Pink or Red Salmon: How to Choose and Cook the Perfect Fillet

Deciding between pink or red salmon depends entirely on your desired flavor profile and texture. Red salmon, also known as Sockeye, offers a rich, robust oiliness with a firm flake that holds up beautifully to high heat. Conversely, pink salmon is prized for its delicate, mild sweetness and light, tender mouthfeel.

Pink or Red Salmon: How to Choose and Cook the Perfect Fillet

Recipe by Chef HarperCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) fillets Salmon fillets (pink or red salmon)

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper

• 4-6 slices Fresh lemon slices

• 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh dill or parsley

Directions

• Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin and prevent steaming.
• Season the flesh side generously with salt and pepper, pressing the spices gently into the meat.
• Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and barely begins to smoke.
• Place fillets skin-side down; press with a spatula for 30 seconds to prevent curling and ensure even browning.
• Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp, then flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes for a tender interior.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the natural richness of the fish.

Notes

• Chef’s Secret: Always let your salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for a more even sear.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they are excellent cold in salads.
• Substitution: If you cannot find fresh fillets, high-quality frozen sockeye is a perfect alternative.

Whether you choose pink or red salmon for your next meal, both varieties offer incredible health benefits and distinct culinary experiences. If you are looking for more inspiration on how to prepare ocean-fresh proteins, check out our best flavorful salmon recipes for creative ideas. For those who enjoy a variety of seafood, you might also love these best garlic butter lobster recipes to elevate your weekend dining.

Understanding the nutritional profile is key, and you can learn more about Sockeye salmon characteristics to see why it maintains such a deep color. For perfect technique every time, follow this guide on how to grill salmon fillets or explore these professional tips for pan-frying salmon to achieve that restaurant-quality crust. Enjoy exploring the vibrant world of seafood with these versatile techniques!