SushiUniversity®

Salmon

【Nigiri sushi: Shiromi】
What is Salmon?
Salmon that is eaten raw is mostly imported after being farmed in Norway and Chile. Salmon’s good fat distribution, smooth texture and beautiful pink color make it a very popular sushi topping among all ages and genders. There are plenty of creative variations such as broiling the fish or adding mayonnaise.

Overseas, salmon and trout are separated by ecology, with individuals that go down to the sea being called "salmon" and those that spend time in fresh water being called "trout," but at sushi restaurants, there is no strict division. Salmon was instrumental in introducing sushi to the world, and is loved by people all over the world.

The term "salmon" mainly refers to Atlantic salmon and Rainbow trout, both of which are sea-farmed. In Japan, imported salmon is sometimes referred to as salmon rather than sake (or shake).

Incidentally, although salmon flesh appears red and is often mistaken for red meat fish, it is classified as white meat fish. The red color comes from astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in shrimp and crab. Fish are classified based on whether they contain high levels of pigment proteins such as myoglobin. If they contain 10 milligrams or more per 100 grams, they are classified as red meat fish, and if they contain less than 10 milligrams, they are classified as white meat fish.

【Trivia】
Tuna, white fish and other fish deteriorate over time, changing color as they do. When this happens, they can no longer be used as a sushi topping. However, salmon is unusual in that it does not change color over time. It can be used even if it is not at its freshest, and this can be attractive for the store because it creates less waste. But what about the customer?

【Related contents】
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Do you know what kind of Salmon you’re eating at a sushi restaurant?

Keiji

Tokishirazu (Toki)

Salmon is not used as a topping in Edo-style sushi!

Why is salmon so delicious?

What is Toro salmon?

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What is Blue rainbow trout (Cobalt masu)?

Types of salmon

‘We won’t serve it’: leading UK chefs join campaign to cast farmed salmon off menu

List of White flesh fish (Shiromi)

(Revision date: August 15, 2025)