As you probably know from our blog post, Salmon: What’s the Difference, there are many different kinds of salmon. Today we’re talking about chinook salmon (also known as tyee salmon, king salmon and spring salmon). Many people think that they are the best tasting species of salmon. At their prime, chinook salmon are a bright silver color with pink on the lower part of their belly. For the best flavor, you will want to eat wild, ocean-caught salmon or bright, river-caught salmon that have not yet darkened or turned red.

Chinook salmon can weigh up to 125 pounds, making them the largest salmon in the world and earning them the nickname of king salmon. The meat of a chinook salmon lends itself to grilling and different types of slow cooking including barbecuing and smoking. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is very forgiving for a novice fish cook. We found this yummy chinook salmon recipe posted by Esmee Williams on allrecipes.com.

Fabulous Grilled Salmon

Ingredients:

  • 1 Three Pound Chinook Salmon Fillet with Skin
  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Lemon – Juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Grated, Fresh Ginger Root
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1/3 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Shallots

Directions:

  1. Create a foil pan by doubling up layers of aluminum foil large enough to hold your fillet.
  2. Place the foil pan onto a cookie sheet, and lay the fillet on the foil with the skin side down.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients, and pour the mixture over the salmon, allowing to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  4. Preheat your grill to a medium-low heat.
  5. Slide the foil pan onto the grill.
  6. Cover with the lid and cook the fillet for 10 minutes per inch of thickness (generally around 20 minutes), until the salmon flakes with a fork.
  7. Slice the salmon, and use a spatula to scoop the fillet off of the skin to serve.

Since all farm-raised salmon are Atlantic salmon, which is a different species, you may want to learn about opportunities to go fishing in British Columbia, Canada so that you can catch your own Chinook Salmon.

Sources:
http://fishcooking.about.com/od/meetyourfish/p/salmonprofile.htm