The 2019 Alaska Salmon Run

Alaska’s famed Copper River has officially opened for fishing, marking the beginning of the much anticipated 2019 Alaska salmon season! Fresh, wild-caught salmon from the icy waters of the Copper River is  arriving in our stores direct overnight from Alaska. We’re trying to contain our excitement!

Prized among foodies and chefs alike, Copper River Salmon is sought-after for its distinct, rich flavor profile, high fat content and deep red-colored flesh that stays bright and firm when cooked. We’d venture to say that it’s the ultimate lean protein as it’s packed with heart healthy omega-3’s and 27 grams of protein in every 3.5 oz serving! How’s that for a meal you can enjoy and feel good about?

Throughout the season, our selection of wild, Alaska Salmon comes to us thanks to dozens of passionate men and women who’ve dedicated their lives to providing us with quality seafood all the while protecting natural resources through sustainable and responsible fishing practices. Beginning in early May, marine biologists use advanced underwater sonar technology to carefully monitor salmon populations travelling up-stream ensuring that enough fish are allowed to successfully travel up-stream to their spawning grounds before fishing may begin. The river is monitored around the clock allowing wildlife officials to make decisions in real time to open or close certain rivers for fishing, based on the data collected.

Dating back to 1959 and Alaska’s official introduction into statehood, the government of Alaska has been dedicated to wildlife sustainability. Fishing of the Copper River as well as Alaska’s various rivers and bays is strictly controlled by Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game to ensure that fishing practices take care to avoid harm to wildlife, marine plants and the environment while avoiding overfishing that effects natural fish populations. In fact, the constitution of Alaska calls for all fisheries to be sustainable managed in this manner.

The result of this undying dedication to sustainable fishing? A continually replenishing supply of wild Alaska salmon for generations to come. That’s something we’re proud to be a part of and the great tasting salmon is nice too!

Visit Heinen’s Seafood Department today to purchase and prepare your own Copper River Salmon fillet. Their season is only a few weeks long, so you won’t want to miss out, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Don’t forget to check back all summer long for premium, fresh Alaska Salmon delivered direct to our stores.

Grilled Sockeye Salmon

Copper River Sockeye Salmon is excellent on the grill! We went right to the source and asked our friends in Alaska for some tips on perfectly grilling sockeye. Here’s what we learned:

• 1. Preheat the grill to 375ºF.
  2. Remove your salmon from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking.
  3. Make a foil pan by cutting 2 pieces of wide, heavy-duty aluminum foil about 6-inches longer than the salmon side. Stack the foil pieces (shiny side down) on a baking sheet; spray them generously with cooking spray.
  4. Place the salmon, skin side down, in the middle of the foil. Fold the foil sides and ends up (1 to 2-inches) to make a shallow pan around the salmon, leaving at least a 1-inch margin around the fish.
  5. Season salmon with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning (We suggest Two Brothers Seasoning!  If you’re using a rub, let it rest on the salmon for 10 minutes before cooking.
  6. Transfer the foil pan to the center of the preheated grill. Close grill cover and cook for 10 to 13 minutes. Don’t cover the salmon with foil or close the foil over the salmon. Don’t flip the salmon.
  7. Cook just until salmon is lightly translucent in the center – it will finish cooking from retained heat.
  8. Remove salmon to a plate/platter and let it rest a few minutes before serving.
  9. Enjoy!