Where Can I Buy a Whole Salmon? Your Guide to Purchasing Fresh Salmon

As someone who loves cooking flavorful, nutritious meals for my family and friends, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality ingredients One of my absolute favorites is fresh salmon Rich, fatty, and packed with healthy omega-3s, salmon makes for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner. However, finding a good whole salmon can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. In this article, I’ll share my tips for purchasing a fresh, delicious whole salmon so you can enjoy this superfood fish at home.

Why Buy a Whole Salmon?

There are a few key reasons why I recommend buying a whole salmon instead of just salmon fillets or steaks:

• Better value Buying a whole salmon gives you more fish for your money You can get multiple servings out of one fish

• More options With a whole salmon, you can roast, grill, bake, or smoke the entire thing. Or you can break it down into fillets, steaks, and chunks to use in various recipes. Having the whole fish gives you flexibility.

• Less waste: Buying pre-cut pieces of salmon inevitably leads to some waste. With a whole salmon, you can use up the entire fish, including the head, bones, and skin.

• More nutrients: Salmon is one of the best sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Buying a whole fish helps ensure you get the most nutrition from every part.

• Sustainability: Buying whole fish is typically more sustainable than buying just fillets or steaks. Less processing means less energy use.

Where to Buy Whole Salmon

Now that you know why whole salmon is the way to go, here are some of my top places to purchase high-quality whole fish:

Fish Market or Seafood Counter

A dedicated fish market or the seafood counter at your local grocery store is a prime place to find fresh salmon. Here are some tips:

• Inspect the fish carefully for bright red-orange flesh and clear eyes. Avoid any brownish discoloration.

• Give the salmon a sniff – it should smell fresh and mild, not fishy.

• Ask when and where it was caught. Go for wild-caught Pacific or Alaskan salmon if possible.

• Have them wrap it well in ice for the trip home.

Online Seafood Company

If you don’t live near a good fish source, ordering salmon online is a convenient option. Companies like Sea to Table and Sitka Salmon Shares overnight ship fresh wild salmon from small fisheries.

• Choose Pacific salmon like sockeye, coho, and king for the best flavor and texture.

• Order a whole fish on ice to ensure optimal freshness.

• Schedule delivery for a day when you plan to eat it. Salmon keeps for 2-3 days max.

Big Box Store

Large retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often stock fresh whole salmon. A few pointers:

• Inspect it carefully, as quality can vary. Make sure it looks and smells fresh.

• Opt for wild Pacific salmon when possible, but some farms have good practices too.

• Consider freezing it if you won’t use it within a couple days. Thaw in fridge before cooking.

Local Fisherman

If you live near coastal fishing communities, buying salmon right off the boat is an excellent option.

• Check local listings for salmon seasons and fisherman dock sales.

• Arrive early, as the best fish goes fast.

• Pick salmon that is well-iced, bright in color, and firm to the touch.

Farmer’s Market

In salmon-fishing regions, it’s not uncommon to find whole fresh salmon at farmer’s markets too.

• Ask the seller questions about when and where it was caught.

• Inspect the fish carefully for freshness. Check the belly cavity.

• Keep it well-chilled for the trip home and eat within a day or two.

No matter where you purchase your whole salmon, the most important thing is to look for bright coloration, clear eyes, and firm flesh. Use your nose too – if it smells “off” at all, pass it up. With a little practice, you’ll be picking perfect salmon in no time!

Handling and Storing Salmon

To keep your whole salmon as fresh as possible:

• Store it on ice or in the coldest part of your fridge. Use within 2 days.

• If you can’t eat it right away, freeze it. Wrap tightly in plastic and freezer paper.

• Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight before cooking.

• Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Proper handling prevents the growth of bacteria and keeps the healthy fats from going rancid.

Preparing Your Salmon

Whole salmon requires some prep work before cooking, but it’s very manageable:

• Scaling: Use a spoon or butter knife to scrape off the scales under cold running water.

• Gutting: Slice open the belly and remove the innards. Rinse well.

• Filleting: Slice down the spine and behind the head to remove each fillet.

• Pin bones: Use pliers or tweezers to remove the small pin bones.

• Skinning: Slide a knife under the skin to remove it, if desired.

Don’t be intimidated! With a sharp knife and a little practice, prepping a whole salmon is satisfying and helps you make the most of this nutritious fish.

Cooking Your Whole Salmon

When it comes to cooking methods, the options are endless with a whole salmon. Here are some of my favorites:

• Baked: Stuff lemon slices and herbs in the cavity. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes per pound.

• Grilled: Rub with oil and seasonings. Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side.

• Poached: Simmer in broth, white wine or water with aromatics for 5-10 minutes.

• Smoked: Dry cure with salt and sugar. Hot or cold smoke for 2-6 hours.

• Sous vide: Vacuum seal and cook in a water bath at 110°F for 45-90 minutes.

• Cedar planked: Nail to a soaked cedar plank. Grill for about 1 hour.

Get creative with rubs, glazes, and sauces to complement the rich salmon flavor. Serve with fresh veggies or grains for a perfectly balanced meal.

Enjoy Your Salmon!

I hope these tips help you find and prepare an amazing whole salmon. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to cook (and how deliciously it turns out), you’ll be hooked! A whole salmon makes for an elegant centerpiece at a dinner party, or everyday fare that’s simple enough for busy weeknights.

If you’re new to salmon, start with a small 2-3 pound fish to get the hang of it. Ask your fishmonger to do the gutting and scaling if you prefer. Soon you’ll be prepping salmon like a pro. From classic pan-seared fillets to show-stopping whole roasted salmon, this oily fish is a wonderfully healthy and tasty addition to your regular rotation. Enjoy!