Article Banner

Everything You Need to Know About Sockeye Salmon

Enjoy the holiday season like never before with this collection of holiday app hacks using frozen favourites from Panache and Compliments. These tips and tricks will help you save time, and delight your guests with not a lot of effort. Have fun, get creative, and celebrate the season with delicious food!

Article Description

First-of-the-season sockeye salmon

First-of-the-season sockeye salmon

/content/dam/empire/sobeys/assets/articles/article-page/sockeye-salmon.jpg

Enjoy the first-of-the-season sockeye salmon. It is line-caught in the Pacific and Ocean Wise recommended. This local catch comes with our Fresh Guarantee, ensuring freshness that you can trust.

Breaded shrimp Crispy Rice Cups

Breaded shrimp Crispy Rice Cups

/content/dam/empire/sobeys/assets/articles/article-page/crispy-rice-cups.jpg

Combining the crunch from the golden-brown shrimp with the satisfying texture of rice makes for a delicious holiday appetizer. Create the rice cups by adding a couple of scoops of cooked sushi rice to your muffin baking pan and pushing it down with your spoon to make the cup. After you cool the rice in the freezer for about 30 minutes, you’ll pop it in the oven at 276°C (350°F) until it’s crispy. Cook the Panache Breaded Butterfly Shrimp according to package instructions and then chop them into smaller pieces. You can then toss them in a spicy mayo, add them to the cups, and sprinkle diced cucumber and black sesame seeds on top.

What is the best way to cook sockeye salmon?

What is the best way to cook sockeye salmon?

/content/dam/empire/sobeys/assets/articles/article-page/sockeye-salmon-img.jpg

Sockeye salmon can be prepared in a variety of ways, each method enhances its rich, robust flavour. Grilling is a popular option because the high heat caramelizes the surface while locking in moisture, perfect for fillets with the skin on. Baking sockeye in the oven produces a tender, juicy result. Pan-searing is another quick method, giving the fish a crispy exterior while keeping the inside flaky. Sockeye also responds well to smoking, which intensifies its flavour and creates a savoury, slightly sweet delicacy ideal for salads, spreads, or snacks.

What to serve with sockeye salmon

What to serve with sockeye salmon

/content/dam/empire/sobeys/assets/articles/article-page/sockeye-salmon-new.jpg

When looking for pairings, be sure to choose one that complements its bold taste. Bright, acidic flavours like lemon, capers, or a dill yogurt sauce help cut through the richness of the fish. When it comes to side dishes, roasted or grilled vegetables, like asparagus, Brussels sprouts or zucchini, make excellent accompaniments. For starches try wild rice, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette and arugula or fennel also work well to balance the flavours. 

What wines go well with sockeye salmon?

What wines go well with sockeye salmon?

/content/dam/empire/sobeys/assets/articles/article-page/wine-sockeye-salmon.jpg

Due to its pronounced flavour, sockeye salmon pairs well with both white and red wines. If you prefer white, try pairing with a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that will bring out the brightness, especially if you're using lemon or herbs on the salmon. If you're leaning toward spicy or Asian flavours, a dry Riesling is a great match, offering a hint of sweetness to balance the heat. Red wines like Pinot Noir are a classic pairing for sockeye. Their soft tannins and red berry notes don't overpower the dish but will add more depth, especially when grilled!