Where Can I Buy Salmon For Sushi? A Guide to Finding the Freshest Fish

Sushi is growing in popularity worldwide, with more and more people trying the iconic Japanese dish. While sushi restaurants are easy to find in big cities, many sushi lovers want to try making it themselves at home. However, one key question always comes up – where can I buy high-quality salmon for sushi?

I’ve done a lot of research to find the best places to get sushi-grade salmon because I love sushi so much. You want to get the fish right because it’s an important part of making good sushi. Here, I’ll talk about where I’ve found the freshest salmon for making sushi at home.

Why Salmon is Ideal For Sushi

Salmon is one of the most popular types of sushi worldwide. Its bright orange flesh has a lush, fatty texture that pairs perfectly with rice. The rich taste stands up well to other sushi ingredients like nori, ginger, and wasabi.

Salmon also has many health benefits. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. The high protein content keeps you feeling full too. Plus, salmon contains important nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and potassium.

For all these reasons, salmon is my number one fish pick for sushi Now let’s look at where to source the best quality salmon

Buying Salmon For Sushi

To make delicious sushi, you need fresh, sushi-grade salmon. This means the salmon must be safe to eat raw. Lower quality salmon may contain parasites or contaminants that make it unsafe for raw consumption.

Here are the best places to buy high-quality salmon for sushi:

Local Fish Markets

Visiting a fish market or trusted fishmonger is my top recommendation for sourcing sushi salmon. Ask the fish experts for the freshest sushi-grade salmon they have that day.

Explain that you will be eating the salmon raw for sushi. Good fishmongers will guide you to the highest quality salmon in stock. They may also share tips for cutting the fish for sushi.

One good thing about fish markets is that you can see, smell, and ask about the quality of the salmon. There’s no guessing if it’s fresh!.

Japanese/Asian Grocery Stores

Check the seafood section at your local Japanese, Asian or international grocery market. These specialty stores often stock sushi-grade salmon.

Ask at the seafood counter for the freshest salmon they have for raw consumption. Also, check the freezer section for vacuum-sealed sushi salmon packs.

While fresh fish markets are best, a quality Asian grocery is a reliable backup option.

Online Seafood Companies

Ordering sushi-grade salmon online has become a convenient option. The salmon gets overnight shipped on ice to reach you in peak freshness.

Look for reputable seafood companies like Seattle Fish Company, FultonFishMarket.com, Catalina Offshore Products and Honolulu Fish Company. Their websites make it easy to order fresh salmon for sushi delivery.

One tip is to choose wild salmon over farmed Atlantic salmon online. Wild salmon has a richer flavor and texture that’s better for sushi.

Costco or Sam’s Club

Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club often carry fresh and frozen salmon packs. Check the seafood section for vacuum-sealed sushi salmon fillets.

The price per pound is usually very reasonable at warehouse stores. Just take care to eat the salmon soon after purchasing for best quality.

Whole Foods

Higher end grocery chains like Whole Foods offer sushi counters with ready-to-eat salmon sushi. You can also check the fresh seafood department for sushi-grade salmon fillets.

Let the seafood staff know you need salmon for eating raw in sushi. They often have sushi-ready options behind the counter.

What is Sushi-Grade Salmon?

You may be wondering what exactly makes salmon “sushi-grade” fish. Here are the key traits of salmon that is suitable for eating raw:

• Safe for raw consumption – Sushi-grade means the salmon has been frozen to kill any parasites. Lower grade salmon risks parasites, which is unsafe.

• Extremely fresh – The fresher the salmon, the better it will taste. Aim for salmon no more than a few days old.

• Firm texture – High quality salmon has a firmer flesh and sheen. Avoid mushy or dull-colored salmon.

• Clean cut – There should be clean-cut fillets without ragged edges or thin belly flaps.

• Bright color – Fresher sushi salmon has vivid pink/orange flesh and white marbling.

Following these tips will help you select the best salmon for your sushi meal!

How to Store Salmon for Sushi

To keep your sushi salmon tasting delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Keep fresh salmon well-iced until ready to use. Place in a colander over a bowl and cover with ice.

• Store fresh salmon in the coldest part of the fridge, on ice if possible. Use within 2 days.

• Freeze portioned salmon fillets in vacuum seal bags. This locks in freshness for 4-6 months.

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Rinse just before use and pat dry. Avoid oversoaking which can make the texture mushy.

Proper storage keeps your sushi salmon tasting amazing!

Preparing Salmon For Sushi

Once you’ve sourced some incredible salmon, it’s time to prep the fish. Here are my tips for prepping salmon for sushi:

• Use an extremely sharp sushi knife. This makes clean slices rather than mushing the delicate fish.

• Slice the salmon across the grain into long planks. Cut at a slight diagonal.

• Trim away collar bones, fins and pin bones with tweezers. Check by running fingers along the flesh.

• Cut each plank into 2-3 pieces for nigiri or 6-8 pieces for rolls.

• Optionally brush with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil before slicing for added flavor.

• Chill the sliced salmon until ready to assemble with rice and other ingredients.

With high-quality salmon and proper knifework, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality sushi every time!

Making Your Own Sushi at Home

While slicing the fish takes some skill, making sushi at home is very achievable for beginners. Follow my step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Sushi rice (buy at Asian grocery or use short-grain white rice)
• Rice vinegar, sugar, salt (for seasoning rice)
• Nori sheets
• Fresh salmon fillet
• Other fillings like avocado, cucumber, cream cheese etc.

Directions:

1. Rinse rice well until water runs clear. Cook per package instructions (using a rice cooker makes this easy).
2. Mix rice vinegar, sugar and salt for seasoned vinegar. Fold this into hot rice.
3. Layer nori sheet on bamboo rolling mat. Spread layer of seasoned rice, leaving 1 inch uncovered.
4. Add salmon and other fillings in a line down the middle of the rice.
5. Fold edge of bamboo mat over and roll up the sushi away from you, pressing gently.
6. Seal edge with water and slice roll into rounds with sharp knife.
7. Enjoy your homemade salmon sushi!

It does take some practice, but making sushi at home is very rewarding. Just be sure to start with the highest quality salmon for the best results!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to sushi, you probably have many questions about how to source and prepare the fish. Here I’ve answered some of the most common FAQs:

Is frozen salmon ok for sushi?

Yes, frozen salmon is fine for sushi provided it was frozen properly to kill parasites. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Can I use Atlantic farmed salmon?

Atlantic farmed salmon works but wild salmon has a richer flavor and texture better for sushi.

Is it safe to eat raw salmon at home?

As long as you source high-quality, fresh sushi-grade salmon, it is completely safe. Lower grade salmon risks parasites.

What’s the best salmon species for sushi?

Wild sockeye and coho salmon have the best flavor, texture and fat content for sushi. King salmon is also a great choice.

How long does fresh salmon last in the fridge?

Keep fresh sushi-grade salmon chilled on ice and use within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Is it hard to make sushi at home?

It does take practice but beginners can make very appetizing sushi at home with the right ingredients and tools. It’s a fun skill to learn!

Enjoy Sushi-Grade Salmon at Home

As you can see, while finding the best quality salmon is key, making delicious sushi is very achievable at home. I