When cooking salmon, what is that white film that sometimes comes to the surface?

beren andres davin: When cooking salmon, what is that white film that sometimes comes to the surface?
Is this a sign that the fish has gone bad? I hesitate to eat the fish when I see this. And this is after cooking a 3/4 inch slice on each side for 4 minutes.
Ah, so far it looks like I’m not going to get a horrible stomach problem. Phew!
I’m really impressed with these answers.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Noelle
Fat. But fish fat is fairly healthy and amazing for skin and hair!

Answer by Sam
no, its just fat. its completely normal.

Answer by Magic
The white film is the fat and protens coming to the surface of the fish. The same thing happens to red meat. The difference is, you can see it on the fish more than you can see it on red meat because fish is a light color.

Answer by Diane B.
I agree with Magic in that it’s mostly coagulated protein…and supposedly once you see it, your fish is beginning to be overcooked. Some say if you sear it first, you won’t see it if it does happen.

Here’s something else I found at:
https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2007/04/healthy-kebab-or-kabob.html

“Having white “beads” on a baked salmon is normal – but usually only happens when salmon is fully cooked through (errr….over cooked?). It’s completely edible. These “beads” that foams up is albumin protein (the same stuff found in egg whites), not fats!

Note: This also has to do with whether the fish was cold from the fridge or was at room temperature before cooking is done. Typically, the colder the salmon to begin with, the more white stuff or “beads” appear.”

Answer by Ann C
good question, i always wondered this too. i usually just scraped it off.