Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (2024)

Fresh, wild salmon is a seasonal catch. That means buying it at the peak of its season ensures the freshest fish and the widest variety. Our wild fresh salmon is at the pinnacle of freshness, so each fillet is wholesome, rich and 100% delicious—just the way we like it.

Tips for Selecting & Serving Wild SalmonWhen you’re picking out your salmon, look for a fillet that’s moist and glistening. The flesh should be slightly resilient and firm when lightly pressed. As with most fish, it’s best to cook it on the same day it was purchased. If you do purchase ahead (we suggest one day at most), keep it in a very cool refrigerator or cooler with ice.

Texture, firmness and oil content vary depending on the species of salmon. In general, the higher the oil content, the stronger, more richly flavored the salmon will be.

To select the best salmon, consider your desired flavor preference and preferred cooking method. Try it grilled, broiled, seared or steamed—this fresh catch is as versatile as it is tasty. Use our guide below to select the perfect fillet for your next gathering.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (1)

1King Salmon

King Salmon has rich, red flesh that’s firm and vibrant. Its high oil content gives it a delicious, distinct flavor. When cooked, King Salmon tastes buttery and retains its moisture. We recommend serving it grilled, roasted or pan-seared.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (2)

2Sockeye Salmon

This fish has deep, firm red flesh that retains its hue throughout the cooking process. Its medium oil content gives it rich flavor that’s only slightly milder than king salmon. Sockeye Salmon retains its moisture when cooked. Try it grilled or smoked for the best flavor and texture.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (3)

3Coho Salmon

Orange-red in color, Coho Salmon is one of the milder varieties of salmon due to its lower oil content. Its texture is medium-firm. These fillets are quite versatile and are best enjoyed grilled on wood planks, steamed, poached or even sautéed.

Grilled or pan seared? Skin, or no skin? Cooking salmon can be intimidating but doesn’t have to be. Read below for our favorite 3 methods for cooking and enjoying salmon

How rare you like your salmon is a matter of personal preference. Contrary to popular thought, salmon can be enjoyed when it is still on the medium to medium-rare side. We recommend cooking salmon medium or medium-well as opposed to well-done. To do this, remove your salmon from the heat when it begins to turn a lighter pink color about a third of the way up the side of the fillet.
Most salmon recipes vary in cooking time. Just be sure to adjust the time to your desired level of doneness. See below for some of our favorite ways to prepare, cook and serve wild salmon.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (4)Blackened Wild Salmon with Grilled Corn, Peach and Avocado Salsa

Grilling is one of our go-to methods for cooking salmon. It’s easy and delivers so much flavor!

If you like crispy skin, grill your fish skin-side down first (otherwise, start with the skinless side). Be careful not to overcook – it should only take about 10 minutes to cook through. You know you’ve gone too far if you see white areas forming on the fish. And make sure to let your salmon rest for a few minutes after grilling, just as you would any other protein.

One of our favorite ways to grill salmon is with our blackened seasoning. The spice really accentuate the flavors of the fish. Try our delicious recipe for Blackened Wild Salmon with Grilled Corn, Peach and Avocado Salsa.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (5)

Grilled Salmon Veracruz

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (6)

Grilled Salmon Raspberry Wasabi Salad

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (7)

Grilled Salmon with Chimichurri

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (8)Crispy Skin Salmon with Spicy Watermelon and Berry Salsa

Skin, or no? It all depends on how you plan to cook your fish. It’s common to see recipes that don’t indicate whether or not to remove the skin, since it’s quite easy to remove after cooking. Once your salmon is cooked, simply slide a metal spatula between the skin and the flesh of the fillet to remove the skin. It should separate very easily.

Although salmon is most commonly served with the skin removed, we love cooking it with the skin on. If you prepare it the right way, the salmon skin adds a deliciously crispy texture and salty crunch. Try this method in our recipe for Crispy Skin Salmon with Spicy Watermelon and Berry Salsa.

Here are some of our other pan-cooked favorites. Each is paired with a flavorful accompaniment, from vibrant beet and radish salad to tangy, savory cherry sauce.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (9)

Seared Salmon with Beet and Radish Salad

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (10)

Blackened Salmon with Nectarine Hatch Chile Salsa

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (11)

Salmon with Cherries, Farro and Arugula

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (12)Oven-Poached Salmon Fillets with Watercress Mayonnaise

Slow-cooking fish in the oven at a lower heat is a great way to ensure the fillet is tender and evenly cooked. Baking salmon is also a little more forgiving and allows you to cook a larger quantity of food without having to tend to it regularly, making it an ideal method for entertaining. Once you’ve mastered baking salmon, you can improvise with any of your favorite accompaniments. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

In our recipe for Roasted Salmon with Mustard, Lemon and Dill, we spread a delicous mixture of mustards, olive oil and dill over the salmon and roast until a nice crust forms on top.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy baked salmon. Try it rubbed with brown sugar and chili powder for a sweet crust with a kick of heat. Or, try one of our bold and easy-to-make sauces.

Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (13)

Roast Harissa Salmon with Fennel and Lemon

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (14)

Baked Salmon with Lemon Caper Butter

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (15)

Broiled Chili Lime Maple Salmon

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Fresh, Wild Caught Salmon | Salmon Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make wild caught salmon taste better? ›

Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper - This wild caught salmon recipe is totally basic! The quality of the fish speaks for itself, seasoned very simply with just olive oil, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't skimp on the salt, it enhances the natural flavor of the fish.

How do you cook wild salmon so it's not dry? ›

Olive oil, butter, or even a sauce can serve as a protective barrier between the salmon and the heat, allowing it to cook without losing too much moisture. Herbs, vegetables, and lemon slices can also be used to to fillets as they cook.

How to prepare fresh caught salmon? ›

My favorite way to make wild-caught salmon (like coho or sockeye) is to drizzle with olive oil and sea salt, then bake it at low temperature (about 320° F – 325° F) until just barely cooked through. This takes about 12 minutes for a 1 pound fillet.

What is the tastiest way to cook salmon? ›

Slow Roast:
  1. Heat the oven to 275°F.
  2. Place a salmon fillet in a baking dish. Rub all over with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast until salmon flakes easily, or a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 120°F (about 30 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet).
May 13, 2020

What not to do when cooking salmon? ›

5 Common Mistakes That We All Make When Cooking Salmon
  1. Not removing pin bones. Fact: Most salmon fillets have pin bones in them. ...
  2. Mistreating the skin. ...
  3. Using the wrong pan. ...
  4. Overcooking your fish. ...
  5. Reheating leftover salmon.
May 17, 2021

What enhances the flavor of salmon? ›

Here are some of the best spices to sprinkle on top of your salmon:
  • Cajun seasoning. ...
  • Curry spices. ...
  • Cumin + smoked hot paprika. ...
  • Classic salt and pepper + aromatic herbs and lemon. ...
  • Sweet and spicy flavor punch. ...
  • Subtle rub with garam masala. ...
  • Garlic marinade. ...
  • Honey and soy marinade.

Should you soak salmon in salt water before cooking? ›

Make your cooked fish look even more delicious by quickly dunking it in brine. Just mix a 2 tsp of salt in one cup of water and fully submerge your fish for as little as 10-15 minutes before cooking to prevent white albumin from oozing out.

Does soaking salmon in milk make it taste better? ›

Apparently, the proteins present in milk can bind to the fatty acids that have been exposed to air and give salmon its fishy odor or taste and mitigate them to be more neutral. (Fishiness is caused by the oxidation of fatty acids.)

What season is best for wild salmon? ›

Fresh wild salmon - with a firm flesh and rich flavor tinged by the cold ocean - is best had from late spring through early fall.

What happens if you don't rinse salmon before cooking? ›

Salmon does not need to be rinsed before cooking, says Dr. Farzad, who points out that, “food safety guidelines suggest that rinsing meat including fish/salmon can increase the risk of spreading pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria around your kitchen.”

Should you peel salmon before cooking? ›

Follow this tip: Unless you're poaching the salmon, leave the skin on. It works as a protective barrier between the delicate flesh and a hot pan, baking sheet, or grill. Plus, crispy salmon skin just might become a favorite treat once you've had it done right.

Should you let salmon sit out before cooking? ›

It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long. You want it to reach room temperature right before cooking. If it is at room temperature for too long it can be a food safety risk.

Is it better to bake or pan fry salmon? ›

For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.

Is it better to cook salmon in foil or not? ›

Cooking salmon in foil just makes things easier. It creates a buttery, fresh, evenly cooked fish without having to be as precise. Moisture is preserved while flavor is exploded! Your fish won't have any char marks either!

Does salmon taste better cooked in oil or butter? ›

A seared fish necessity. Butter + Oil. Butter makes everything better, and the oil is key for helping create the crispy exterior. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil to avoid burning it.

How do you get the wild taste out of salmon? ›

Also, you can marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and water for 30 minutes. This will help to neutralize the fishy taste. Cooking the fish using a cooking method that will not allow the fishy flavor to become pronounced, such as grilling, baking, or steaming can help as well.

Does wild caught salmon taste different? ›

While this may be a bit biased, wild salmon is known for having a greater depth of flavor and a richer taste. If you've spent your life eating farm-raised salmon over the real thing, then the difference in taste is something you'll have to taste to believe.

What can I add to salmon so it doesn't taste fishy? ›

How to Control Salmon's Fishiness with a Milk Bath. You can also lessen salmon's strong flavor by soaking it in a milk bath for 20 minutes and then draining it and patting it dry before cooking. The casein in milk binds to the TMA, and when drained away, it takes the culprit that causes fishy odor with it.

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