Sushi grade salmon is a must for making sashimi and nigiri at home. The freshest, best salmon will give your homemade sushi a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a clean, bright salmon flavor. But if you don’t know where to look, it can be hard to find salmon that is good for sushi. Find out how to find good sushi salmon in stores and online by reading on.

What is Sushi Grade Salmon?

The term “sushi grade” is not regulated. but true sushi grade salmon should meet certain standards

• Extremely fresh – harvested and processed quickly then flash frozen to preserve freshness

• Free of parasites – safe to consume raw

• High fat content – gives rich flavor and velvety texture

• Red color – indication of proper feeding and maturity

• Properly handled and cut – precise slicing enhances texture

By following these criteria you can find sushi-worthy salmon even if it’s not labeled explicitly as such.

Check Fish Markets and Grocery Stores

Your best bet for finding sushi grade salmon is to check with local fish markets and high-end grocery stores. Here are some tips:

• Ask at the seafood counter – let them know you’re looking for the freshest salmon for sushi and sashimi. They can point you to the best options.

• Inspect for quality – look for vibrant red color and clear eyes as signs of freshness. Avoid any brown or dull spots.

• Seek out specialty cuts – some stores carry cuts labeled as saku blocks or sashimi slices ideal for sushi.

• Ask when it was received – salmon within 2 days of harvest is ideal. Ensure it hasn’t been previously frozen.

• Have them slice it for you – this ensures you get perfect sashimi cuts.

Some top grocery chains to find sushi grade salmon include Whole Foods Market, Central Market, Gelson’s, and Wegmans. High-end regional chains like New Seasons, Bristol Farms, and Metropolitan Market also carry sushi-grade seafood. Shop early in the morning for best selection.

Order Online

If you don’t have access to high-quality seafood markets, ordering sushi grade salmon online is a convenient option. There are several online retailers offering flash-frozen, sashimi-ready salmon packed with dry ice and delivered to your door. Here are some popular options:

Catalina Offshore Products

This seafood purveyor ships super fresh, sushi grade seafood nationwide. Their salmon options include King (Chinook), Sockeye, Coho, and Atlantic salmon portions precisely sliced for sashimi. They also have saku blocks and whole fresh salmon fillets.

Seattle Fish Company

They carry multiple salmon species portioned or whole, blast-frozen at the peak of freshness. Their sushi grade salmon is harvested from the icy waters of Alaska within 48 hours of processing.

Sea to Table

This is a trusted source for sustainable American wild-caught seafood. They offer beautiful King salmon steaks, portioned fillets, and thinly sliced sashimi packs with salmon from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Honolulu Fish Company

Based in Hawaii, they ship ultra high-quality, deep-frozen tuna, salmon, and other fish to all 50 states. Their Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon comes in vacuum-sealed sashimi or saku blocks.

Browne Trading Company

A renowned seafood purveyor in Portland, Maine, they ship exquisite salmon and other seafood nationwide. Options include Alaskan salmon fillets or precisely sliced sashimi packs.

Sitka Salmon Shares

This community-supported fishery ships flash-frozen salmon fillets, portions, and strips from small-scale fishermen in Alaska. Their salmon meets artisanal sashimi standards.

When ordering sushi grade salmon online, look for overnight shipping and minimum order amounts around 5 pounds. Rates range from $35 to $60+ per pound.

Check Asian Grocery Stores

Asian supermarkets, especially those with seafood counters, are secret sources for sushi-grade salmon. Here’s what to look for:

• Search the freezer aisle – many have flash-frozen saku blocks and fillets ideal for sashimi.

• Check the seafood counter – request the freshest salmon and have it sliced for sashimi.

• Ask if they have sashimi-grade – some label salmon intended for raw consumption.

Top chains to find sushi-grade salmon include H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, Tokyo Central, and Nijiya Market. You can also check smaller local Asian grocers. Prices average $15-$25 per pound.

What About Costco or Walmart?

While big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart sell fresh salmon fillets, their supply chains and handling procedures generally don’t meet sushi standards. The salmon likely isn’t handled quickly enough post-catch and is previously frozen.

You also can’t personally inspect the fish or have it custom-cut like at a specialty seafood counter. However, their frozen salmon packs can work in a pinch – just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Key Takeaways

While finding sushi grade salmon takes a bit more effort, visiting quality seafood markets ultimately allows you to hand-select the freshest fish. High-end grocers and online seafood purveyors are also great options. With prime salmon sourced, you’ll be ready to make Michelin-star quality nigiri from the comfort of your home kitchen!