Description of sockeye salmon, its habitat and cooking methods


Description of sockeye fish


Sockeye salmon is a prominent representative of the salmon family.
Sockeye salmon is a delicious red fish that is often consumed by people. The closest relatives of this species are chum salmon, coho salmon and pink salmon, and more distant relatives are salmon and salmon. From birth, the fry live in schools. Subsequently, when moving from fresh water to salt water, they can separate into small groups and then reunite in the sea. Fish are often in danger, such as mammalian predators, larger waterfowl, etc. Therefore, individuals behave carefully and cautiously.

The DNA of these representatives contains an increased reproductive instinct. Therefore, after laying eggs, the parents die to become food for the newborns and thus increase their chances of survival. Despite this, the species is listed in the Red Book. The greatest damage to the population is caused by poaching and water pollution.

Structure and appearance

The body of sockeye salmon is elongated, but laterally flattened. The outline of the body is angular, but streamlined. The shape of the fish resembles a spindle. The scales are round and fit tightly to the body. The fish has more than 30 gill rakers, which is a clear distinguishing feature compared to other members of the salmon family.


The head of sockeye salmon is medium in size and round in shape.

The head is round in shape, the jaw is medium sized, extended forward. The fins are well developed. The eyes are located on the sides, they are large and mobile. Pisces are able to read information at an angle of 100°. This allows individuals to navigate well in space due to the large and three-dimensional image. In addition, a good overview protects you from dangers. Thanks to tactile cells located on the body, sockeye salmon feels any touch.

Dimensions and weight

The maximum length of these salmon representatives is 80 cm. Most often, the weight of an adult is 1.5-3.5 kg. Dimensions depend on how favorable the living conditions are. The better they are, the bigger the fish. The maximum recorded body weight of sockeye salmon is 7.7 kg. In size and shape it resembles chum salmon; it is difficult to distinguish them from the description and photo.

Sockeye salmon color

Another name for sockeye salmon is red or krasnitsa. This is due to the color of the fish. During spawning, it changes and turns bright red. The scales have a silvery tint.

The belly of the fish is white, the back is greenish. The fins are dark in color and the tail is transparent. The head remains green all year round.

Sockeye Salmon Lifestyle

Sockeye salmon is a migratory species that forms a lacustrine habitat, so its lifestyle takes place in both fresh and cold salt water.

The first two or three years of life, fresh water bodies are its native habitat, here it hatched from eggs, and here it, having spawned eggs, will finish its life cycle.

In sea waters, sockeye salmon grow to sexual maturity, gain weight, and at the age of 4-6 years return to their native clean fresh river or lake waters.

During the spawning period, sockeye salmon in schools, overcoming rapids and shallows with sharp stones, returns to the places where they were born to spawn and complete their life cycle. Along the route, the fish is exposed to danger from birds of prey and bears who love to feast on the tender, fatty meat of red fish.

The lifestyle of sockeye salmon is as follows:

  1. At the spawning grounds, individuals break up into pairs and begin to prepare a place for the nest.
  2. Larvae appear from the bottom eggs, 4-5 mm in diameter, 150-170 days after fertilization at a water temperature of at least 2 degrees. Mortality during the maturation period is about 30%.
  3. The mass emergence of fry from the ground occurs in May and June. The fry, about 3 centimeters long, roll into the main river bed or into the open part of the lake.
  4. Juvenile sockeye salmon live in fresh waters for 3 years, during which time up to 90% of the fry that emerge from the eggs die. Having grown stronger, they gather in small flocks and go out to the open sea to gain weight.
  5. Sockeye salmon lives in the sea for no more than 3 years, then returns again to its spawning site, where it came from.
  6. The spawned fish dies, the larvae appear only after 5-7 months, this depends on external conditions and the location of the eggs.

Nature has embedded in the sockeye salmon’s DNA a program of reproductive instinct: to give birth to offspring and die in the same place where it emerged from the egg. After the mass death of spawning fish, due to the remains, the productivity of the reservoir significantly increases, which is a good food supply for the fry.

Sockeye salmon has a pronounced predatory behavior, it is omnivorous and very voracious, its constant diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, squid, insects, and small fish.

On the way to the spawning ground, sockeye salmon have many natural enemies: large and small predatory animals and birds, and even crayfish that wait near the stones for exhausted fish. Poaching and environmental pollution cause considerable damage to the population.

