With so many varieties of salmon to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one best suits your taste and cooking style. Alaskan king, coho, and sockeye salmon are all wild-caught and sustainably sourced, but they each have unique flavors, textures, and uses. 

Let’s dive into the details of each salmon type and help you pick which one is right for your table!

1. Alaskan King Salmon: The Rich, Buttery Favorite

Flavor:
King salmon, also known as chinook, is famous for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. At Whidbey Seafoods, we’ve been known to call king salmon the “filet mignon of the sea” because of its luxurious taste and tender texture. It’s the fattiest of the three varieties, making it incredibly moist and full of flavor, with a high concentration of omega-3s.

Texture:
With large, tender flakes, king salmon is perfect for dishes where the fish is the star. Its high fat content ensures that it stays moist and flavorful, even with simple cooking methods like grilling or searing. Because of this, if you are worried about overcooking your salmon, king is your safest choice.

Best For:
King salmon is ideal if you’re looking for indulgence and want a rich, buttery flavor in every bite. It pairs beautifully with simple seasonings, allowing the natural taste to shine. Perfect for a quick stovetop meal, an easy, no-mess oven dish, grilling, or of course, smoking.

When to Choose King Salmon:

If you’re planning a special meal or just want something more decadent, king salmon is the way to go. Its robust flavor and tender texture make it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress.

King salmon is available in portions, fillets, smoked and more! 

2. Alaskan Coho Salmon: Mild, Versatile, and Balanced

Flavor:
Coho salmon, sometimes called silver salmon, offers a more delicate, mild flavor compared to king and sockeye. It has a good balance of fat and leanness, making it a great middle ground between the other two varieties.

Texture:

With medium-sized flakes, coho is less fatty than king salmon but still has enough richness to be moist and tender. It’s versatile, holding up well to various cooking methods while still being easy to work with.

Best For:
Coho’s milder flavor makes it perfect for those who enjoy salmon but prefer something a bit less rich. It’s great for grilling or roasting. Its subtle flavor also allows it to pair well with more diverse seasonings and sauces, without being overpowering.

When to Choose Coho Salmon:
If you’re looking for a salmon that’s versatile enough for everyday meals but still delivers great flavor, coho is a great choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy salmon’s natural taste but don’t need the intense richness of king salmon.

Coho salmon is available in portions, fillets, smoked and more! 

3. Alaskan Sockeye Salmon: Bold, Firm, and Full of Flavor

Flavor:
Sockeye, also known as red salmon, is known for its deep red color and bold, robust flavor. It has a stronger, more distinctive taste compared to king and coho, making it a favorite for those who love the intensity of wild-caught fish. However, its flavor is approachable, often making it the go-to choice for new seafood enthusiasts.

Texture:

Sockeye has a firmer texture with smaller, tighter flakes. It’s leaner than both king and coho salmon, meaning it can dry out a bit quicker if overcooked. However, its bold flavor stands up well to grilling, smoking, and even baking.

Affordability:

One of the great things about sockeye is that it’s typically the most affordable option of the three. This makes it a perfect entry point for those looking to explore the world of wild-caught Alaskan seafood. New seafood lovers often start with sockeye to experience wild salmon’s rich taste at a lower cost.

Best For:
Sockeye’s deep flavor makes it ideal for those who love a more intense salmon taste. It’s excellent for grilling or smoking, and its firmness means it holds up well in salads, pasta dishes, or fish tacos.

When to Choose Sockeye Salmon:
If you’re new to seafood or looking for a more affordable way to enjoy wild-caught salmon, sockeye is an excellent option. Its distinctive flavor, firm texture, and approachable price make it a great starting point for any established or future seafood lover.

Sockeye salmon is available in portions, fillets, multiple smoked flavors, our famous salmon pate and more! 

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect Alaskan salmon for your next meal! Whether you’re indulging in the rich, buttery flavor of king salmon, enjoying the versatility of coho, or starting your seafood journey with the bold taste of sockeye, there’s something for everyone. At Whidbey Seafoods, we’re proud to offer sustainably sourced, wild-caught salmon straight from the pristine waters of Alaska, and we can’t wait for you to taste the difference.

Learn about about the specific harvesters that catch our salmon and shop all salmon here!