Let's dive into the wonderful world of salmon!
If you've ever stood in front of the seafood section at your local grocery store scratching your head over which salmon to pick, you're not alone.
With so many different salmon species available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide for different types of salmon will help you navigate between wild-caught, known for its robust flavor, and farmed salmon, which is popular for its affordability and consistent availability.
When shopping for frozen salmon, look for those flash-frozen shortly after catch, like Sockeye or Coho, to ensure freshness.
Remember, frozen salmon can be just as flavorful and nutritious as fresh options!
Jump To
- Different Salmon Types
- 6 Types of Salmon (With Pictures)
- Cooking Salmon
- 🗒️ Salmon Cooking Temperature Chart
- Pros and Cons of Salmon Types
- Best Salmon To Buy At Grocery Store
- Best Salmon Recipes
- Popular Salmon Pairing Options
- Different Salmon Types: FAQs
- Different Salmon Types: Final Thoughts
- Did you like this article?
- More Ingredient Guides and Tips
- Comments
Different Salmon Types
Salmon includes many types of fish, each with its own flavor and characteristics.
The most popular are Pacific salmon species, like Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum, known for their rich taste and bright colors.
Atlantic salmon, often farm-raised, has a milder flavor and is widely available, so it’s important to think about taste, sustainability, and health when choosing which type to buy.
Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Salmon
When choosing between wild-caught and farmed salmon, there are important differences to consider.
✔️ Wild-caught salmon live in the Pacific Ocean and eat a natural diet, giving them a rich flavor and bright color. They are often healthier, containing more Omega-3 fatty acids and fewer contaminants.
✔️ Farmed salmon, on the other hand, are raised in controlled environments and may have a milder taste, but they still offer good protein and Omega-3 benefits.
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6 Types of Salmon (With Pictures)
Here the six different salmon types and names with their description:
🐟 Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Chinook Salmon, also called King Salmon, is known for its rich flavor and is the largest type of Pacific salmon.
This salmon is prized for its buttery texture and high oil content, making it very tasty when cooked.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon and are found in both wild and farmed varieties. They thrive in cold, clear waters along the Pacific coast and can migrate over a thousand miles to spawn.
🔎 Chinook Identification: Chinook's have blue-green back, silver sides, black spots on their tail, deeply forked tail fin, and rich, buttery flesh with white marbling.
🧑🍳 Best Cooking Methods: Grilling, baking, pan-searing, poaching, broiling, cedar plank.
🐟 Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Coho Salmon, also known as Silver Salmon, is loved for its firm texture and rich flavor.
They are smaller than other salmon types but have a strong taste and beautiful silver skin with reddish-orange flesh that turns pink when cooked.
Found along the West Coast of North America, Coho Salmon is a popular choice for its health benefits, as it is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a tasty and nutritious option.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Primarily found in the northern Pacific Ocean and coastal rivers of Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.
🔎 Coho Salmon Identification: It can be recognized by their silvery color, dark blue-green backs, hook-shaped nose, and small black spots on their body.
🧑🍳 Best Cooking Methods: Grilling, baking, pan-searing, broiling.
🐟 Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
Sockeye Salmon, also known as Red Salmon, is famous for its bright red flesh and rich flavor.
This fish has a firm texture and is often caught in the wild, making it a great choice for those who want sustainably sourced seafood.
Many experts recommend wild-caught Sockeye for its superior taste and health benefits, including high Omega-3 content.
Tip: When buying Sockeye Salmon, look for vibrant, fresh fillets without discoloration or strong odors to ensure the best quality.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Typically found in the northern Pacific Ocean and its freshwater tributaries, especially in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest.
🔎 Sockeye Salmon Identification: Bright red flesh, dark blue-green backs, and sleek body shape.
🧑🍳 Best Cooking Methods: Grilling, baking, broiling, smoking.
🐟 Pink Salmon (Humpies)
Pink Salmon, also known as Humpies (or Humpback Salmon), are smaller and very common among Pacific salmon species.
They are easy to spot because of their humped backs and bright silver skin with pink highlights.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Pink salmon type live for about two years and are usually found in the North Pacific Ocean and rivers in Alaska and British Columbia. They spawn in freshwater rivers and streams with gravel beds.
🔎 Pink Salmon Identification: This salmon is easily recognized by their pink color, small black spots, and the hump that appears on their backs when they spawn.
🧑🍳 Culinary Uses: Baking, poaching, steaming, canning.
🐠 Chum Salmon
Chum Salmon, also known as Silverbrite, Keta, or Dog Salmon, is unique and easy to recognize with its silvery-blue skin and hooked jaw.
Weighing between 8 to 15 pounds, it has a milder taste compared to other types of salmon.