Types of sockeye salmon

There are several varieties of wild sockeye salmon: silver salmon (anadromous) and kokanee (residential). This classification is based on the appearance and lifestyle of the fish. In addition, Kamchatka sockeye salmon is isolated. This isolation is determined by the habitat.


The silverfish is a species of wild sockeye salmon.

The silverfish is a marine fish. During her life she moves from place to place, hence her second name. The color is silver, the belly is white, the back is greenish. After breeding, silverfish die.

Kokanee is a locally endemic wild species. It appears unexpectedly, due to changes in living conditions. For example, these could be natural disasters. Kokanee is considered a dwarf fish. The average individual does not exceed 30 cm in length.

Unlike silverfish, these representatives of salmon do not slide into the sea and do not die after reproduction.

Harm to sockeye salmon

Unlike any other salmon, sockeye salmon can cause serious harm to human health. Its meat, in addition to the parasites inherent in all salmon, contains a toxin, which during the spawning period, due to a hormonal surge, increases several times. As a result, meat and caviar become poisonous. But fortunately, harmful substances disintegrate in the cold, so it is worth freezing sockeye salmon for at least 5 days at a temperature of -18 degrees. And sockeye salmon caviar must be salted for at least 45 days.

I think every resident of Kamchatka either has a friend or has been poisoned by this red fish. Moreover, poisoning from it is quite serious, often resulting in hospitalization. Many people eat it without proper processing out of ignorance, but there are also those who simply do not believe others and, in order to prove that they are right, eat it and then hold their stomachs.

Just recently, my friend, an avid fisherman, who flew from the mainland, not believing in these properties, argued that salmon cannot cause harm. I fried fish over a fire, resulting in 2 days in the hospital. So if you are offered fresh sockeye salmon, play it safe and freeze the carcass. And if you buy its caviar not from a factory, check whether it is made in accordance with GOST standards.

I want to sum it up. Sockeye salmon is a wonderful fish, has excellent taste properties, both meat and caviar. With good “utility indicators” and calorie content. With a remarkable appearance, probably the most presentable in comparison with any red fish. But when eating food, you will have to make a choice “benefit or harm”, and decide whether to follow a number of the rules described above.

Habitat

Sockeye salmon loves cold water, the temperature of which does not exceed +2°C. Because of this, populations are found in different parts of the planet. Most often these are the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The main habitat is the coasts of the USA and Canada.

In addition, there are other places where this fish is found:

  1. Alaska. Sockeye salmon inhabits the territory bordered by the Bering Strait and Northern California.
  2. Kamchatka. It is most often found in the following lakes: Kuril, Dalny and Azabachye, and also in the rivers Kamchatka and Ozernaya.
  3. Chukotka. Here this fish is found in almost all bodies of water.
  4. Kurile Islands. The largest population is in Lake Krasivoe.
  5. Hokkaido Island. Here sockeye salmon have chosen thermal waters. The most common species is kokanee.
  6. Sockeye salmon are sometimes farmed artificially in lakes in Great Britain and Japan.


Sockeye salmon lives in the cold water of the Pacific Ocean.

Sockeye salmon habitats

Schools of sockeye salmon live in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Bering Sea, in the area of ​​the Commander Islands, on the eastern coast of Kamchatka, off the coast of Alaska and Canada. Sockeye salmon is distributed in the area from Chukotka to Anadyr. To spawn, it goes into the basin of the Anadyr River, the rivers of Kamchatka, the Kuril and Commander Islands.

Lake forms are artificially grown in Japan and Great Britain.

Sockeye salmon live in sea waters for about 4 years, then they reach sexual maturity, and the fish returns to the lake or river to spawn.

Grown-up fry begin their journey to the ocean; this cyclical process is repeated for thousands of years.

What does sockeye salmon eat in the wild?

In terms of nutrition, sockeye salmon is a predator, but it does not eat its own kind. The fish is quite voracious, so it is important for it to have plenty of food in the reservoir. The fry eat zooplankton. Over time, it forms the basis of their diet. At a later age, the fish switches to crustaceans and invertebrates. The bright red color of sockeye salmon is due to the presence of carotene in the body. It accumulates in the body of individuals throughout life.

Fish obtain carotene by consuming calanid crustaceans. They contain pigment, which then remains in the body of the sockeye salmon.

