Would you like to buy smoked salmon but always have trouble finding it in the store?
There are a lot of people like you who are having trouble finding this tasty fish. It goes well with salads, scrambled eggs, or just crackers and cheese.
This article will talk about where to find smoked salmon at the grocery store and even give you some tips on how to find cheap brands.
Smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate everything from bagels and salads to charcuterie boards. But finding high-quality smoked salmon amidst the sea of options at your local grocery store can be a challenge. Where exactly should you look to locate the best smoked salmon to suit your needs and budget?
In this article we’ll explore the prime spots to locate smoked salmon during your regular supermarket haul. From the seafood counter to the frozen aisle you’ll learn inside tips to help you land the ideal smoked salmon for your recipes and taste preferences. Let’s dive in!
Checking the Seafood Section
The fresh seafood section is often the first stop when seeking out smoked salmon. Here you’ll find an array of vacuum-packed smoked salmon fillets from both premium and affordable brands. Depending on the store, you may see options like:
- Thin-sliced Nova Scotia or Scottish smoked salmon for appetizers
- Firmer fillets for cooking in dishes like salmon cakes
- Peppered, garlic, or other flavored varieties
- Sustainably-sourced wild salmon vs farmed
- House brand vs name brand options
Take time to check expiration dates and pick packs without tears or damage. For the best taste and texture, select smoked salmon with firm, glistening flesh within
Ask the Seafood Counter for Assistance
Most grocery store seafood departments also boast a staffed fresh seafood counter. Ask the fishmonger for help locating their smoked salmon offerings. Tell them how you plan to use the salmon and your budget parameters.
The seafood counter is great for buying small smoked salmon portions or slices by the pound for appetizers. You can also request smoked salmon trimmed and skinned for easier cooking prep at home.
Check the Refrigerated Pre-Packaged Meals
The prepared foods section is worth a browse when smoked salmon hunting. Several brands offer single-serve smoked salmon meals or snacks like:
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese snack packs
- Smoked salmon quiche slices
- Salad kits with smoked salmon
- Smoked salmon bagel sandwiches
- Smoked salmon dip kits
These handy items eliminate recipe work and offer convenience. But be aware the price per pound is higher than buying plain smoked salmon to DIY your own creations.
Don’t Overlook the Deli Section
Next to cold cuts and cheeses, many grocery store delis also sell smoked salmon by the slice or pound. This allows easy assembly of smoked salmon platters, sandwiches, etc. You can also find great deli items like:
- Smoked salmon pâté
- Pre-sliced packages for sandwiches
- Smoked salmon cream cheese spreads
- Salmon salad for crackers or bagels
The deli is convenient but often pricier than buying whole fillets from the seafood section. Also check sell-by dates for freshest taste and texture.
Peruse the Frozen Section Unexpected Finds
Believe it or not, the frozen foods aisle harbors some tasty smoked salmon surprises like:
- Frozen salmon cakes or patties with smoked salmon mixed in
- Smoked salmon pizza or flatbreads
- Salmon and smoked salmon frozen entrées or skillet meals
- Frozen smoked salmon cans (thaw before use)
- Value packs of frozen smoked salmon fillets
Going the frozen route means you’ll always have smoked salmon on hand. Just know that freezing can affect salmon’s delicate texture.
Order Online for Maximum Selection
If you’re not seeing enough smoked salmon variety in stores, shop online. Retailers like Seattle Salmon Co, Vital Choice, and Organic Ocean offer premium wild salmon fillets, portions, and gift packs. Or browse restaurant suppliers for serious bulk smoked salmon buys.
When ordering seafood online, be sure to check delivery date promises and read customer reviews. Quality and freshness are paramount with perishables like smoked salmon.
How to Pick the Best Quality Smoked Salmon
Once you’ve located smoked salmon, what signs indicate freshness and quality?
