When most people think of salmon, they think of Coho and Sockeye. Both are tasty, but there are some important differences between them that you should know about before you buy something else from our shop.
There are health benefits to wild Alaskan salmon that you can’t easily find elsewhere. It’s also delicious! There are two main types of fillets: Sockeye, which is red, and Coho, which is orange and pink. Both taste great, so don’t worry about getting bored if you eat only one type all day.
That’s what this blog post is for: to help you decide which is best for your next meal. So lets get started!.
Sockeye and coho are two of the most popular varieties of wild salmon. While they share many attributes, there are some distinct differences between sockeye and coho salmon that impact flavor, texture, color, nutritional content and best cooking methods.
Understanding the nuances between these salmon species can help you make the best choice for your recipe or meal. Let’s dive into the details comparing sockeye and coho salmon.
An Overview of Sockeye and Coho Salmon
These are both types of Pacific salmon that are caught in the wild in Alaska. They have a few similarities:
- Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Delicious, versatile fish for cooking
- Bright pink-orange flesh when raw
But when you look closer there are some clear differences that set sockeye and coho apart
Sockeye Salmon
- Also called red salmon for its vibrant, deep red-colored meat
- Robust, rich “salmon-y” flavor
- Firm texture with big meaty flakes
- High oil content with more omega-3s than coho
- Abundant astaxanthin antioxidant
Coho Salmon
- Known as silver salmon for its bright silver skin
- Delicate flavor is milder than sockeye
- Smoother, finer texture and flakes
- Lower oil content with less omega-3s than sockeye
- Lower levels of astaxanthin
So while sockeye and coho salmon share the same species name, they have unique qualities when it comes to nutrition, taste, texture and appearance.
Key Differences Between Sockeye and Coho Salmon
Taking a deeper look at sockeye vs. coho salmon, what sets them apart? Here are some of the main distinctions:
Color
Sockeye salmon gets its name from its vibrant red-orange hue. Coho has a more subtle pink-orange color. Sockeye is a deeper, richer red when it’s raw, while coho is more likely to look orange or pink.
Flavor
The flavor of sockeye salmon is robust, almost Steak-like. It has a strong “salmon” taste. Coho salmon is milder and more delicate in flavor with subtle salmon notes.
Texture
Sockeye salmon has a firm, dense texture with big thick flakes that hold together well. Coho salmon is softer with smaller flakes that tend to break apart more easily when cooked.
Fat Content
Sockeye salmon has a higher fat content, which enhances its rich flavor. A 6 oz fillet of sockeye contains about 15g of fat. Coho salmon is leaner, with around 9g of fat per 6 oz portion.
Omega-3s
While both salmon varieties contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, sockeye packs more omega-3s gram for gram thanks to its higher fat content. Coho still provides excellent omega-3s, just in slightly lower amounts.
Astaxanthin
The antioxidant compound astaxanthin gives salmon its reddish hue. Sockeye salmon consumes more reddish krill and algae, giving it 2x the astaxanthin of coho salmon.
How to Choose Between Sockeye vs. Coho
With the basic differences covered, how do you choose between sockeye or coho salmon for your meal? Consider what’s most important:
Flavor
If you want an intense, robust salmon flavor that stands out, choose sockeye salmon. For a milder flavor, go with coho.
Texture
The hearty, steak-like texture of sockeye is great for grilling, broiling, pan-searing or any cooking method where the salmon won’t break down. Delicate coho works well for poaching, smoking, or gently cooking fillets.
Nutrition
Sockeye provides more omega-3 fats and astaxanthin. Coho still has excellent nutritional value with plenty of omega-3s.
Appearance
Bright red sockeye salmon makes a vibrant presentation. Subtler coho has visual appeal when you want a delicate pink-orange color.
Budget
Sockeye salmon usually costs a bit more per pound due to higher demand. Coho is slightly more affordable for shoppers on a budget.
