Sam Gorenstein's Tips on Fresh Fish, Part Two: Learn to Fillet with Finesse

Filleted Spanish mackerel

Filleting fish has become borderline passé among home cooks. The practice is commonly viewed as a forgotten technique that is reserved solely for restaurant kitchens, guided by master chefs and expert fishmongers.

But there is definitely a general curiosity about the subject. During the time that I photographed Sam Gorenstein at My Ceviche, onlookers began trickling in and gathering in the small restaurant space. With camera phones in hand, many started snapping shots of what had once felt like a overlooked practice. Others stood in awe, captivated by the chef's handling work on a whole Spanish mackerel.

Gorenstein has already shared a few great tips on selecting the freshest fish available and his main advice is to keep it local and to buy the fish whole. In light of his tips, take a brief step back from all of the conveniences of modern day food stores and take a stab at starting dinner with a whole fish. Just remember though, when it comes to this technique, it's all about filleting the fish with finesse.

All photos by Emily Codik

Sam's knives for filleting fish

1. Gather up your equipment
Different types of fish will require different types of sharp knives. For the Spanish mackerel used in this demonstration, Sam used a flexible, long knife, about one and a half inches thick (far right). For bigger fish like tuna, you might want to use a thicker, heavier knife (second to left). For smaller fish like sardines, the thinner knife that is pictured above would suffice (second to right). Also, remember to start and end with a clean cutting board. Sam cleans his plastic board with soap, warm water and some bleach.

2. To begin filleting, lay the fish on its side and make a deep, vertical cut right behind the gills
You should only go about halfway through the the fish.

Sam uses his knife to cut into the dorsal side

3. Create incisions on the dorsal (top side) of the fish
Use the tip of your knife to create this incision, while holding the fish down with your other hand. Gliding your knife, create the cut about halfway through the thickness of the fish.

You might have to go back to create deeper incisions each time

You should be able to lift up and view halfway through the length of the fish

Working on the ventral side of the fish

4. Repeat the same procedure, but on the ventral side of the fish (bottom side)
But, on this side, you'll see some guts, so prepare yourself accordingly.

You might want to admire one of Sam's signals for a fresh fish, the guts.

Sam proudly demonstrates step five

5. Separate the flesh from the bones
Use the tip of your knife to fully divide the flesh from the bones. You will literally be peeling off the flesh with your knife. It should up open like a book.