Development and maturity

In the first year of life, the fry grows up to 7-8 cm in length. In outline, it vaguely resembles an adult. The fry do not leave the spawning grounds during this year. After an individual reaches a length of 12 cm, it begins to roll out of fresh water into the sea.

Lifespan

The lifespan of sockeye salmon depends on when it goes to spawn, as well as on the living conditions of young individuals, food, soil, etc. The average life cycle is from 4 to 7 years.

At what age does maturity begin?

Fish matures at 4-6 years. By this point, the sockeye salmon will be satiated and accumulate useful substances. After this, the individuals go to spawn.


The maturity of the fish occurs at 4-6 years.

Sockeye salmon spawning

These representatives of the salmon family are characterized by behavior such as homing. This process involves returning individuals to the places where they were born. On the way from the sea to fresh water, river or lake, the fish overcomes many obstacles. At the same time, she tries to preserve the accumulated strength and energy for further reproduction.

The migration period begins in April and continues until July. After the fish reaches the spawning site, it waits for some time and cruises along the shore. Reproduction of sockeye salmon has the following features and characteristics:

  1. Spawning begins at the end of July and continues until October, and sometimes until February.
  2. Within 2-4 weeks, females create small depressions at the bottom. Sometimes the height of the pits reaches 50 cm. This is done in order to preserve the offspring.
  3. Females lay eggs in dug holes. The number of grains ranges from 2000 to 6000.
  4. Males irrigate the eggs with milk, then the hole is buried.
  5. For several days, females guard their offspring and try to die next to them.
  6. Males live longer. They also try to protect the eggs and die by the end of the year.
  7. When they are born, the fry first feed on the remains of their parents.
  8. Some species of sockeye salmon do not die immediately after reproduction, but produce offspring several times.

Content:

  • 1 Sockeye salmon size
  • 2 Spawning of sockeye salmon
  • 3 Sockeye salmon habitats
  • 4 Lifestyle of sockeye salmon
  • 5 Ways to catch sockeye salmon
  • 6 Which is better sockeye salmon or coho salmon
  • 7 Nutritional value of sockeye salmon

Some types of lake forms of sockeye salmon: redfish, kokanee, dwarf never leave their native reservoirs; they do not go to the sea to feed and reproduce in their native reservoirs.

The cold-loving fish lives in waters where the temperature does not exceed 2 degrees.

The lifespan of sockeye salmon depends on the time when it goes to spawn; this happens at 4-6 years of life; having fulfilled its natural duty, it dies.

Until 2008, sockeye salmon had a protected status; thanks to the measures taken, its population recovered and the fishing ban was lifted.

The annual global catch of sockeye salmon is more than 150 thousand tons.

The size and shape of the body are very similar to chum salmon; its distinctive feature is its bright silver scales and small dark spots on the back. During the mating season, the color of sockeye salmon becomes bright red, but the head remains a pale green hue, the back and anal fins acquire a bloody tint.

Characteristics of sockeye salmon:

  1. The body has an elongated, flattened shape on the sides.
  2. The scales are round in shape and fit tightly to the body.
  3. The body is covered with numerous gill rakers.
  4. The paired fins are well developed.

Sockeye salmon is very voracious; it is a predator by nature, but it feeds not only on fry and small fish, but also on crustaceans, zooplankton, and insect larvae. Due to the large consumption of fatty red crustaceans, the pigmentation passed into the meat of the sockeye salmon. During its life, sockeye salmon accumulates carotene in its body, a yellow-orange pigment, thanks to which it acquires a bright hue.

When sockeye salmon enters fresh waters to spawn, color changes occur in the fish’s body - the silver color changes to red, and the head turns green.

How to find sockeye salmon in a pond

During its life, in most cases, sockeye salmon changes its habitat several times. Fish can live in fresh water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) or sea water.

In the lakes

These natural bodies of water provide spawning grounds for individuals. For the first 2 years of life, the young live in the place where they were born. During this period, the fish do not grow to commercial size. But some individuals remain in lakes if the reservoir has a rich food supply. In this case, the sockeye salmon from the migratory becomes residential, i.e. kokanee. You should look for it in places with a depth of 1 to 10 m, the richest in benthos.


The lakes have a rich food supply for fish.