Chum Salmon is versatile and works well for grilling, smoking, or adding to soups and stews.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Typically found in the northern Pacific Ocean and coastal rivers, primarily in Alaska, Canada, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
🔎 Chum Salmon Identification: Silvery sheen, small black spots, and striking green color when they return to spawn.
🧑🍳 Culinary Uses: Baking, poaching, steaming, canning.
🐠 Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon, also known as Salmo Salar, is one of the most popular types of salmon around the world.
This fish is mainly found in the northern Atlantic Ocean and is loved for its mild flavor and tender texture.
Unlike wild Pacific salmon, Atlantic Salmon has a gentler taste, making it a favorite for many people.
When shopping for salmon, look for Atlantic Salmon that is labeled as sustainably sourced to ensure you’re making a responsible choice.
🌊 Characteristics and Habitat: Atlantic salmon is found in the cold waters of the North Pacific from California to Alaska.
🔎 Atlantic Salmon Idenification: Dark back, silvery sides, black spots on their gill cover, and a pinkish belly.
🧑🍳 Culinary Uses: Grilling, baking, pan-searing, poaching, broiling, smoking.
Cooking Salmon
If you don't know what salmon type you have, I recommend internal temperature of 125-130 °F for medium-rare.
USDA recommends 145°F , however in this case your salmon will be well-done and dry.
Best Salmon Cooking Methods Overview
- Grilling: Adds a smoky flavor, suitable for richer, fattier salmon like Chinook and Atlantic. Use medium-high heat, cook skin-side down first.
- Baking: Retains moisture well, ideal for all types, especially lower fat content ones like Pink and Chum. Preheat to 375°F, cook for 12-15 minutes.
- Pan-Searing: Provides a crispy skin and tender interior, great for Coho, Chinook, and Atlantic. Use medium-high heat, cook skin-side down first.
- Poaching: Maintains moisture and delicate texture, best for Pink and Chum. Simmer in a flavored liquid for about 10 minutes.
- Broiling: Quick cooking with a charred flavor, good for Sockeye and Coho. Preheat broiler, cook for 6-8 minutes.
- Smoking: Infuses deep flavor, excellent for Sockeye and Atlantic. Use low heat (around 200°F), cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Steaming: Keeps the fish moist, suitable for Pink and Chum. Steam over simmering water for about 10-15 minutes.
🗒️ Salmon Cooking Temperature Chart
What Type Of Salmon Is Commonly Used For Sushi?
Atlantic salmon and Chinook (King) salmon are the best for sushi due to their high-fat content and rich, buttery texture.
Pros and Cons of Salmon Types
Wild-Caught Pacific Salmon
👍 Pros:
- Rich flavor and superior nutritional profile.
- Higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and lower fat content.
- Fewer contaminants and healthier overall.
- Thrives in natural habitats, leading to robust taste.
👎 Cons:
- Often more expensive and less available year-round.
Farm-Raised Salmon
👍 Pros:
- Available year-round, making it convenient for regular consumption.
- Milder flavor that appeals to those who prefer less intense fish taste.
👎 Cons:
- Concerns about antibiotics and pesticides affecting quality and sustainability.
- Generally higher fat content compared to wild-caught salmon.
Nutritional Differences
- Wild-Caught Species: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum are best for health due to their natural diet.
- Farm-Raised Species: Often have different nutritional profiles, with potential for higher contaminants and lower Omega-3 levels.
Tip: Prioritize sustainable fishing practices or specific nutritional benefits when choosing salmon. Look for labels indicating sustainably sourced or responsibly farmed options.
Best Salmon To Buy At Grocery Store
When you buy salmon at the grocery store, picking the right type can make your meals taste better.
Whether you like the rich flavor of wild-caught salmon or the lower price of farmed salmon, knowing what to look for is important.
🤑 Why is salmon so expensive? Salmon is expensive because of high demand, limited supply, and the costs of sustainable farming and fishing.
Wild-Caught Salmon
- Sockeye: Rich flavor and deep red color, great for grilling or baking.
- King (Chinook): High fat content, very buttery taste, excellent for any cooking method.
- Coho: Milder flavor, versatile for various recipes.
Tip: For delicious rich taste choose my favorite options like Sockeye and Chinook salmon.
Natural Color: Wild salmon has a more vibrant color compared to farmed salmon, which may have added coloring.
Farmed Salmon
- Atlantic Salmon: Commonly farmed, usually more affordable, but check for sustainable certifications.
Sustainability Certifications
- Wild vs. Farmed: Ensure it’s labeled as wild-caught.
- Look for labels like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to ensure responsible sourcing.
Tips for Buying Salmon In Grocery Store
- Ice or Cold: Ensure it’s stored on ice or in a refrigerated display.
- Smell Test: Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
- Freshness: Look for bright, moist fillets with no strong odor.
- Color: Vibrant color indicates quality; avoid dull or faded pieces.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: Skin-on can help retain moisture during cooking.
