Sockeye Salmon Recipes: Meal Ideas for Wild Pacific Salmon

Do you love salmon? These delicious sockeye salmon recipes are perfect for including more of this extra-healthy wild Pacific fish in your diet.

Are you trying to eat more salmon?

Do you find salmon labels to be a little confusing?

As you browse the seafood aisle, take a moment to look for my favorite salmon-- sockeye salmon.

Sockeye salmon is a type of Wild Pacific salmon, and is usually in waters in or near Alaska during the summer salmon runs.

Learn more salmon: Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon and learn about the different Types of Salmon

Where Can I Buy Sockeye Salmon?

If you live in the Pacific northwest or Alaska, you should be able to find fresh Alaska sockeye salmon during the peak summer season.

If you live anywhere else in the United States, look for sockeye salmon with the frozen seafood.

You can find sockeye salmon cut into fillets or as a larger salmon side.

What Does Sockeye Salmon Look Like?

Sockeye salmon is a rich, bright red color. High-quality sockeye salmon will be plump and oily when thawed.

What Does This Salmon Taste Like?

Sockeye salmon has a strong wild, almost gamey flavor.

It pairs well with bright flavors like citrus or tart fruit.

I also like using sockeye salmon in recipes that use very rich ingredients like nuts or creamy, buttery sauces.

While other types of salmon would add an extra layer of richness, sockeye adds a more refreshing and interesting flavor contrast.

How Do I Cook Sockeye Salmon?

The same way you cook any piece of salmon! Learn some basic techniques here: How to Cook Salmon.

Fillet Recipes

If you're looking for sockeye salmon fillet recipes, you've come to the right place! These recipe ideas are written specifically with sockeye salmon in mind, and will help highlight its unique, delicious flavors.

If you're a bourbon fan, I recommend starting with my most popular sockeye salmon recipe-- Bourbon Salmon with Pecans.

If you love puff pastry, my Salmon Wellington is a personal favorite.

Salmon Kale Salad

This salmon kale salad is a fall harvest salad made with fresh kale, apples, Parmesan salmon, roasted potatoes and green beans, and an easy tahini dressing.

Make It

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

This teriyaki glazed salmon is made with baked fish and a homemade teriyaki sauce. It's a quick and easy fish dinner ready in about thirty minutes!

Make It

Pecan-Crusted Salmon with Bourbon

This easy pecan-crusted salmon is topped with pecans and a maple bourbon sauce, and then baked to juicy, flaky perfection.

Make It

Salmon Wellington

This Salmon Wellington recipe features puff pastry packets filled with spring greens, mushrooms, goat cheese, and salmon, along with an easy mustard sauce.

Make It

Salmon Wellington and yogurt sauce on a serving platter

Slow-Roasted Salmon Sandwiches

This slow-roasted spiced salmon sandwiches are made with spiced salmon, an apple slaw, and an easy mustard sauce.

Make It

This Slow Roasted Spiced Salmon Sandwich is a fishy take on a pulled pork sandwich, and is ready in about 25 minutes!

Grilled Salmon with Pineapple

This grilled side of salmon is cooked with an easy spice rub and topped with grilled pineapple. It's the perfect way to make fish the main meal at your spring and summer cookouts!

Make It

This Grilled Chili Lime Salmon with Pineapple is perfect way to make fish the main meal at your spring and summer cookouts!

Canned Recipes

Most of the following recipes work perfectly with both canned sockeye salmon and canned pink salmon.

They're perfect recipes to throw into your regular dinner rotation, because you can keep most of the ingredients on hand!

Easy Salmon Patties

These easy salmon patties are made with canned salmon, yogurt, breadcrumbs, and a few easy-to-find seasonings. Serve these salmon patties with the quick and easy mustard sauce!

Make It

easy salmon patties with dijon mustard sauce

Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce

These easy salmon burgers are made with canned salmon, yogurt, breadcrumbs, and a few easy-to-find seasonings. Serve them with a quick and easy avocado sauce!

Make It