Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, vitamins and minerals, salmon offers an array of health benefits From boosting heart health to enhancing brain function, adding salmon to your diet a few times per week can help take your nutrition to the next level.
But not all salmon is created equal. Wild salmon tends to be higher in omega-3s compared to farmed salmon. And salmon that is freshly caught and properly handled has better flavor and texture compared to salmon that has been frozen and thawed.
So where can you find high quality fresh salmon near you? Here are some of the best options for buying fresh wild salmon in local stores and markets:
Check Your Local Grocery Store
Many mainstream grocery stores like Ralphs, Vons, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Bristol Farms sell fresh salmon fillets in the seafood department. The selection may include:
- Wild Alaskan Salmon (Sockeye, Coho, King)
- Wild Atlantic Salmon
- Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Try to choose wild salmon over farmed for maximum nutrition. And look for bright orange-red color without discoloration, firm texture, and fresh seafood smell – signs of freshness. Prices range $7-$15 per pound. Ask the seafood staff when the salmon was delivered to ensure it’s fresh.
Some grocers like Whole Foods even offer sustainably caught salmon certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This indicates the salmon was caught with responsible fishing practices that don’t overfish or harm the environment.
Shop Fish Markets and Seafood Specialty Stores
For an even wider selection of ultra-fresh salmon, visit a local fish market or seafood specialty store. Popular options in Los Angeles include
- Santa Monica Seafood
- The Lobster
- Manhattan Beach Fish Market
- Pacific Seafood
- Newport Seafood
- Fisherman’s Outlet
These stores work directly with fishermen and suppliers to provide salmon and other seafood that was caught and shipped very recently You’ll often find more unusual varieties like Copper River, Kenai River, and Yukon River salmon.
Expect to pay $15-$25+ per pound for the highest quality wild salmon from Alaska, British Columbia, and other regions. Some stores will even custom cut or fillet the salmon to your preferences.
Pro tip: Ask exactly when and where the salmon was caught to ensure freshness.
Order Salmon Online for Delivery
For added convenience, many companies now offer online ordering and delivery of fresh salmon fillets:
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Wild Alaskan Seafood Box – Get monthly deliveries of salmon, halibut, cod and more.
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Sitka Salmon Shares – Community supported fishery program sends seasonal salmon and seafood.
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Vital Choice – Sustainably caught wild salmon, canned salmon, and salmon jerky.
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Thrive Market – Organic and sustainably caught salmon plus pantry staples.
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Crowd Cow – Artisan beef, seafood and meats from small farms and fishermen.
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Fulton Fish Market – Wide selection of seafood including salmon, live lobster and crab.
Expect to pay around $20-$40 for 2 salmon fillets depending on the source and quality. Delivery services provide peak freshness and include handy recipes and cooking tips.
Pick Your Own Salmon Fishing
For the freshest salmon imaginable, go catch it yourself! Salmon fishing is popular in Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Northern California. Check local regulations, get the proper license, and book a guided fishing trip to have a hands-on salmon experience.
Most guides will fillet, vacuum pack and freeze your catch so you can take it home. While an investment, this “once in a lifetime” salmon fishing trip lets you source salmon directly from nature.
Best Cooking Methods for Fresh Salmon
Once you’ve selected a beautiful salmon fillet, what’s the best way to cook it? Simple preparations are best to let the flavor shine.
Baked Salmon – Drizzle with olive oil and seasonings and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Grilled Salmon – Coat with avocado oil and grill for 3-5 minutes per side.
Pan-Seared Salmon – Sear skin-side down in a hot pan for crispy skin, then flip briefly to cook through.
Poached Salmon – Simmer gently in water, broth or wine until opaque and flaky.
Cedar Plank Salmon – Roast on a cedar plank for full flavor.
Salmon Burgers – Make patties and sear or grill for salmon in burger form.
Aim for medium doneness where salmon is still moist inside. Avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.
Simple Salmon Meals and Recipes
Beyond basic preparations, there are endless recipe options for salmon fillets and steaks. Some delicious choices include:
- Lemon garlic baked salmon
- Salmon with avocado salsa
- Cajun blackened salmon
- Salmon teriyaki bowls
- Salmon burgers with spicy mayo
- Salmon salad with greens, veggies and cottage cheese
- Salmon tacos with cabbage slaw
- Lox and cream cheese salmon bagels
- Smoked salmon dip or spread
- Salmon sushi and sashimi
Mix up your salmon routine by exploring Mediterranean, Asian, Cajun, Hawaiian, and other flavor profiles.
Don’t Forget Canned and Frozen Salmon
While fresh salmon is ideal, you can still reap health benefits from canned and frozen salmon. Look for wild-caught salmon canned in BPA-free cans and sourced from Alaska. Frozen salmon is often flash-frozen right on the fishing boat preserving nutrition. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Canned or pouched salmon works great for salmon patties, sandwiches, salads, and casseroles. Frozen salmon is wonderful for weeknight meals, meal prep, and as a budget alternative when fresh prices are high.
Where to Buy Salmon Near Me? Your Best Options
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Your local grocery store seafood counter
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Specialty fish markets and seafood stores
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Reputable online vendors that overnight ship fresh salmon
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Catching your own!
Prioritize wild salmon from Alaska, Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Check for proper handling and ice storage. Purchase salmon the day it was delivered to the store for maximum freshness and flavor.
With so many options for buying salmon near you, you can easily enjoy this omega-3 rich superfood fish any night of the week. Experiment with different cooking methods and global recipes to take your salmon game to the next level. Just don’t overcook it!
Your satisfaction is our #1 priority
We stand behind all our products, holding them to the highest quality standards. We go the extra mile to take care of you and wont stop until youre satisfied!
Sustainability is one of our core values. We strive to reduce food miles and our carbon footprint to ensure the freshest fish possible while supporting our local community and state economy.
Caught by local fisheries
Flash-freeze or frozen at sea (FAS)
Delivered directly to your door
We’re enthusiastic about our local catch
We’re Alaskan locals with an innate, genuine love for seafood. We taste or cook everything we sell to accurately describe and recommend the best items to you. You won’t find a more intimate, homegrown customer experience anywhere else!
HOW TO BUY SALMON | What Salmon Should You Buy at the Grocery Store?
FAQ
FAQ
What is the best month to buy salmon?
Salmon Species | Peak Season | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|
King (Chinook) | May – September | Rich, buttery, high in Omega-3 |
Sockeye | June – July | Firm, deep red flesh, bold flavor |
Coho | July – November | Milder, slightly sweet taste |
Pink | June – September (every other year) | Light, delicate, lower in fat |
Can you get fresh salmon in Colorado?
Our Salmon is freshly caught each July & available for pick-up starting in late-October. We pride ourselves in selling the FRESHEST Salmon in the Northern Colorado Area. At Fisherman’s Pride, we take great pride in bringing the freshest, highest-quality seafood to our customers.
How much should a pound of salmon cost?
We’re able to calculate the average monthly prices that restaurants pay for salmon, seafood, other ingredients by using proprietary data from xtraCHEF by Toast, our invoice automation and recipe costing tool. The average national price per pound of salmon is $10.25 in August.
Where should you get your salmon from?
As an informed consumer, you already know that the best salmon to buy is wild-caught salmon from Alaska. Alaskan salmon naturally has a nutritional profile that can be beneficial for health. Plus, Alaskan salmon is some of the most sustainable fish to eat.