Salmon is one of the most popular fish for good reason – its rich, fatty texture and versatile flavor makes it a favorite for home cooks and restaurants However, salmon can also be one of the pricier options at the seafood counter
If you love cooking with salmon but want to explore budget-friendly alternatives with comparable flavors and textures, there are several fish that can substitute for salmon beautifully.
In this article we will discover 7 fish that look and taste remarkably like salmon to seamlessly swap into all your favorite recipes. Keep reading to find out the best salmon doppelgangers that will please your palate and wallet!
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout is likely the first fish that springs to mind when searching for a salmon twin Farmed rainbow trout in particular bears an uncanny resemblance in both color and flavor
It has the same vivid pink-orange flesh that cooks up moist and flaky. The taste of rainbow trout is mild yet fatty and savory like salmon.
Rainbow trout fillets run smaller than thick salmon steaks, so they have a lightning quick cooking time perfect for weeknight dinners. Rainbow trout excels at basic cooking methods like pan-searing, broiling and grilling.
For salmon fans on a budget, rainbow trout offers a very wallet-friendly solution.
Steelhead Trout
Similar to rainbow trout, steelhead trout provides a remarkably salmon-like experience. It is actually a variety of rainbow trout that spends part of its life in the ocean, giving it more pronounced flavor and deeper orange-red color.
The rich taste and moderate fat content allows steelhead to stand in for salmon in virtually any preparation. Steelhead trout fillets also cook fast while remaining moist and tender.
This sustainable fish takes well to all cooking techniques and its firmer texture makes it ideal for grilling or baking en papillote. Steelhead trout delivers all the delicious qualities of salmon for less.
Arctic Char
Hailing from northern waters, arctic char looks nearly identical to salmon with the same vibrant coral hue and forked tail. The flavor of arctic char is delicate, reminiscent of a hybrid between salmon and trout.
Its supple yet firm texture also mimics salmon beautifully. Arctic char portions run smaller like trout so they cook quicker than thick salmon steaks.
The mild, versatile flavor allows arctic char to be a seamless sub for salmon in everything from fish tacos to pan roasts. When cooked skin-on, the crispy skin takes on a lovely salmon-esque richness. Sustainable arctic char is a perfect solution when salmon is not in the budget.
Mahi Mahi
While white-fleshed mahi mahi lacks the trademark orange color, its flaky, firm texture and delicate flavor are a lot like salmon. Mahi mahi has subtle savory umami undertones similar to salmon.
Mahi mahi fillets also cook lightning fast thanks to their thinner cut. This sustainable fish soaks up other flavors easily, making it ideal for all your favorite salmon marinades and seasonings. Let your tastebuds tell you it’s salmon!
Mackerel
Another white fish that stands in beautifully for salmon is oily, rich mackerel. Its high oil content mimics the lush mouthfeel and fattiness of salmon. While mackerel has a bolder fish flavor, its richness can imitate salmon’s savory qualities.
Smoked mackerel in particular shines as an excellent swap for smoked salmon. Keep preparations simple to let mackerel’s flavor shine through. Stick to sustainably-caught Atlantic mackerel.
Escolar
Also called butterfish, escolar possesses an extraordinarily luscious texture similar to the fatty portions of salmon like the belly and collar. Its velvety smooth consistency and very mild flavor allow it to mimic the decadence of prime salmon cuts.
Escolar’s richness enhances any sauce, spice rub, or marinade just like salmon. Cook skinless to avoid any waxiness from the skin. Stick to smaller fillets and moderate consumption due to its laxative effect when overeaten.
Amberjack
For a firmer fish that mimics the hearty texture of salmon, turn to amberjack. While amberjack has grayish-white flesh unlike salmon’s famous pink color, it boasts a robust texture and rich flavor profile.
Amberjack stands up well to bold seasonings and pairs nicely with the same preparations as salmon. It cooks up moist and flaky with a meaty chew comparable to salmon.
Sear amberjack steaks or use it in place of thicker salmon cuts in recipes. When wild salmon is not in the cards, amberjack is a budget-friendly substitute with serious salmon-esque qualities. Opt for sustainably caught amberjack when possible.
Summary
To recap, the top salmon doppelgangers include:
- Rainbow trout – thin pink fillets with delicate flavor
- Steelhead trout – vivid color and rich salmon-like taste
- Arctic char – resembles salmon in appearance and delicate flavor
- Mahi mahi – flaky white fish that mimics salmon’s texture
- Mackerel – high oil content provides salmon’s richness
- Escolar – velvety soft texture like fatty salmon
- Amberjack – meaty, moist and flaky texture
The next time the price of salmon has you feeling blue, give one of these deliciously similar alternatives a go in all your favorite recipes. With their comparable flavors, textures, sustainability, and cooking attributes, these 7 fish make outstanding substitutes to enjoy your favorite salmon qualities on a budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish tastes most like salmon?
Of all the lookalike options, rainbow trout and steelhead trout bear the closest resemblance to genuine salmon in taste and texture. Their fatty pink flesh and mild flavor profile mirrors true salmon very closely.
What fish resembles the color of salmon?
Rainbow trout, steelhead trout, and arctic char come in a vibrant pinkish-orange hue that looks remarkably similar to the distinctive color of salmon. Their raw and cooked coloration appears practically identical.
Is tilapia a good sub for salmon?
While affordable and widely available, tilapia doesn’t accurately mimic the richness and fat content that characterize salmon. Choose an oilier alternative like mackerel or mahi mahi for a closer match.
Can I use cod instead of salmon?
Cod is too mild, lean, and flaky to pass for salmon. Fish like mackerel and escolar with higher oil contents are better equipped to imitate salmon’s lush texture and flavor.
What fish has omega-3s like salmon?
Great options high in heart-healthy omega-3s similar to salmon include mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, rainbow trout, and arctic char. These all provide the same benefits.
How do you select a good salmon substitute?
Consider the oiliness, flakiness, texture, cooking attributes, color, flavor, cost, availability, and sustainability of prospective fish. Aim for richness if swapping for fatty salmon or mild white fish for lean salmon.
What’s the most budget friendly salmon-like fish?
Rainbow trout and canned mackerel provide a very close salmon-esque experience while being extremely wallet-friendly. Arctic char and mahi mahi also offer quality mimics for less.
So next time you seek that heavenly salmon experience but the price isn’t right, give one of these 7 splendid alternatives a try! Their ability to beautifully mimic the flavor, texture, and versatility of salmon makes them the perfect stand-ins to delight your palette and pocketbook.
