Salmon roe, also known as salmon eggs or ikura, is a bright orange delicacy loved by sushi aficionados. These large, glistening fish eggs offer a satisfying pop when eaten, along with a rich, salty-sweet ocean flavor. If you want to get your hands on some high-quality salmon roe but aren’t sure where to look, this guide will help you track it down near you.
What is Salmon Roe?
Salmon roe consists of the fully intact eggs from female salmon, harvested during spawning season. Unlike fish eggs that have been scraped loose into caviar, salmon roe is the whole egg sack. The membrane surrounding each egg gives salmon roe its firm pop when eaten.
Salmon roe comes from various salmon species but the highest quality comes from chum sockeye, and king salmon. The most prized salmon for roe is masu, found mainly in Japan.
Buying Tips for Fresh Salmon Roe
When searching for salmon roe near you, keep these tips in mind:
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Look for roe from wild-caught Pacific salmon for premium quality, such as Alaskan salmon.
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The roe should be fully intact, not broken, mushy or scraped.
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Color should be vibrant orange not faded or brownish.
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Size of pearls can range from small popcorn-like eggs to large pearls around 1⁄4 inch.
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Ensure sell-by date allows enough time to consume it.
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Price varies based on availability and species. Expect to pay $10 to $15 for 2-4 ounces.
With those criteria in mind, here are the best places to find salmon roe close to home.
Check Your Local Fish Market
Your first stop when looking for salmon roe should be local specialty fish markets, especially ones focused on high-end seafood. Tell them you’re looking for salmon roe and ask if they have it in stock or can source it fresh.
The advantage of fish markets is you can inspect the product before buying and get advice from knowledgeable fishmongers. They may even special order salmon roe for you if they don’t stock it regularly.
Fish markets also sell small quantities if you just want to try it without buying in bulk. Prices are often on par or better than chain grocers.
Asian Supermarkets Are a Prime Spot
Since salmon roe is popular in Japanese cuisine, check the refrigerator and freezer cases of Asian supermarkets in your area. Brands like Maruito and Tomita are good options.
Asian markets sell small trays of salmon roe, often 200-500 grams, so you can buy a trial portion. Prices may be lower than specialty stores. Check packaging for harvest date and origin.
While you’re there, also look for other sushi-grade seafood like tuna, sea urchin, and more. Make it a one-stop shop for Japanese eating.
Don’t Overlook Your Local Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market is another reliable choice for finding salmon roe, stocking brands like Gold Pearl, Tsar Nicoulai, and American Pearl.
The advantage of Whole Foods is you can see packaging details on sustainability and origin before purchasing. And you can buy small or large quantities.
Check the seafood department refrigerator cases. If they don’t have salmon roe in stock, ask a team member if they can place a special order.
Order Online for Convenient Home Delivery
Can’t find salmon roe locally? Go online for easy home delivery right to your door.
The Caviar Co. is a leading online seller of premium salmon roe. They overnight ship fresh roe packed with gel ice to keep it chilled. Quantities range from 1 ounce up to 1 kilo.
Other online seafood retailers like Jensen’s and Florida Food Club also ship fresh salmon roe nationwide. Prices are usually comparable to local sources.
Store and Serve Salmon Roe Properly
Once you’ve procured some choice salmon roe, be sure to handle it properly:
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Keep refrigerated below 38°F until ready to eat.
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Consume within 4-7 days of purchase for best flavor and texture.
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Thaw frozen roe overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Use plastic or wooden utensils to avoid reacting with metals.
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Place roe dishes over ice to keep chilled while eating.
Now that you know where to find it, it’s time to enjoy salmon roe in sushi, on crackers, over pasta, and more. Its unique pop and savory umami make salmon roe an exciting ingredient. Track down some fresh salmon eggs near you and expand your culinary horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Roe
Is salmon roe expensive?
Salmon roe is more expensive than typical grocery store seafood. Expect to pay around $10 to $15 for a couple ounces. But a little goes a long way as a starter or garnish.
How should I eat salmon roe?
Salmon roe shines when eaten raw and chilled. Enjoy it solo, on sushi, spooned over rice, paired with crackers, or atop cooked fish.
Is salmon roe healthy?
Yes, salmon roe is low calorie but packs nutrients like Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. It provides protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Can I get salmon roe canned or jarred?
Yes, some grocery stores sell canned or jarred salmon roe, which has been pasteurized for shelf stability. But fresh salmon roe has superior flavor and texture.
Does Whole Foods sell salmon roe?
Most Whole Foods Market locations stock fresh salmon roe in the seafood department from reputable brands. Quantities range from a few ounces to over a pound.
What does salmon roe taste like?
Salmon roe provides a salty, ocean-like brininess with a hint of sweetness. The pop and creaminess when chewed are its signature textures.
Is all salmon roe edible raw?
No, only salmon roe that has been flash frozen to eliminate parasites can be eaten raw. Eating fresh roe raw may pose health risks.
Can I freeze and thaw salmon roe?
Yes, freeze unused salmon roe in airtight packaging for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What is the difference between salmon roe and caviar?
Caviar refers to smaller loose sturgeon or salmon eggs. Roe means the whole intact egg sack from female fish.
Does salmon roe need to be refrigerated?
Salmon roe is highly perishable and must be kept chilled below 38°F. Store it in the coldest section of the refrigerator, not the door.
Can you cook salmon roe?
Salmon roe can be lightly cooked, but high heat should be avoided. Gently poaching, steaming, or warming preserves the delicate eggs.
So try out these tips for getting your hands on some delectable salmon roe close to home. Let us know in the comments where you found the best salmon eggs in your neighborhood!
Nutrition Facts3 servings per containerServing size1 tbsp (15 g)Amount per servingCalories40% Daily Value *
Products that are dairy-free don’t have milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, whey, casein, ghee, or lactose in them.
There isn’t a single, regulated definition of the keto diet, but when we talk about foods that are “keto-friendly,” we usually mean meat and seafood that doesn’t have any added sugar, fats or cooking oils, full-fat dairy products that don’t have any added sugars, and vegetables and fruits that are low in starch, like kale, spinach, mushrooms, green beans, and green bell peppers. Some fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, can also be eaten in small amounts.
Some foods that aren’t keto-friendly are grain-based foods like bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and cookies; starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and yams; beans and legumes (including peanuts); fruit juice; dried fruit; and some higher-carb fruits like oranges, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.
There isn’t a single, regulated, or agreed upon definition of paleo when it comes to diets, but we use the term “paleo-friendly” to refer to foods that are low in fat and high in protein, like fruits and vegetables (but not too many starchy ones), nuts, and seeds. Paleo-friendly products typically do not include grains, legumes, refined sugar, certain oils, dairy and non-paleo additives.
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Ingredients: Coho Salmon Roe, Salt.