In the rivers

Silverfish can most often be found in rivers. It settles in calm creeks or channels. The main condition for sockeye salmon to live in such places is the presence of a fast current, ensuring that food gets into the backwater.

In reservoirs

In reservoirs formed at hydroelectric and thermal power plants, the presence of pollution and noise cannot be avoided. Therefore, sockeye salmon tries to stay away from such places. You should look for it within a radius of at least a kilometer. Schools can be found in the shallows.

In the sea

The easiest way to find sockeye salmon is in the sea. Fish live in shelf areas of the Pacific Ocean. The most attractive are places with a large number of benthos, mollusks and crustaceans. Fishing is best done from a boat.


In the sea, sockeye salmon can be found in shelf areas.

What does it look like

Externally, sockeye salmon can only be confused with a female pink salmon, because Before entering fresh water, these individuals are similar in both size and color (silver). Sockeye salmon itself is not a large fish, compared to other salmon. Average dimensions are about 40 cm, with a weight of 3 kg (pictured).

In the sea:

The main differences are an elongated body, slightly widened in the area of ​​the upper fin, a rounded head without a pronounced jaw. Silver color.

In a river:

When entering fresh water, irreversible processes are triggered in the sockeye salmon’s body. Her body turns scarlet-red, for which she received the nickname “red,” her head darkens and acquires a greenish tint. The jaws elongate and become beak-like with teeth. The scales begin to shine, the fish slowly dies.

Sockeye salmon biting calendar

Fish activity varies throughout the year. Some periods are more favorable for fishing, so it is important to take into account the biting calendar. In addition, the time of day matters. Sockeye salmon bite best in the morning, before 10 o’clock. In the evening, you can count on a good catch from 18.00 to 22.00. At night the fish don't bite.

Winter and autumn

In the autumn-winter period, the fish do not show much activity. It ignores bait and has no nutritional value, because all carotene burns out during spawning. This is especially clearly observed in the fall. Kokanee can be caught in the winter. The gear should be lowered, almost to the bottom. The fish should have the opportunity to play with the bait.

Spring and summer

In spring, fish experience an increased feeling of hunger after wintering. In addition, the active melting of glaciers saturates the water with oxygen and strengthens the flow. It is best to apply the fertilizer so that it is carried into the backwater where the individuals gather. In the summer, sockeye salmon can be lethargic as water temperatures rise. It is best to fish in places where there are cold springs or glacial streams flowing. In the sea, fish sink to the bottom, where the water warms up less. Individuals are most active in August.


In spring, fish begin to feel hungry.

Sockeye salmon meat in cooking

Sockeye salmon meat is a real delicacy if cooked correctly. Due to the fact that the fish is fatty, it makes excellent smoked meats or balyks. In addition, sockeye salmon meat can be an excellent addition to various salads and snacks. You can prepare a lot of second or first courses from it.

Most chefs around the world use sockeye salmon meat to prepare various gourmet dishes, which can be found in various leading restaurants in the world.

Fishing options

Sockeye salmon is a commercial fish, so people are interested in it. World catches amount to 170 thousand tons per year. In addition, individuals are the object of both amateur and sport fishing. Various methods and equipment are used for this. The fishing location (boat or shore) depends on the body of water and the preferences of the fisherman. Equipment is selected based on skills. The fishing line in large bodies of water should be thicker, and the reel should be inertial. Fishing requires good preparation and skill, because... Sockeye salmon are aggressive and fast.

Spinning

This is the most common method of catching sockeye salmon. The spinning rod must be durable and flexible. Its length may vary when fishing in a river or lake. It is better to choose a two-handed handle, because... the fish is strong. The spoon must have the ability to stay on the bottom. In fresh water you need to choose places on the shallows. The cast is made to the deep part.

Float rod

It is more difficult to catch sockeye salmon with a fishing rod. You need to know the habits of this wild fish well. She loves live bait or artificial, but active. In this case, the fish’s predator instinct awakens and it begins to peck. However, in these situations it is easy to confuse the cause of the float movement. The most successful casting distance is 35-50 m. The main condition is to lower the bait as close to the bottom of the reservoir as possible.


It is difficult to catch sockeye salmon with a float rod.

