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Salmon Head Soup (Ukha)

I know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone want to eat fish head soup? Well, let me tell you something. There is a ton of meat within that fish head; creating some of the most flavorful fish stock known to man. You are also utilizing a part that gets thrown away by people who don’t contain the knowledge of its greatness. Sure, it takes a little effort to pick the meat off the head. But it’s well worth it.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Russian
Keyword: European, fish, main course, Russian, soup
Servings: 2
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 large salmon head
  • 2 medium potatoes cut into 1” cubes
  • 5 dill stalks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • cracked black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp dill finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes.
  • Add in the potatoes, dill stalks, bay leaves, and salmon head. Fill with enough water to cover the salmon head. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the head, dill stalks, and bay leaves from the pot. Let cool. Pick apart the head meat, cheeks, eyes, and cartilage from the head and return to the pot.
  • Pour in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and the chopped dill. Simmer for 5 more minutes.