Salmon cakes, also known as keta, can be very difficult to tell apart from sockeye when the ocean is caught. The flesh of a chum can vary from red to pink and has a smooth, delicate flavour with a bit less oil than other salmon species.

Its lower fat content and milder flavour means chum is well-suited for those who may not like the intense flavour of sockeye and for recipes that retain moisture such as curries and chowders. Not only does chum give bountiful returns on the central coast, chum can also make a mean burger and is fantastic grilled or broiled, especially when marinated. Add some chum to your next order and try out some of these scrumptious meals!

1. Pan Seared Wild Chum Salmon Fillet with Seasonal Salad

Chef Ned Bell’s pan-seared chum salmon cakes make an easy, delicious, nutritious meal anytime. Here’s how to make a simple meal using wild chum salmon that your family will love!

Ingredients:

Pan Seared Wild Chum Salmon Fillets

Two 5 oz chum salmon fillets

1 tbsp kosher salt

Half a lemon

1 tbsp Canola oil

Knob of butter

Seasonal Salad (from the video example)

The great thing about salads is that you can make them any way you want – with whatever veggies you have on-hand. The ingredients listed below were what Chef Ned used in the video recipe. A lemon vinaigrette is a nice compliment to the citrus-glazed salmon.

Ingredients:

Butter lettuce

Canned chickpeas, rinsed

Roasted red pepper hummus

Sun-dried tomatoes

Black olive tapenade

Baby tomatoes (Chef Ned used Windset Farms heirloom style tomatoes in the video)

Lemon vinaigrette

Dried olives for garnish

2. Salmon BLTs

Consider upgrading your BLTs by adding thin fillets of wild salmon. In this recipe, the salmon goes into the pan after the bacon’s been crisped, so it picks up the meaty and smoky flavours in the rendered fat. Use lemon basil mayonnaise to complement the sandwich nicely and serve with potato chips or sweet potato wedges on the side.

3. Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Sauce

Because of its low fat and oil content, chum salmon makes great burger patties. When it comes to looking for a great recipe, salmon cakes are the perfect match for chum salmon—a light but flavourful dish!

4. Basil Salmon

This salmon recipe with fresh pesto is so simple yet extremely delicious. It is sure to be a family favourite and is a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

5. Smoky Keta Salmon and Tomato Chowder

The firm, meaty texture and pronounced flavour of keta salmon makes it a favourite for chowders and curries. Try making this simple, hearty, and healthy chowder for your family!

6. Chum Lox Bagels

Skipper Otto Cold Smoked Chum Salmon is a delectable treat. Thaw in your fridge overnight and serve on bagels with cream cheese.

Ingredients:

3 plain bagels, split, toasted

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

Skipper Otto’s Cold Smoked Chum Salmon

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

Optional: 2 tbsp. capers, drained

Garnish: lemon wedges