Fly fishing rigs

The method is suitable for catching migratory fish. It is better to use spinning rods of the 5th or 6th class, as well as switches. Gear must be strong and reliable. The choice of fishing rod depends on the preferences of the fisherman, the fishing location and the time of year. For example, on the Kola Peninsula at the beginning of summer there is a strong current in the rivers and the water level is high. In such a situation, it is better to give preference to heavier and thicker cords and flies. In the second half of summer, it is more advisable to choose lightweight structures.

Live bait tackle

This type of gear is least suitable for catching sockeye salmon. The live bait on the hook loses activity and stops attracting fish. It is almost impossible to catch sockeye salmon this way.

What to catch sockeye salmon with

The food preferences of this fish may vary in different habitats. Therefore, it is best to stock up on several types of bait. In addition, to more accurately determine the diet, you can catch an individual and open its belly, examine its contents and understand which bait the fish will bite best on.

Natural bait

Insects can be used as natural bait: flies, grasshoppers, dragonflies. Live worms or small fish that will be active are also suitable.


Grasshoppers can be used as bait.

Artificial bait

A silicone imitation of the same insects, worms or small fish is suitable as an artificial bait. It is better to use products that sink well and do not float to the surface.

Wobblers and spinners

There are several types of wobblers:

  • slowly emerging;
  • floating;
  • drowning;
  • sinking quickly.

The last 2 types are most often used. Products that pop up quickly are not suitable. The main thing is that the blade is installed on the wobbler at the correct angle and the tee is of adequate size. It is better to prefer bright and contrasting spinners. The surface should be reflective, and the product itself should be oscillating. It is best to take different lures with you, since environmental conditions, including weather, may change.


Wobblers should be bright and contrasting.

Chemical composition

KindsProteins, gFats, gCarbohydrates, gCalorie content, kcal
Fresh20,48,50159
Lightly salted21,39,20167
Cold smoked29,110,10207
Smoked36,710,20241

Sockeye salmon contains many vitamins: water-soluble C, PP, group B, as well as fat-soluble A, D, E, K.

  • A - strengthens vision, improves skin condition.
  • Group B is involved in the functioning of the nervous system and increases resistance to stress.
  • D - plays an important role in the exchange of calcium and phosphorus, strengthens bone tissue, and supports muscle function.
  • C - stimulates the immune system, participates in the formation of connective tissues, accelerates the regeneration of the skin.
  • K - normalizes blood clotting.
  • E - as a strong antioxidant, it fights oxidation in tissues, slows down aging, and improves well-being.

A large number of macro- and microelements determine the numerous beneficial properties of this product.

Mineralsmg per 100 g
Calcium7
Magnesium24
Potassium390
Sodium47
Iron0,5
Phosphorus210
Chlorine165
Zinc0,7
Copper53
Manganese14
Selenium30
Chromium55
Fluorine430
Nickel6

Fish is rich in fatty acids (1.5 g per 100 g), including the most beneficial omega-3s, which are necessary for humans for the normal functioning of the peripheral nervous system and brain.

Composition and calorie content of sardines.

Culinary qualities of sockeye salmon

Sockeye salmon fillet compares favorably in taste and appearance with the flesh of its closest relatives. Therefore, these salmon representatives are actively caught for sale or for their own needs.

Chemical composition

Sockeye salmon is rich in vitamin B12 – 7.82 mcg. The daily norm for humans is 3 mcg, i.e. in fish it is almost 2.5 times more. In addition to cobalamin, the pulp contains a lot of vitamin D (110% of the required amount per day).

Among the macroelements the product contains:

  • phosphorus;
  • potassium;
  • chlorine;
  • magnesium.

Regular consumption of sockeye salmon can replace taking vitamins.


Sockeye salmon is rich in phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Microelements contained in fish:

  • cobalt;
  • chromium;
  • selenium;
  • iodine;
  • zinc;
  • fluorine.

Calorie content

The energy value of raw sockeye salmon is 157 kcal per 100 g. It is a medium-calorie fish. Proteins and fats contain 20.3 and 8.4 g, respectively. There are no carbohydrates in the product. This makes it attractive to those on a weight loss diet. Depending on the cooking method, the calorie content of fish may vary.

Cold smoking increases the energy value and redistributes the BJU ratio. The fish becomes fattier - from 8.4 g the amount of nutrients increases to 20. Calorie content during cold smoking is 206 units. When baked in the oven, the energy value does not change, but since the fat is rendered, it becomes less.

During the hot smoking process, the product also becomes leaner - 141 kcal per 100 g.

