking the fish will result in more albumin. By cooking your fish to medium-rare, 125F degrees, you will see less than a well-done piece of fish.

    Additionally, a heavy glaze or crust on the fish will cover up albumin so you can't see it, but it will still be there.

    How to Quick Brine Salmon

    Make a brine solution with 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 cup of water ratio. Stir to dissolve. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish and cover with the brine solution. Allow the salmon to soak for 10 minutes in the brine, although 20 minutes is better. After brining the fish, pat dry the fillets. If the fillets are wet when you begin cooking them they won't hold onto the seasoning or brown properly.

    removing shite fat from salmon

    How to Roast Salmon

    Seasoned per your recipe, or just salt and pepper. Place on a rimmed baking tray in a 425 F degree oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

    The low and slow cooking option is less than 300 F degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness.

    salmon on roasting pan

    These temperatures and times will result in medium rare salmon. You can roast longer for your desired doneness.

    Try this roasted salmon with pineapple-cucumber relish for a quick weeknight meal that feels fancy!

    Pro Tip: Try your roasted salmon with one of our many no-cook sauces for a quick weeknight main course!  Most of our no-cook sauces come together in less than 5 minutes!

    roasted salmon filet with pineapple salsa on white plate

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    salmon in salt water brine

    Brine and Oven Roasted Salmon

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    A quick brine will prevent the white "ooze" from your salmon resulting in the perfect clean oven roasted salmon.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Brining 10 mins
    Total Time 13 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Seafood
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 300 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Sheet pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 salmon filets
    • kosher salt
    • water
    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
    • kosher salt and pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Place salmon in a shallow dish or pan. Cover with water, adding 1 tablespoon of kosher salt for every cup of water. Place in refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, up to overnight.
    • Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Remove salmon from the brine. Rinse and pat dry. Place salmon on rimmed baking sheet. Brush with coconut oil and season with salt and pepper.
    • Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until flaky.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g
    Keyword Brine, Dinner, Fish, oven, roasted, Salmon
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!
    « Citrus & Sesame Shrimp Salad
    Pineapple and Cucumber Relish »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. J A says

      September 08, 2021 at 9:52 pm

      It was way too salty.

      Reply
    2. Shawna says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:52 am

      Brined my salmon overnight and it was way too salty.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        August 02, 2020 at 12:26 pm

        Thank you for the feedback.

        Reply
      • MK says

        May 31, 2021 at 4:56 pm

        The authors state 10-20 minutes. More is not better.

        Reply
        • Mat McLelland says

          August 16, 2021 at 12:26 pm

          For an overnight brine you use less salt ratio.

          Reply
    3. Erika says

      April 09, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      I've never tried brining my salmon before, but I love this idea!

      Reply
    4. Jen says

      April 09, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      I'm excited to try this! I have salmon out in my deep freezer in the garage that I've been meaning to make. Thanks for the inspiration to pull it out and try it.

      Reply
    5. Ashley says

      April 09, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum!! I love briney anything!!

      Reply
    6. Marc says

      April 09, 2020 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      Great pro tip! There's nothing wrong with the white stuff, but it does look unappetizing, and besides, brining makes the salmon taste better!

      Reply
      • Mary Nina Yamaki says

        January 30, 2021 at 10:32 pm

        5 stars
        Growing up in Japan we ate a lot of fish including salmon and never had this white stuff oozing out of salmon till I start to living in the US. I leaned in Japan when salmons were caught they are thrown into freezing cold salt water on the ship immediately. I prefer to buy salmon in Japanese market in Los Ángeles because of this reason.

        Reply
        • Jen says

          January 31, 2021 at 9:03 am

          Oh wow that is so interesting. Thank you so much for sharing!

          Reply
    7. Denay DeGuzman says

      April 09, 2020 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      What an excellent guide for brining salmon to get rid of the white stuff! Thank you so much for sharing this quick and easy technique.

      Reply

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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