Skinning Sole

Appears in

Published 2010

Score where the tail meets the body and scrape away from the tail.
Loosen enough skin to make a small flap.
Hold the tail securely with the aid of a kitchen towel, and grab the small flap of skin with the other hand.
Pull the skin away from the tail.
As you pull away the skin, hold down the lower half of the body for a better grip.
Pull all the way over the head.
Turn over and repeat with the white side.
Trim off the tail with a pair of scissors.
Cut the dorsal fin from the tail to the head.
Repeat with the anal fin.
Place trimmings in a bowl to use for fumet.
Slip the knife through the opening below the head and cut along the belly.
Remove the roe sack.
Remove the eyes using the tip of a small knife.
Remove the pectoral fin with a pair of scissors.
Make an incision below the jaw of the sole.
Feel around for the gill.
Pull the gill out enough to expose it.
Cut both sides with a pair of scissors.
Remove and discard.
The “top” of the sole, skin removed.
The “bottom” of the sole, skin removed.