Taste qualities

Sockeye salmon meat is tasty and tender. It is used to prepare both simple and complex dishes. This is due to the fact that the fish does not eat just anything, but carefully chooses its food. Most often, she consumes crustaceans rich in carotene. Cooks try to add as little spices as possible when cooking so as not to disturb the taste characteristics of the fish. Consumers believe that its meat is better than other members of the salmon family.


Sockeye salmon meat is used for cooking.

Benefits and harms

The benefits of this fish can hardly be overestimated. Sockeye salmon meat is an excellent antioxidant that can destroy toxic compounds in the body. This improves the functioning of the central nervous system, heart and blood vessels. In addition, carotene can stimulate the production of mucus, which protects internal organs. Vitamins, macro- and microelements improve the structure of hair, nails and skin. Phosphorus has a beneficial effect on the condition of teeth and the musculoskeletal system.

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, fish also has harmful qualities. Thus, the product may contain increased amounts of mercury.

In addition, fish accumulate toxins and can harbor parasitic worms.

Who should avoid using

It is better not to use Krasnitsa for people with a tendency to food allergies; it is not recommended for children under 5 years of age (for the same reason). In addition, those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers or gastritis, diseases of the duodenum, should not eat sockeye salmon. Problems with blood clotting are also a contraindication to the use of this product. During pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor before eating sockeye salmon to avoid harm to your health.

Which is better: sockeye salmon or coho salmon

Coho salmon and sockeye salmon are similar in appearance, so they are often compared and debated which fish is better. A distinctive feature of the redfish is the number of gill rakers. In terms of nutritional characteristics, sockeye salmon and coho salmon are not inferior to each other.

Existing differences:

  1. The flesh of coho salmon is paler than sockeye salmon.
  2. Krasnitsa caviar has a bitter taste, which makes it worse. The grains themselves are the same size, approximately 4 mm in diameter.
  3. The cost of coho salmon is several times higher, because its meat is more refined. Restaurant chefs prefer to work with this fish.


Coho salmon fish is similar in nutritional characteristics to sockeye salmon.
To decide what you like more - coho salmon or sockeye salmon, it is better to try both types and compare the taste.

Calorie content

In 100 g of raw Kamchatka sockeye salmon there are 157 kcal, BJU is 20.3 grams of protein and 8.4 grams of fat. The product does not contain carbohydrates.

If you bake fish, its calorie content will remain unchanged, but the fat content will change: there will be more protein (26.5 g) and less fat content (5.6 g). This happens because when baking, water leaves the product and fat is rendered.

When cooked by cold smoking, the fish becomes fattier and higher in calories (206 kcal, 29 g protein, 20 g fat). Hot smoking, on the contrary, makes the product more dietary (141 kcal, 24.5 g of protein, 4.8 g of fat).

100 g of lightly salted sockeye salmon contains 142 kcal, 21.3 g of protein and 5.6 g of fat.

How to cook sockeye salmon dishes

A large number of dishes can be prepared from sockeye salmon, as from any commercial fish. It is fried, stewed, baked, including over coals, etc. In addition, you can salt it to preserve the beneficial substances as much as possible.

Dried salted sockeye salmon

Using this cooking method, a dish called balyk is obtained.

The cooking algorithm is as follows:

  1. Cut off the head, fins and tail from the carcass and gut it. Then rinse the fish under running water. Next, cut the carcass in half, remove the backbone and bones.
  2. Rub both parts of the fish with salt. The proportions are 80 g per 1 kg of carcass. Then the halves need to be connected and wrapped in a waffle towel, and tied with thread.
  3. Place the fish in the refrigerator for 5 days. This helps dehydrate the carcass and thicken the meat.
  4. After the specified time has passed, the fish should be removed from the refrigerator, excess salt should be removed with a wet cloth and dried with paper towels. To add spice to the fish, you can rub it with garlic.
  5. The next stage will be drying the sockeye salmon. To do this, it should be hung and left for 4 days. To give the fish a more pleasant appearance, you can lubricate the surface of the carcass with vegetable oil.


Dried salted sockeye salmon is a delicious balyk.

The readiness of the balyk is determined by pressing on the meat. If fat oozes out of it, then the dish is ready to eat.

