Delicious Salmon Belly Recipes

If you’ve never tried cooking with salmon belly, you’re in for a real treat! Salmon Belly is the underrated hero of the fish world—rich, tender, and packed with flavor.

It’s got a buttery texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Whether you prefer it crispy, baked, or glazed, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious cut of fish. And the best part? It’s much more affordable than the typical salmon fillets!

In this post, I’m sharing three of my absolute favorite salmon belly recipes that will impress your guests and elevate your dinner game.

From crispy to baked and glazed to perfection, these dishes are guaranteed to make you fall in love with salmon belly all over again. Let’s dive right in!

1. Crispy Baked Salmon Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze

This is hands down one of my favorite ways to prepare salmon belly. The crispy skin combined with the rich, soy-ginger glaze is an irresistible combination.

It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy, and it’s so easy to make. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at home, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pieces of salmon belly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 390°F (200°C). This temperature will give you that perfect crispy skin without drying out the fish.
2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey. This will create a rich, savory-sweet sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon belly.
3. Prepare the salmon belly: Pat the salmon belly pieces dry with a paper towel. This step is key to getting the skin crispy! Brush the skin with EVOO and season with a pinch of salt.
4. Coat with glaze: Generously brush the soy-ginger glaze over the salmon belly, ensuring every corner is coated with that delicious sauce.
5. Bake: Place the salmon belly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, skin-side up. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the fish is tender on the inside. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil it for the last 2 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The glaze will have caramelized slightly, giving the dish a beautiful glossy finish and a burst of flavor.

2. Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Belly

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a salmon belly sizzling in a hot pan. This method is quick and easy, and results in the crispiest skin.

You can snack on these as an appetizer, add them to a salad, or enjoy them as a main dish. Trust me, once you try crispy salmon belly, you’ll never go back to regular fillets again.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pieces of salmon belly
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions:

1. Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the EVOO. Swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon belly pieces dry with a paper towel (this step is crucial for getting crispy skin). If you want even more crunch, lightly dust the skin with cornstarch before cooking.
3. Cook the salmon: Place the salmon belly skin-side down in the hot pan. Don’t touch it for at least 4 minutes. The key to perfect crispiness is letting the skin cook undisturbed until it’s golden and crispy. Once the skin is crisp, flip the pieces over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through but still juicy inside.
4. Season and serve: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and you’re done! The crispy skin will have a savory crunch, and the salmon will remain tender on the inside.

3. Baked Salmon Belly with Maple Soy Glaze

For something a little sweeter, this baked salmon belly with a maple soy glaze is a winner.

The combination of maple syrup and soy sauce creates a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that perfectly complements the natural fat of the salmon belly.

It’s a simple recipe that’s packed with flavor and will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pieces of salmon belly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated garlic, and rice vinegar (if using). This glaze will give the salmon belly that sweet-savory flavor that’s addicting.
3. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon belly pieces in a shallow dish and pour the glaze over the fish. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will soak into the fish.
4. Bake the salmon: Arrange the salmon belly on the prepared baking tray and spoon some extra glaze over the top. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized on top.
5. Serve: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or steamed vegetables. The maple soy glaze adds a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the salmon belly perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

So, you’ve made your crispy salmon belly or baked salmon belly with a glaze—now what? Here are some ideas for serving these delicious dishes:

• Pair with a salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette makes the perfect side for a salmon belly.
• Serve with rice: The rich flavors of salmon belly go wonderfully with steamed rice, whether it’s jasmine rice, coconut rice, or brown rice.
• Add a side of miso soup: For a sushi-inspired meal, serve salmon belly with a warm bowl of miso soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food pairing.
• Try as sashimi: If you’re a fan of raw fish, you can even serve salmon belly sashimi-style for an extra treat.

more like this recipe

• smoked salmon
• salmon and grits recipe
• Mexican Salmon Recipe
• Chatelaine Smoked Salmon Rolls

Conclusion

If you’ve been sleeping on a salmon belly, it’s time to wake up! This cut of fish is full of flavor, affordable, and super versatile.

Whether you’re in the mood for a crispy salmon belly, a savory soy-ginger glaze, or something a little sweeter with a maple soy glaze, these recipes will elevate your cooking to the next level.

So, next time you’re at the store, grab some salmon belly and give one of these recipes a try.

I promise you won’t regret it. Enjoy cooking and feel free to share your favorite way to prepare salmon belly in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Salmon Belly Recipes

1. What is salmon belly?

Salmon belly is the fatty, tender part of the fish with a rich, buttery flavor. It’s perfect for crispy or baked dishes and more affordable than regular salmon fillets.

2. Can I use salmon fillets instead of belly?

Yes, but salmon belly offers more flavor and a richer texture due to its higher fat content. Fillets are leaner and won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth experience.

3. How do I get a crispy salmon belly?

Pat the skin dry and cook it skin-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

4. Can I use an air fryer for salmon belly?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes for crispy, tender salmon belly.

5. What sides should I serve with a salmon belly?

Serve with a light salad, steamed rice, or miso soup to balance the richness of the salmon belly.