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Substitutes for Salmon in Cooking & Raw Dishes

7 Best Substitutes for Salmon

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If you need to replace salmon in your recipes, there are good fish and plant-based alternatives that mimic its oily texture, flaky structure, and flavor profile. Choices like Arctic char and rainbow trout offer the closest match for cooking, while marinated tofu and jackfruit serve vegan needs with added seasoning and fat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Arctic Char Use 1:1 by weight as a direct substitute for salmon in grilled, baked,
  • 1 cup Rainbow Trout Use 1:1 by weight replacing salmon in baked, pan-fried or grilled dishes;
  • 1 cup Smoked Mackerel Use equal weight for cooked or smoked salmon in spreads, salads, and pasta dishes.
  • 1 cup Marinated Tofu Use 1:1 by weight; marinate tofu in seaweed broth for 30 minutes and add oil
  • Jackfruit Blend Use 1 cup shredded young jackfruit + 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + ½ teaspoon crushed
  • 1 cup Canned Salmon Use 1:1 by drained weight in salmon cakes, dips, casseroles and pasta dishes;
  • 1 cup Marinated Tilapia Use 1:1 by weight; marinate tilapia fillets with 1 tablespoon fish sauce per fillet for

Method
 

  1. Choose the substitute that best fits your recipe needs—fish or plant-based.
  2. Prepare plant-based substitutes by marinating or seasoning as required (e.g., tofu soaked in seaweed broth, jackfruit with smoked paprika).
  3. Apply the recommended 1:1 substitution ratio by weight, adjusting portions if fillet size differs.
  4. Add extra oils or fats for plant-based options to replace salmon’s natural richness.
  5. Taste and check texture consistency before final cooking or serving.

Notes

  • Arctic char and rainbow trout are the best direct fish substitutes with similar oil content and texture.
  • Plant-based alternatives need added fats to compensate for salmon’s natural oils.
  • Drain canned salmon well to avoid excess moisture affecting the dish.

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