- Vibrant orange-red flesh without dryness or dull spots
- Firm, moist texture without excessive oiliness
- Bright, shiny skin that adheres to the flesh
- Clean smoky aroma without strong fishy odor
- Packaging free of tears, punctures, or ice crystals
- “Best by” date allows 1 week+ of home storage time
Take a whiff of the salmon – your nose knows! Avoid any spoiled or “off” scents. And don’t hesitate to ask for a new pack.
Creative Ways to Use Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon deserves a place beyond bagels and lox. Here are tasty ways to enjoy gourmet grocery store finds:
- Eggs Benedict or smoked salmon omelets
- Smoked salmon panzanella salad
- Smoked salmon nachos or tacos
- Smoked salmon crostini
- Smoked salmon quesadillas
- Smoked salmon potato hash
- Smoked salmon dip with crackers or veggies
With so many options for serving smoked salmon, you’ll want to stock up during each trip to the grocery store seafood section. Follow these tips to find the perfect salmon to inspire your cooking creativity.
Where Is Smoked Salmon In The Grocery Store?
Smoked salmon is typically found in the seafood department of the grocery store. Some stores sell it in vacuum-sealed bags next to other seafood items already packed up, like crab and shrimp.
If you want to find a certain brand or type of smoked salmon, you should ask a store worker for help. They can help you find the item or, if it’s in the seafood counter, even cut it for you.
It is important to remember that smoked salmon needs to be eaten within a few days of being opened. So, make sure to only open it when you know you’ll be able to use it up.
Check The Seafood Counter For Fresh And Smoked Options
If you’re looking for the freshest seafood options, it’s a good idea to check out the seafood counter. Here, you can find a variety of fresh and smoked seafood options, including salmon.
There are a few things you should remember when buying seafood at the counter to make sure you get the freshest and safest food. First, make sure that the fish is refrigerated or displayed on a thick bed of fresh ice. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
Next, use your senses to check the freshness of the fish. Fresh fish should smell mild and fresh, not fishy or sour. The fish should have clear, shiny eyes, and the flesh should be firm and not smell. If you’re purchasing fillets, look for firm flesh and red bloodlines or red flesh if it’s fresh tuna. The flesh should also spring back when pressed.
When shopping for smoked seafood, like salmon, look for packages that are vacuum-sealed and kept in the fridge or on ice. Once opened, make sure to consume the smoked salmon within a few days to ensure its freshness.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask a store worker for help if you’re not sure about the freshness or quality of any seafood item. They can help you find the freshest options and give you tips on how to store and cook seafood at home the right way.
HOW TO BUY SALMON | What Salmon Should You Buy at the Grocery Store?
FAQ
What aisle is smoked salmon in?
Can you buy lox at a grocery store?
Where should I store smoked salmon?
Does smoked salmon need to be refrigerated?
Where can I buy smoked salmon?
Once the time has passed, the salt or sugar is rinsed off and the filet is put into a kiln where the actual smoking takes place, usually burning hickory, maple, or oak wood. Luckily, smoked salmon is fairly easy to find in most grocery stores, including wholesale warehouse store Costco.
Where can I buy salmon?
It’s pretty much everywhere—widely available whether you’re tracking it down at the supermarket or the fishmonger. It’s easy to like—tender, mild-tasting, and versatile. It’s even easy to cook—the fatty texture helps keep the fish tender and moist. But even though salmon is the friendliest fish around, buying it can still be intimidating.
Why buy salmon at the grocery store?
When you are at the grocery store buying salmon for a great recipe, considering delicate textures & flavors, garlic butter, parsley, lemon juice, fresh herbs, pepper, olive oil, and a side salad, you should buy salmon from the grocery store.
What is smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon is salmon that has been processed using two techniques, curing and smoking. Curing is where the boneless and thawed filet is coated with salt or sugar for between 12 to 24 hours. In the curing stage, the salt or sugar is used to preserve the salmon and stop bacteria that could cause food poisoning from growing.