How to Cook Sockeye and Coho Salmon
Keep these tips in mind when cooking sockeye or coho:
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Sockeye – Use high heat cooking like grilling, broiling, pan searing. Bakes well too. Stands up to bold flavors.
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Coho – Excellent for gentle cooking like poaching, smoking, or baking. Pairs well with subtle flavors.
Both sockeye and coho salmon fillets shine when simply prepared. A light brush of oil and chili-lemon seasoning or teriyaki glaze is all you need to let their flavor shine.
For an easy weeknight dinner, bake salmon fillets in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Salmon reheats well too – cook once and enjoy twice!
Time to Try Sockeye and Coho Salmon!
Now that you know the key differences between sockeye and coho salmon, it’s time to put your knowledge to use. Try cooking up both varieties of salmon to contrast the colors, textures, flavors and nutrition in each incredible fish. With wild salmon from Alaska’s cold, pristine waters, you can’t go wrong with these seafood superstars.
Meet: These Wild Alaskan Salmon
The flesh of the sockeye salmon is a vibrant, saturated red. This makes it easy for food photographers and people who are just starting to learn about salmon to spot and photograph—this one has rich color all over its body!
The name “sockeye” comes from the fact that these salmon are known for looking great in pictures, especially when compared to other species like whitefish. Which may look more pristine but lack depth portrayals often found within nature photography scenes involving aquatic life.
The red salmon is the most photogenic, and it can easily be identified due to its vivid color. It also has a rich taste that makes for an excellent meal!.
The Coho is one of the most beautiful species found in Alaskan salmon. It has radiant, silvery skin and stands out when set against its red-orange neighbors, with their deeply colored flesh ranging from orange to pink depending on where they are caught.
Sockeye Salmon: The Carotenoid Superstar
If you look closely at what’s in sockeye and coho salmon, this is where the two species differ for you as a buyer.
The wild Alaskan sockeyes’ bright red flesh comes from the food they eat, which is high in healthy algae and zooplankton, which includes tiny crustaceans like krill. This is what makes the fish famous. The color is not just aesthetic here. This happens because salmon eat a carotenoid called astaxanthin every day, which is an antioxidant. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash contain carotenoids. Whether these carotenoids come from plants or fish, they are good for us because they move up the food chain.
All types of salmon get their pink-orange-red flesh because of these dietary components. The sockeye salmon eats the most zooplankton of all the wild salmon. This means that the redder the salmon fillet, the more astaxanthin it contains. Sockeye, on the other hand, is a brighter red, and it has about twice as much astaxanthin as coho.
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FAQ
Is Coho salmon as good as sockeye salmon?
What is the best type of salmon to eat?
Which salmon is healthiest?
Are coho salmon good to eat?
What is the difference between sockeye and coho?
Its flesh isn’t as deeply red as sockeye, but wild coho is still a robust red-orange. When you take a closer look at what’s in sockeye and coho, this is where the two species diverge for you as the consumer.
What is the difference between coho salmon & sockeye salmon?
Sockeye Salmon has a strong flavor and is a very oily fish, while Coho Salmon has a milder taste. Healthy, delicious, and packed with protein, Coho and Sockeye are both types of Wild Alaskan Salmon. Both Coho and Sockeye Salmon are found in the Pacific Ocean and are anadromous fish.
Which fish is better sockeye or coho?
Answering that question depends on your taste and the benefits you want from these fish. For example, coho fish has the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, sockeye fish has a distinct salmon flavor, while coho has a milder taste. These are just some of the unique differences among these fish that tell what the better fish is.
What is the difference between Atlantic salmon and sockeye salmon?
Atlantic salmon is almost always farmed, while Pacific salmon is usually wild-caught. Both coho salmon and sockeye salmon are Pacific salmon, which means they are more likely to be caught in their natural habitats. Coho and sockeye salmon are both excellent options if you prefer wild-caught fish.