Where To Buy Whole Salmon – A Complete Guide

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent source of protein, buying whole salmon can be a smart choice for any seafood lover However, finding a reliable place to purchase high-quality whole salmon can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying whole salmon so you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Why Choose Whole Salmon?

Opting for whole salmon, rather than fillets or steaks, has many advantages. Whole fish retains more moisture during cooking, helping keep the flesh tender. It also lets you make beautiful presentations, like salmon en croute or whole salmon sides that have been roasted. You can get the exact cut you want when you cut up a whole fish yourself. Finally, whole salmon is often more affordable per pound than pre-cut pieces.

Farmed vs Wild Salmon

The first big choice when buying salmon is whether you want farmed or wild. Farmed salmon is typically less expensive and available year-round. However, many chefs and seafood lovers prefer the flavor and texture of wild salmon. Wild salmon also has a better omega-3 content since the fish eat a natural diet.

Common wild Pacific salmon species include:

• King (Chinook) – The largest salmon, with high fat content. Rare and expensive.
• Sockeye – Deep red flesh and robust flavor. Caught in the summer.
• Coho (Silver) – Medium omega-3s and rich flavor. Caught in the fall.
• Pink – Abundant, mild, and affordable. Caught in the summer.

No matter which type you choose look for fish labeled as sustainable and responsibly caught.

Buying Salmon Online

Buying salmon online and having it shipped overnight is a great way to keep it fresh and save time. One of the best places to buy whole wild salmon online is from Loki Fish Company. Another is Tanner’s Seafood.

Loki Fish Company

• Family-owned business supplying salmon direct from their own fishing boats in Alaska.
• Offer king (chinook), sockeye, coho, and pink salmon.
• Whole salmon range from 2.5 to 6 pounds each.
• Flash frozen at sea and shipped with dry ice overnight.

Tanner’s Seafood

• Processes salmon straight from the boats in Alaska.
• Carry king (chinook), sockeye, coho, and keta (chum) salmon.
• Salmon average 5-7 pounds each.
• Ship fresh overnight packed with ice.

Both companies pride themselves on providing salmon of sushi-grade freshness and quality. The convenience of online ordering and direct delivery make them ideal sources for salmon lovers across the country.

Buying Salmon at the Fish Counter

If you prefer same-day fresh salmon, a trustworthy local fish market is a great option. When buying at the seafood counter, here are some tips:

• Inspect the salmon – Look for shiny, moist flesh without drying or discoloration. Make sure the eyes are clear not cloudy.

• Smell the salmon – Fresh salmon has a clean, briny scent, not a “fishy” odor.

• Ask questions – Inquire if it’s wild-caught, where it’s from, and when it arrived. This shows the importance of freshness.

• Buy plenty of ice – Pack several bags of ice to keep the salmon chilled for the trip home.

• Prepare promptly – Cook or freeze the salmon within a day or two of purchasing for best quality.

No matter what type of salmon you buy, whole fish should look and smell ocean-fresh. Take care transporting it and use proper storage to maintain that just-caught quality.

How To Store Whole Salmon

To get the most out of your whole salmon purchase, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Keep it cold – Wild salmon has a shorter shelf life than farmed. Store salmon in the coldest part of your fridge, 35-38°F.

• Use ice – For maximum freshness, place whole salmon in a pan on top of ice.

• Wrap it up – Loosely wrap the fish in plastic wrap or parchment paper so the skin doesn’t dry out.

• Eat ASAP – Plan to cook fresh salmon within 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

• Know the signs – Discard if the salmon develops an off smell or slimy texture.

• Freeze for later – Portion into meal sizes, vacuum seal or wrap tightly, label, and freeze up to 2-3 months.

Proper handling and storage will help you get the most out of your whole salmon.

How To Prepare Whole Salmon

Cooking a whole salmon may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! Here are some simple methods:

• Roast – Slash skin, brush with oil, season, and roast at 400°F for 7-9 minutes per pound.

• Grill – Oil the skin, and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

• Poach – Submerge in gently simmering liquid like wine or broth until cooked through.

• En papillote – Wrap in parchment with veggies and bake for 30-40 minutes.

• Cedar plank – Nail salmon to soaked cedar plank and grill 30-40 minutes.

• Cold smoke – Lightly cure salmon and smoke at under 90°F for rich flavor.

Once cooked, the salmon lifts off the bone beautifully. Use leftover cooked salmon in salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more.

Time To Buy Your Whole Salmon

Hopefully this guide has provided you with all the information you need to track down amazing whole salmon for your kitchen. With such a versatile ingredient, the possibilities for creative cooking are endless. Take your time and select the freshest fish available from a trusted source. Then store it properly and prepare to your liking. Soon you’ll be enjoying tender, flaky, and flavorful salmon fillets to delight your family or dinner guests. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to order salmon and get cooking!