- Bone Check: If buying fillets, check for pin bones. Ask the fishmonger to remove them if needed.
- Fillets vs. Steaks: Fillets are great for grilling or baking, while steaks are ideal for roasting or broiling.
- Seasonality: Wild salmon is usually in season from late spring to early fall. Buy when it’s freshest.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask where the salmon comes from or how it was caught. Inquire about how it’s been handled and stored.
- Whole Fish: Purchasing a whole fish can often be more economical and offers the best freshness.
- Plan Ahead: Use or freeze it within a couple of days for best quality.
🥰 Local Fisheries: If possible, buy from local fisheries or markets to support sustainable practices.
Best Choices Summary
- Best Wild-Caught: Sockeye or King.
- Best Farmed: Atlantic (look for sustainability certifications).
Health Benefits of Eating Salmon
Salmon is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, providing many health benefits.
It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure, and it also contains high-quality protein essential for muscle growth.
Additionally, salmon is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, and potassium, all of which support overall health and well-being.
For more information, check out the American Heart Association and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Environmental Impact
Choosing different types of salmon can affect the environment in important ways.
Wild-caught Pacific salmon, like Chinook and Coho, have a lower impact on the ecosystem compared to farmed salmon because they are caught in their natural habitats.
Farm-raised salmon, especially Atlantic salmon, can cause water pollution and may rely on antibiotics and pesticides.
To make a better choice for the environment, it's best to pick sustainably sourced wild-caught Pacific salmon.
Pacific vs. Atlantic Salmon
Pacific salmon, like Chinook and Sockeye, usually have a richer flavor and firmer texture than Atlantic salmon, which tends to be milder and softer.
Wild-caught Pacific salmon is often the healthiest choice because it has more Omega-3s and fewer contaminants than farm-raised Atlantic salmon.
Popular Salmon Pairing Options
- Herbs: Dill, Parsley, Thyme, Basil.
- Citrus: Lemon, Lime, Orange.
- Glazes and Sauces: Honey mustard, Teriyaki, Soy sauce, Garlic butter.
- Vegetables: Asparagus, Broccoli, Spinach, Bell peppers.
- Grains: Quinoa, Rice, Couscous, Barley.
- Fruits: Mango, Pineapple, Avocado, Berries.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, Walnuts, Sesame seeds, Pumpkin seeds.
Different Salmon Types: FAQs
Wild-caught Pacific salmon is often considered the healthiest option because it has more Omega-3 fatty acids and fewer contaminants than farm-raised salmon.
Among these, Sockeye salmon is a great choice, as it is high in protein and essential nutrients while offering a delicious flavor.
King (Chinook) salmon is often considered the best because of its rich flavor and high oil content.
There are 5 Pacific species: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye, and Pink. Plus 2 Atlantic species: Atlantic salmon and landlocked salmon.
King (Chinook) salmon is one of the best salmon types to eat. It is usually the most expensive too due to its high demand and rich flavor.
Many people find King (Chinook) salmon to be the tastiest because of its rich, buttery flavor.
Sockeye salmon is one of the rarest due to its declining population.
Avoid buying farmed Atlantic salmon from places with poor farming practices.
Yes, you can eat salmon raw, especially in dishes like sushi and sashimi.
Yes, salmon skin is safe to eat and can be very tasty when cooked until crispy. Ensure it is of the hghest quality before consumption. Proper freezing methods are also important to kill parasites.
Norway is known for having some of the safest and best-quality farmed salmon.
Different Salmon Types: Final Thoughts
Choosing between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon ultimately comes down to personal preference, with wild-caught Pacific salmon often favored for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
When buying frozen salmon, look for reputable brands that clearly label their products as wild-caught and sustainably sourced, as these options typically offer lower contaminants and higher nutrient content.
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Eric_the_Reviewer
A well-structured guide to salmon that touches on an impressive range of topics. Julia, your overview on each type of salmon is commendable. However, the section on best salmon to buy could benefit from more specific brand recommendations.
Jen P.
Interesting read. However, I think more emphasis on the environmental impact of salmon farming is needed. Sustainability certifications are good, but are they enough to guarantee the protection of our wild salmon populations?
Dave_guitar
neat article about salmon, didnt know there were so many types. gotta show this to my bandmates, we love cooking together after practice.
Alex R.
Love the variety of salmon types and cooking methods laid out here. Gives me a lot of ideas for my next dinner party. Especially curious to try more recipes with Sockeye now!
Mia T.
Hey Alex, have you tried grilling Sockeye? Wondering how it holds up compared to other salmons.
Samantha_K
Really appreciate the detailed breakdown on salmon types, Julia! I'm always trying to pick the best options for my family. Curious about the nutritional differences between wild and farmed salmon. Could you dive a bit deeper into that aspect?