Salmon is one of the most versatile and flavorful fish, but not all salmon varieties taste the same. Each type has unique characteristics, from buttery and mild to rich and bold. Whether you're preparing Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce or any other dish, choosing the right salmon variety can enhance flavor, texture, and overall dining experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of salmon, their flavor profiles, and the best ways to cook them.
Quick Overview:
- King Salmon (Chinook): Rich, buttery, and packed with omega-3s. Best for baking, grilling, or pan-searing.
- Sockeye Salmon: Deep red color with a bold, robust flavor. Great for grilling and roasting.
- Coho Salmon:(Optional): Milder, slightly sweet, and tender. Ideal for baking and poaching.
- Atlantic Salmon: Widely available, mild, and flaky. Versatile for any cooking method.
- Pink Salmon: Light, delicate, and lean. Best for canned salmon recipes and salads.
- Chum Salmon: Mild, firm, and great for smoking or marinating.
Jump to:
- King Salmon (Chinook) – The Rich & Buttery Choice
- Sockeye Salmon – The Bold & Flavorful Pick
- Coho Salmon – The Balanced & Mellow Option
- Atlantic Salmon – The Most Common & Accessible
- Pink Salmon – The Light & Delicate Choice
- Chum Salmon – The Underrated & Firm Option
- Which Salmon is Best for Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce?
King Salmon (Chinook) – The Rich & Buttery Choice
Flavor Profile:
✔ Rich, buttery, and luxurious
✔ High in omega-3s, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture
✔ Mildly sweet with a delicate flavor
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Baking, grilling, or pan-searing
Pairs well with: Butter-based sauces, citrus, and herbs
Why Choose King Salmon? If you’re making Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce, King Salmon’s high-fat content makes it the perfect choice—it stays moist and tender even when baked!
Sockeye Salmon – The Bold & Flavorful Pick
Flavor Profile:
✔ Deep red color with an intense, robust flavor
✔ Lean texture, slightly firmer than other varieties
✔ Stronger salmon taste, ideal for bold dishes
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Grilling, roasting, and broiling
Pairs well with: Garlic, miso glaze, or smoky seasonings
Why Choose Sockeye? If you love a stronger salmon taste and firmer texture, Sockeye is perfect for baking or grilling. It holds up well to bold sauces and seasonings, making it a great alternative for buttery lemon-based dishes.
Coho Salmon – The Balanced & Mellow Option
Flavor Profile:
✔ Mild, slightly sweet flavor
✔ Medium fat content, not as rich as King but juicier than Sockeye
✔ Tender yet firm texture
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Baking, poaching, and pan-searing
Pairs well with: Herb butter, creamy sauces, and fresh citrus
Why Choose Coho? If you want a balanced salmon variety—not too rich, not too lean—Coho is a great choice for baked recipes. It absorbs flavors well, making it versatile for both light and rich sauces.
Atlantic Salmon – The Most Common & Accessible
Flavor Profile:
✔ Mild, slightly sweet flavor
✔ Higher fat content, giving it a moist, flaky texture
✔ Less pronounced "salmon" taste, making it a great beginner-friendly option
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Baking, pan-searing, and air-frying
Pairs well with: Creamy sauces, honey glazes, and classic lemon butter
Why Choose Atlantic Salmon? This is the most widely available salmon and a great choice for budget-friendly meals. It’s mild and versatile, making it an excellent option for Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce.
Pink Salmon – The Light & Delicate Choice
Flavor Profile:
✔ Very mild, light flavor
✔ Soft, delicate texture
✔ Lower fat content, making it leaner and drier than other varieties
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Canned salmon recipes, salads, and sandwiches
Pairs well with: Yogurt-based sauces, light dressings, and herbs
Why Choose Pink Salmon? If you’re looking for a leaner, more delicate fish, Pink Salmon works best in lighter dishes rather than rich, buttery ones. It’s affordable and often canned, making it ideal for quick meals.
Chum Salmon – The Underrated & Firm Option
Flavor Profile:
✔ Mild and slightly firm texture
✔ Lower fat content, making it lean but not dry
✔ Best for marinating and smoking
Best Cooking Methods:
Best for: Smoking, grilling, and marinating
Pairs well with: Bold seasonings, teriyaki glaze, and herb-infused butter
Why Choose Chum? Chum Salmon isn’t as rich or fatty as other varieties, but it holds up well to flavorful marinades. If you like a lighter salmon that still absorbs seasonings well, Chum is worth trying!
Which Salmon is Best for Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce?
For Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce, the best options are:
✔ King Salmon – Buttery and luxurious, perfect for rich sauces
✔ Coho Salmon – A balanced choice, tender but not too fatty
✔ Atlantic Salmon – Widely available and absorbs flavors well
Want to learn how to bake salmon like a pro? Check out my step-by-step guide here to get perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time!