Salmon is one of the most popular seafood choices worldwide, beloved for its rich flavor, versatility, and incredible health benefits. But did you know salmon isn’t just one fish? Each species offers distinct characteristics, culinary qualities, and a unique story from waters around the globe.

Here’s your detailed salmon species guide—complete with delicious culinary inspirations!

Domestic & Canadian Salmon Species

1. King Salmon (Chinook)

• Origin: Wild-caught primarily in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest.
• Description: Largest and richest salmon species; prized for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Cedar Plank King Salmon with Citrus & Herbs
  Slow-roast wild king salmon on a soaked cedar plank with fresh orange slices, rosemary, and garlic for a delicate smoky flavor.

2. Ivory King Salmon (White King Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught mostly in Alaska’s pristine waters.
• Description: Exceptionally rare variant of king salmon with creamy, ivory-colored flesh, resulting from a genetic trait affecting pigment absorption. Highly sought-after for its silky texture.
• Interesting Fact: Only around 5% of king salmon carry this unique ivory coloration.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Seared Ivory King Salmon with Lavender Honey Butter
  Pan-sear ivory salmon fillets in brown butter, finishing with a drizzle of lavender-infused honey butter for elegant sweetness.

3. Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught, notably from Alaska’s famed Copper River and British Columbia.
• Description: Known for its vibrant red flesh, firm texture, and full, rich flavor. Copper River sockeye is particularly famous for its premium taste and nutrient density.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Copper River Sockeye Crudo with Meyer Lemon & Capers
  Thinly slice ultra-fresh sockeye salmon, serving with Meyer lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, capers, and microgreens.

4. Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught in coastal Pacific waters, particularly abundant in Alaska and BC.
• Description: Medium-fat salmon, slightly milder and lighter than king or sockeye, making it excellent for grilling or roasting.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Herb-Crusted Coho Salmon with Dijon Cream
  Roast coho salmon fillets coated in fresh herbs and breadcrumbs, finished with a delicate Dijon mustard cream sauce.

5. Pink Salmon (Humpback Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught mainly around Alaska and Canadian Pacific waters; highly abundant.
• Description: Smallest and mildest salmon species; typically canned or smoked.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Pink Salmon Cakes with Lemon Aioli
  Craft crispy salmon cakes from flaked pink salmon mixed with herbs and panko breadcrumbs, served with a zesty homemade lemon aioli.

6. Chum Salmon (Keta/Dog Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught widely across Alaska and Canada.
• Description: Leaner, milder salmon often used for smoking due to its subtle flavor.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Hot-Smoked Chum Salmon Crostini
  Hot-smoke chum salmon fillets, serve on toasted baguette slices topped with cream cheese, dill, and pickled onions.

7. Atlantic Salmon (Farmed)

• Origin: Sustainably farmed primarily in Atlantic Canada and parts of the northeastern U.S.
• Description: Popular year-round farmed salmon known for consistent texture, mild flavor, and generous fat content.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Maple Bourbon Glaze
  Pan-sear salmon, finishing with a sweet-savory glaze of maple syrup, bourbon, garlic, and cracked black pepper.

International Salmon Species

8. Norwegian Salmon (Farmed Atlantic Salmon)

• Origin: Ocean-farmed sustainably in Norway’s cold, clear fjords.
• Description: Known globally for firm flesh, deep orange color, and consistent quality.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Norwegian Salmon Tartare with Fresh Dill & Horseradish
  Dice Norwegian salmon finely, gently combining with horseradish, dill, and lemon, served chilled atop rye toast points.

9. Scottish Salmon (Farmed Atlantic Salmon)

• Origin: Sustainably farmed in pristine Scottish coastal waters.
• Description: Premium-quality salmon, noted for its robust flavor, firm texture, and balanced fattiness.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Scottish Salmon en Papillote with Leeks & White Wine
  Bake salmon sealed in parchment paper with sautéed leeks, garlic, white wine, and lemon, creating delicate, aromatic flavors.

10. Tasmanian Salmon (Farmed Atlantic Salmon)

• Origin: Sustainably farmed in clean, cool waters around Tasmania, Australia.
• Description: Rich, buttery texture and superior quality; highly sought-after for sashimi.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Tasmanian Salmon Sashimi Bowl
  Thinly slice salmon, serving over sushi rice accompanied by avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, and soy glaze.

11. Cherry Salmon (Masu Salmon)

• Origin: Wild-caught primarily in northern Japan, Korea, and Russia’s Pacific coastline.
• Description: Smaller Pacific salmon with a delicate flavor and firm, pinkish-orange flesh.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Grilled Cherry Salmon Yakitori
  Skewer cherry salmon chunks, grill briefly, then glaze generously with sweet soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger.

12. Chilean Salmon (Farmed Atlantic Salmon)

• Origin: Farmed sustainably along Chile’s extensive southern coastline in the cold Pacific waters.
• Description: Consistent, rich taste with excellent fatty marbling; globally popular and widely available.
• Culinary Inspiration:
  Chilean Salmon Ceviche with Mango & Cilantro
  Dice fresh salmon, marinate gently with fresh lime juice, diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a vibrant, refreshing dish.

Choosing Your Perfect Salmon

At Lighthouse Seafood and Deli in New Market, MD, and Trout Supreme Seafood Wholesale, we’re passionate about bringing you the highest-quality, sustainably sourced salmon varieties from around the globe.

Whether you’re preparing a luxurious meal or a casual dinner, we’ve got the perfect salmon waiting for you.

Now that you’ve got your salmon guide and culinary inspirations, it’s time to cook, savor, and explore all the delicious possibilities salmon has to offer!