The Best Places to Buy Delicious Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is one of the most prized salmon species due to its incredible flavor, large size, and high omega-3 content If you love cooking with salmon at home, you likely have chinook salmon on your wish list for the ultimate salmon experience But where can you find and buy the best chinook salmon?

As a salmon lover, I’ve looked into and tried a lot of different places to find the freshest, best chinook salmon to eat. Here are my top picks for the best places to buy chinook salmon, whether you want high-end farmed salmon or salmon caught in the wild.

Buying Fresh Wild Chinook Salmon

Local Fish Markets

Checking out your local fish market or seafood shop is always a great place to start your chinook salmon search The freshest salmon will come straight from the docks to these local retailers Look for wild-caught Alaska chinook salmon in season from late spring through summer, Expert fishmongers can guide you and ensure peak freshness,

For the best selection, I recommend visiting fish markets in major port cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Juneau where fishing fleets deliver their catch. Aleutian Islands salmon from Alaska is premium. If you live near rivers where chinook salmon run, markets often sell freshly caught local fish.

Be sure to ask the fishmonger questions about sourcing, freshness and sustainability. And inspect the fish carefully for clear eyes shiny skin and no unpleasant odors.

Fishermen’s Stands or Co-Ops

You can also get very fresh chinook salmon from local fishermen, who catch it right there. Look for salmon stands by the water in port towns or fishermen’s co-ops that sell directly to a customer.

You can even order a whole fresh salmon if you really want to go for it! These direct connections give you the freshest wild-caught salmon at the best prices. It helps keep small fishery businesses thriving too.

Check regulations in your state to ensure any dockside seafood sales are permitted and licensed. Look for reputable operations with high safety standards for handling and shipping fish.

Online Direct from Fisheries

The internet opens up ordering wild salmon online directly from sustainable fisheries in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. You can have wild-caught chinook salmon shipped overnight to your door frozen at peak freshness.

Look for reputable fisheries like Wild Alaskan Salmon & Seafood, Trident Seafoods, Vital Choice and more. Check that they responsibly source salmon and immediately freeze it after catch. Order smaller quantities more often for best quality.

Make sure to clarify any shipping costs and delivery methods before purchase. Opt for fast 1-2 day delivery in insulated packaging with frozen gel packs to keep your salmon chilled.

Purchasing High-Quality Farmed Chinook

Online Seafood Retailers

Online seafood companies offer farm-raised chinook salmon produced in tightly monitored aquaculture facilities. Brands like HelloFresh and ButcherBox include responsibly farmed salmon meal kits or monthly boxes.

See if any details are provided on what the salmon are fed, antibiotic usage, farming conditions and sustainability practices to feel confident choosing a humane farm. Opt for U.S. or Canadian-farmed salmon when possible.

Order smaller pre-portioned fillets or steaks to avoid waste and use within a few days. Opt for next day delivery and check that proper insulation and ice packs are used in shipping.

High-End Supermarkets

Grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Wegmans and Metropolitan Market offer farm-raised chinook salmon produced by reputable aquaculture companies. Look for quality certifications like “Best Choice” rated or “Seafood Watch” recommended.

Stick to the seafood counter over the regular pre-packed shelves for better temperature control. Ask questions about where the fish is from and when it arrived for maximum freshness.

Check for firm, shiny salmon with clear eyes and bright red gills. Make sure there are no unpleasant odors. Purchase only what you’ll use in the next couple days.

Specialty Online Markets

Online specialty seafood companies like FultonFishMarket.com and SeattleFishCompany.com provide responsibly farmed chinook salmon available to order online.

Opt for fresh never frozen options if you want to enjoy raw salmon sushi and sashimi at home. Or choose frozen at-sea salmon. Look for processing within hours after harvest for premium quality.

Read up on their farming practices and standards. See where they source salmon from and if antibiotics are used. Go with Canada and U.S. raised over imported when possible.

Extra Tips for Buying Chinook Salmon

• Seek out Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable wild-caught salmon. For farmed, look for Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification.

• Check the freshness of whole salmon by looking at the eyes, gills and smell. Opt for salmon steaks or fillets over whole to better inspect quality.

• Only purchase what you will use within a few days unless you plan to freeze. Chinook is best ultra-fresh.

• For freezing chinook at home, portion into air-tight freezer bags and press out excess air before sealing. Frozen salmon keeps for 2-3 months in a 0°F freezer.

• When thawing frozen salmon, keep it refrigerator-thawed or under cold running water. Avoid room temp thawing. Cook fully after thawing.

Now that you know where to find the highest-quality chinook salmon both wild and farmed, you can enjoy this glorious fish at home. Savor the amazing omega-3 richness and velvety texture of chinook salmon with any cooking method from grilling to smoking to pan-searing – enjoy!