Cooking Up the Rewards of Salmon Fishing Trips in Alaska
One of the many benefits of salmon fishing trips in Alaska is the delicious fish you can take home with you. Salmon is healthy and versatile, making it a great option for any night of the week. With all the salmon you might catch during prime fishing season, which lasts from May to October, you may need a few fresh ideas to help you make excellent meals following your trip. There are many easy-to-follow salmon recipes out there, but here are some ideas tested and proven by some people who really know their salmon.
Storage: Depending on how much food you come home with from your salmon fishing trips in Alaska, the first factor you’ll need to consider might be storage. Salmon right out of the water can be enjoyed fresh, or you can freeze it for later use. Be sure to ask about how to keep your salmon in optimum condition based on your specific circumstances, such as how far you need to travel and the amount of salmon you’ll be taking home with you. Especially if you plan on freezing any, be sure to ask about proper freezing methods, the amount of time you can store the salmon, and the best ways to defrost it.
Grilling: Meal planning using salmon is easy because of its versatility. It is also easy to prepare in a number of different ways. Indeed, one of the best ways to enjoy salmon is by applying some simple seasoning, such as salt and lemon pepper, and throwing it on the grill until it’s done. This, alongside some salad, makes for a fantastic summer dinner. Unfortunately, for many people, grilling is limited to the warmer months, so even though this might be one of the best ways of preparing salmon, you may have to get a little more creative during other parts of the year.
On the stovetop: Salmon is also easily prepared right on your stovetop. You can sear salmon in a frying pan, just as you would with chicken or steak. As salmon is a firm fish, you will need to cook it on both sides, and you can easily serve it alongside potatoes or rice, a salad, or even put a strongly flavored sauce on top of it. Talk about a great weeknight meal that requires very little shopping and barely any prep time!
Get creative: If you’re someone with a little more confidence in the kitchen, you can try slightly more complicated preparations. A few favorites around here are salmon cakes—basically the same as crab cakes, but using salmon—or salmon burgers. Both are healthy and delicious ways to feed the entire family, and are actually less complicated than one might initially assume. If you have not tried these during your salmon fishing trip in Alaska, then you will definitely have to experience them once you are home.
Great uses for leftovers: Salmon also reheats nicely, meaning you can get multiple meals out of just one cooking experience. Try your leftover salmon in pasta, on top of a salad, or inside a quesadilla. All of these options can be easy and healthy, and using leftovers makes meal planning simple.
The sky is the limit when it comes to cooking salmon. Hopefully after your next fishing trip you too can become an expert!