Enough With the Salmon Already!
Too much of a good thing is definitely a thing. So while we love salmon (we're card-carrying salmon fan club members), our fatty and flavorful standby, sometimes we need a break. That's where these alternatives come in. No, they're not one-to-one subs for salmon, but they are reliable, relatively affordable, and easy-to-find—perfect for when you're in the mood for seafood but need to take a salmon siesta:
Mussels and Clams
These are a weeknight dinner’s best friend. We prefer farm-raised to wild-harvested: They're affordable, super-sustainable, and much easier to clean and prep. Steam them with garlicky butter and dry white wine just until they open—but don’t forget the baguette. (For all the details, look here.)
Shrimp
You’ll never regret keeping a bag of shrimp in the freezer for tacos, curries, pastas, and stir-fries. They defrost quickly and cook in a flash: Take them off the heat as soon as they’re bright pink.
White Fish
Fillets of firm-fleshed white fish like pollack, hake, halibut, and cod are mild, meaty, and forgiving—and they can be cooked in much the same way as salmon (seared, slow-roasted, poached). You’ll know it’s cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Just because you can cook white fish like salmon, however, doesn't mean it makes a perfect substitute: Here's how to navigate seafood swaps seamlessly.
Squid
If you like fried calamari, you’ll love a simple pasta pomodoro with a handful of sliced squid (thawed if frozen) thrown in at the end. Pre-cleaned squid cooks in no time at all and is one of the cheapest and most ocean-friendly options out there.
Not salmon, still delicious:
Family-Style Fish Tacos
Originally Appeared on Bon Appétit
