Salmon is one of the most popular and beloved fish worldwide. Rich, fatty and flavorful, salmon fillets are a staple for many home cooks. But when meal planning and portioning, a common question arises – how much does a salmon fillet weigh? In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about salmon fillet weights.
Typical Salmon Fillet Weights
The weight of a salmon fillet can vary quite a bit based on a few key factors
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Type of salmon – Different salmon species have different average sizes. King salmon, for example, is much larger than Atlantic salmon.
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Cut of the fillet – A fillet cut with the skin on will weigh more than a skinless fillet. Center-cut fillets are also usually thicker and heavier.
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Condition of the fish – Farmed salmon is often heavier than wild caught salmon. Frozen salmon loses moisture so weighs slightly less than fresh.
That said, most single, skinless salmon fillets weigh between 4-8 ounces (113-227g). Here are some more typical salmon fillet weights:
- 4-6 oz (113-170g) – Smaller dinner portion or appetizer size
- 6-8 oz (170-227g) – Regular dinner portion
- 8-12 oz (227-340g) – Large dinner portion or meal prep recipe portion
So if you’re portioning salmon for dinner, plan on approximately 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound (113 to 227g) per person.
Fillet Weights by Salmon Species
The most common varieties of salmon you’ll find at the grocery store or fish market are:
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King (Chinook) – The largest salmon species, king fillets can range from 8-16 oz (227-454g)
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Sockeye (Red) – Leaner and smaller, sockeye fillets are often 6-8 oz (170-227g)
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Coho (Silver) – Similar to sockeye, coho fillets are usually 6-10 oz (170-283g)
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Atlantic – The smallest salmon species, Atlantic fillets are typically 4-8 oz (113-227g)
So if you’re able to choose your specific type of salmon, opt for king or coho for larger, thicker fillets.
Buying Salmon Fillets for Recipes
When shopping for salmon to use in recipes, purchase weight matters. Here are some guidelines for salmon fillet quantities for common recipes:
- 2 people – 3⁄4 to 1 lb (340 to 454g) total
- 4 people – 11⁄2 to 2 lbs (680 to 908g) total
- 6 people – 21⁄4 to 3 lbs (1.02 to 1.36kg) total
For example, if you’re making a baked salmon dinner for 4, buy 11⁄2 to 2 pounds to end up with nice 6-8 oz portions after cooking. Having the right salmon fillet weight for your recipe and number of servings ensures everyone gets an evenly-sized piece.
Weighing Portions for Meal Prep
Preparing salmon fillets for meal prep and lunch bowls is a healthy, protein-packed choice. Use these portion sizes as a guide:
- 5 oz (142g) – Small meal prep portion
- 7 oz (198g) – Average meal prep portion
- 8 oz (227g) – Large meal prep portion
When batch cooking salmon fillets for the week, weigh your raw fillets into 5-8 oz portions on a food scale for balanced meal prep. This makes it easy to track nutrition and macros.
Typical Weights for Whole Salmon
While most recipes call for salmon fillets, what about if you purchase a whole salmon? Here are some typical full salmon weights:
- Whole salmon – 15-25 lbs (6.8-11.3kg)
- Side of salmon – 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4kg)
A whole salmon averages about 20 pounds, but king salmon can be even heavier. A salmon side portion is around half that weight. Both need to be filleted into smaller portions for cooking.
Key Takeaways on Salmon Fillet Weights
To quickly recap salmon fillet weights:
- 4-8 oz (113-227g) for a single raw fillet
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 lb (113 to 227g) per serving
- 1 1⁄2 to 2 lbs (680 to 908g) total for a 4 person meal
- 5-8 oz (142-227g) portions for meal prep
Keep these salmon fillet weight guidelines handy for shopping and meal planning. Getting the right quantities will ensure fool-proof recipes and perfect portions!
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Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillets
Our Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillets are the perfect entrée to any feast. Each sockeye fillet is shipped boneless with the skin on, flash frozen and vacuumed packaged. Our sockeye fillets have a deep red color, firm texture and a rich flavor. Did you know that each salmon fish is about 6 pounds?
Our fillets average 1.5 pounds and serves 4 to 6 people, making it a great option to feed a family or dinner party.
How to Portion Salmon Fillets
FAQ
FAQ
What is the average size of a salmon fillet?
The average weight of a salmon fillet varies depending on the species and size of the fish. Generally, a salmon fillet can weigh between 2 and 3 pounds, with a whole side averaging around 4 pounds.
What is a portion size of salmon fillet?
The recommended portion size of salmon per person typically ranges from 4 to 6 ounces. However, it’s important to consider various factors, such as the appetites of your guests and the presence of other dishes. Aim for a balance that satisfies everyone without leaving them feeling too full or wanting more.
How many grams is 1 fillet of salmon?
| Nutritional Info | |
|---|---|
| Serving 1 fillet (125 g) | |
| Calories 185 | |
| Calories from Fat 49 | |
| Total Fat 5.5g | 8% |
Is 1 lb of salmon good for 2 people?
How much does a 7 oz salmon fillet weigh?
Salmon fillet looses around 25-30% of its weight when baked or pan fried. So a 7 oz salmon fillet (a typical serving) will be around 5 oz when cooked. Different people might eat different size servings.
How much does a small salmon fillet weigh?
Small salmon fillets can weigh as little as 2 ounces, making them ideal for individual servings or smaller portions. The weight of small fillets can vary based on the size and cut of the fish. What factors can cause variation in the weight of a salmon fillet?
How much does a pound of salmon weigh?
Thickness is usually 1-1.5 inches for a meaty fillet. If you don’t have a scale, look for these indicators that a salmon piece weighs roughly 1 pound: So consider size, thickness, weight, packaging, and average cook times to estimate a 1 pound portion. How Much Does 1 Pound of Salmon Yield?
How thick is a pound of salmon?
1 pound of salmon is usually one large fillet or two smaller fillets. A 1 pound fillet is typically 2-3 inches wide and 12-18 inches long. The thickness depends on the salmon variety but is often 1-2 inches thick. The color can range from bright pink to a deeper orange hue. Raw, 1 pound is enough salmon for around 2-3 servings after cooking.
How much does a center cut salmon fillet weigh?
Center-cut salmon fillets are typically thicker and meatier, resulting in a slightly heavier weight compared to tail-end fillets. On average, center-cut fillets can weigh between 6 to 12 ounces, depending on the specific size and thickness. Can the weight of a salmon fillet affect its texture?
How big is a slice of salmon fillet?
One typical serving (slice) of salmon fillet is usually about 7 ounces or 200 grams, just under a half pound. That’s a 2 – 2 1/2 inches or 5-6 cm cut. Please note that this slice or serving of salmon fillet might be considered too big for some, but I wouldn’t serve a smaller portion.