Sockeye salmon with cheese

This cooking method involves baking sockeye salmon in the oven. For the dish you need to take steaks or fish fillets, which are cut into equal parts.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Brush steaks or pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice. Next you need to salt and pepper the fish.
  2. Preheat the oven to +220°C. Grease the mold with vegetable oil and place the steaks in it. Place in the oven for 7-10 minutes.
  3. Beat 3 egg whites, add 200 g of cheese.
  4. Remove the fish from the oven and coat the pieces with the mixture.
  5. Bake the dish for another 10 minutes.

After the time has passed, remove the pan from the oven. Before serving, the dish can be sprinkled with lemon juice again.

Sockeye salmon in the oven

You can bake the whole salmon in the oven. To do this, you will need a carcass of such a size that it fits in the mold and does not stick out. If the head or tail protrude beyond the container, they can be cut off. To make the dish tastier, you can add onions and carrots.


Sockeye salmon is baked in the oven.

Ingredients:

  • whole carcass weighing 1.5-2 kg;
  • carrots – 200 g;
  • lemon – 1 pc.;
  • onion – 200 g;
  • mayonnaise – 2 tbsp. l;
  • spices - to taste.

Algorithm:

  1. Wash the fish, cut off the fins, gut it, and dry with a paper towel.
  2. Rub the carcass with salt and pepper, sprinkle with lemon juice inside and out.
  3. Grease the mold with oil and place the fish in it.
  4. Wash the carrots, peel them and grate them coarsely.
  5. Remove the skins from the onion and cut it into small cubes.
  6. Fry vegetables in a pan for 5 minutes.
  7. Grease the carcass with mayonnaise on all sides, place vegetables on top. You can add them inside as a filling.
  8. Preheat the oven to +180°C, place the pan in there for 40-45 minutes. To avoid burning the vegetables, cover the fish with foil halfway through cooking.

Grilled fish

This cooking method allows you to preserve all the beneficial properties of sockeye salmon and at the same time leave it juicy.

The recipe looks like this:

  1. First you need to prepare and marinate the fish. To do this, the carcass is cut into pieces 3-4 cm thick, then placed in layers in a suitable container. Place lemon, basil, garlic or other favorite herbs between the steaks. The pieces are poured with soy sauce; there is no need to add salt.
  2. Place the fish in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill surface. To determine whether you can start cooking, spray the unit with water. If the drops immediately evaporate, then it’s time to put the fish out.
  4. Place the steaks on the surface and cover with a lid.
  5. The degree of readiness is determined visually: by the presence of dark stripes on the pieces.

Sockeye salmon fried on charcoal

Products cooked over charcoal have a distinctive aroma of smoke and fire. This makes them even tastier. Sockeye salmon is no exception. Therefore, another option for cooking this fish is over coals.

Algorithm:

  1. Rinse the carcass, remove the entrails, rinse again with water, and dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut into steaks 2-3 cm thick.
  3. Place the pieces in a container, add onion, cut into rings, salt, and lemon slices.
  4. Leave the fish to marinate for half an hour.
  5. Prepare the coals while the carcass is in the refrigerator.
  6. Place the steaks on the grill and grill for 7 minutes on each side.
  7. During cooking, you can additionally sprinkle the pieces with lemon juice.

The fish is considered ready when it acquires a golden hue. Potatoes and grilled vegetables are good side dishes.

Which is better sockeye salmon or coho salmon

Sockeye salmon and coho salmon are very similar in appearance, but with the same length, the weight of a coho salmon carcass is twice that of a sockeye salmon carcass. Unlike chum and coho salmon, sockeye salmon does not have a silvery coating on the caudal fin. A large number of gill rakers is also one of the distinctive features.

Let's take a closer look at what is better: sockeye salmon or coho salmon?

  1. The flesh of coho salmon is much paler than that of sockeye salmon.
  2. The calorie content in both fish is approximately the same, the fat composition is 40-48%.
  3. Sockeye salmon caviar has a bitter taste, while coho salmon does not have any specific taste.
  4. Small eggs are almost the same size, about 4 mm in diameter.
  5. The cost of coho salmon is three times higher than the cost of sockeye salmon.

Nutritionists admit that sockeye and coho salmon are not inferior to each other in their beneficial qualities, although the caviar of the latter contains a higher content of valuable biological substances. Coho salmon meat is considered the most delicious and refined; it is used in gourmet culinary dishes.

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