Steelhead Trout vs Salmon: A Battle of the Mighty Fish
– Steelhead trout and salmon are different types of fish, with steelhead trout being a type of trout and salmon being a distinct species.
– Steelhead trout is the anadromous form of rainbow trout, meaning it migrates from freshwater to the ocean and back again to reproduce, while salmon always remains salmon and is also anadromous.
– Both steelhead trout and salmon have orange-pink flesh that looks similar when cooked and can be used and prepared in the same way for most recipes.
– Salmon is typically larger than steelhead trout, with the largest species reaching up to 58 inches and 126 pounds, while steelhead trout grows to be 24 to 45 inches long and reaches a maximum weight of 50 to 55 pounds.
– Both steelhead trout and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, but steelhead trout is considered to be even healthier because it contains additional omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins.
– Steelhead trout has lower levels of mercury compared to salmon and can be eaten twice a week, while salmon can be eaten every day but in smaller servings or a total of 8 ounces per week.
– Steelhead trout is generally less expensive than salmon due to limited stock and difficulty in catching certain species.
– Steelhead trout has a milder flavor compared to salmon, with a more delicate taste resembling a combination of trout and salmon.
– Both steelhead trout and salmon have a flaky and tender texture.
– Steelhead trout can be found in freshwater streams, estuaries, and offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean, while salmon is found in freshwater rivers and estuaries before migrating into the ocean. Steelhead is more tolerant of warmer water temperatures and can inhabit rivers and streams that may not be suitable for other salmon species.
– Steelhead trout is generally larger, with an average weight of 8 to 11 lbs, while salmon has an average weight of 4 to 8 lbs.
– Steelhead trout has a more silvery and less spotted body, while salmon has a silver and metallic blue color.
– Steelhead trout is available year-round, while salmon is available during specific seasons when they migrate to their spawning grounds.
– Salmon is slightly higher in fat compared to steelhead, with farmed salmon having higher fat content than wild salmon.
– Steelhead trout has a milder and more delicate flavor, while salmon is richer and oilier. Steelhead has a firm texture, while salmon feels more buttery.
– Both steelhead trout and salmon can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, broiling, baking, pan-searing, or poaching, with steelhead requiring gentler cooking methods to prevent drying.
– Steelhead trout is generally less expensive than salmon due to its popularity and demand, as well as the limited stock and difficulty in catching certain species.
– Steelhead trout tends to live longer than most salmon species, with a lifespan of 4 to 6 years compared to salmon’s lifespan of 2 to 7 years.
