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.

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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

What to do with a fresh caught salmon? ›

Clean and gut your salmon as soon as possible after it's caught. Most importantly, keep it cold. Ideally, freshly caught and cleaned salmon should be placed on ice immediately. If no ice is available, wrap it loosely in a damp cloth or paper and place it in the shade.

How do you cook 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.

How do you make wild 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 long does it take to cook wild salmon? ›

Baking or broiling wild salmon usually requires about 8 to 12 minutes at 400 degree F for roasting, and 5 to 7 minutes on medium-high for broiling. Thickness varies, so adjust the time accordingly.

Do you rinse fresh salmon before cooking? ›

No, you don't have to wash salmon fillets before cooking them. However, a quick rinse under cold water accompanied by patting them dry afterwards is usually a good way to remove any lingering scales, membrane, and possible surface contamination due to processing [1].

Do you need to wash fresh salmon before cooking? ›

The United States Department of Agriculture recommends against washing raw fish or meat as a way to remove bacteria. Therefore, washing salmon before cooking it will not make it “cleaner”; in fact, it may increase the risk of food poisoning. To produce delicious raw salmon, do not wash the cut pieces of salmon.

Is it better to cook salmon in the oven or on the stove? ›

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.

What to season salmon with? ›

Salmon does not need much seasoning to be flavorful. You can season it with just salt and black pepper or with a combination of lemon juice, fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, butter, minced garlic, and any other flavors you desire. 3. Dry the salmon to ensure crispy skin.

How do you cook wild salmon without drying it out? ›

Avoid overcooking your wild salmon by simply reducing the total cooking time. Allow for carryover cooking: A fillet of salmon continues to cook even after you've removed it from a heat source. The hotter the heat source, the more it will continue to cook after you've transferred the fillet to a serving plate.

What brings out the flavor of salmon? ›

Marinating salmon can add additional flavor and help the fish stay moist during cooking. Most marinades include an acidic element like lemon or vinegar which add a pleasant tanginess to the fish. Salmon is considered by some to be a "fishy" tasting fish because it is firm and high in fat.

Why does wild-caught salmon taste different? ›

Wild salmon feed on sea creatures like shrimp and krill that give it a characteristic reddish-orange color. They are known to have a distinct breeding and migration pattern that leads to their naturally firm texture and distinct flavor.

How do you know when wild-caught salmon is done? ›

Internal temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer; the salmon should register 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Flakiness: When gently pressed with a fork, the fish should easily flake apart. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the salmon. Cook with the skin side down for best results.

Should you wash wild salmon? ›

It's important to clean salmon before cooking as doing so can remove surface contaminants and bacteria. Pathogens may be present in fish, causing foodborne illnesses you can easily avoid through cleaning. Washing your salmon also eliminates impurities like sand and dirt, creating a clean canvas for cooking.

How often should you eat wild-caught salmon? ›

While the human body is able to make some DHA and EPA on its own, eating foods high in these omega-3s can help ensure the body and brain get what they need, he said. The American Heart Association recommends eating a 3-ounce serving of fish (particularly fatty fish, like salmon) at least twice a week.

How long is fresh caught salmon good for in the fridge? ›

Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Salmon can be kept for up to two days in the refrigerator. Remove the salmon from its wrappings, rinse thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

Can you eat a salmon you just caught? ›

Wild-caught salmon have a higher incidence of infection because they're at greater risk of eating infected food in the wild (as opposed to a farmed salmon's man-made, parasite-free diet). It's not a good idea to eat raw, wild-caught salmon unless you know it's been flash-frozen first.

Can you eat raw salmon right after you catch it? ›

Healthline says yes, but not without risk. Even if you're eating salmon fresh out of the ocean, the fish can still be ridden with bacteria and parasites absorbed from the natural environment. The only way to kill these pathogens would be to cook the salmon to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long will fresh salmon keep in the refrigerator? ›

Fresh salmon: Use fresh salmon within 1-2 days (for packaged fresh salmon refer to on-pack best before date). Smoked salmon: Use smoked salmon within the on-pack use by date. Once opened ensure product is handled and stored appropriately, refrigerated between 0˚C - 4˚C and consumed within 72 hours.

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