Fish
Cheek
Salmon cheeks are small round muscles from the head—tender, sweet, and scarce. They cook like tiny medallions and reward anyone breaking down whole fish rather than buying only fillets. Sear briefly in butter or oil, or poach in light broth. Minutes of heat are enough; longer turns them tough. Season lightly and serve as a starter or garnish with acid to lift the richness.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 11.1 g
- Saturated Fat 0.95 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.08 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 6.02 g
- Cholesterol 54.7 mg
- Sodium 75.9 mg
- Salt 0.2 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 18.9 g
- Water 73.5 g
- Energy 209 kcal
- Water 73.5 g
- Protein 18.9 g
- Fat 11.1 g
- Saturated Fat 0.95 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 2.08 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 6.02 g
- Omega-3 2.41 g
- Vitamins 51.6 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.13 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 3.44 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.34 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.5 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 9.9 µg
- Vitamin B12 — Cobalamin 1.2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin D 14.1 µg
- Vitamin E 1.74 mg
- Vitamin K 0.6 µg
- Minerals 411 mg
- Major Minerals 410 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.2 g
- Cholesterol 54.7 mg
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-b12-cobalamin: 1.2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.09 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.13 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 3.44 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.6 · vitamin-b6: 0.34 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.5 · vitamin-b9-folate: 9.9 · vitamin-d: 14.1 · vitamin-e: 1.74 · vitamin-k: 0.6 ·
Minerals
Cheek of Salmon: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.
History
Fishmongers and home cooks who butchered whole salmon kept the cheeks as a cook's treat.
Japanese and French kitchens listed salmon cheeks on specialty menus when whole fish supply allowed.
Whole-fish programmes and social media made salmon cheek a sought-after small plate in coastal restaurants.