Alaska is famed for its incredible landscapes and wildlife, but the culinary goldmine beneath its waves is often overlooked.
Those pristine, icy waters hold some of the best seafood on the planet, from salmon to soups, and we can’t wait to share some of our favorite delights with you!
Fresh Salmon
Salmon is Alaska’s most iconic seafood dish. The rich, succulent fish is caught directly from frigid rivers and the ocean.
Did you know there are several varieties, each offering a unique taste experience? Popular options that can be prepared in various ways include Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, and Pink Salmon, among others.
One of the best ways to enjoy this fish is grilled, baked, or smoked. The smoky flavors enhance the natural richness of salmon while keeping that perfect texture. On the other hand, locals love it grilled on a cedar wood plank paired with seasonal vegetables or a lemon dill sauce.
Smoked salmon is a popular snack and even more popular souvenir. If your Alaska bucket list includes hikes and picnicking beside glaciers, this nutrient-dense snack is perfect for a trail treat.
You can also get your fresh, raw hit with salmon sushi, sashimi, and poke bowls.
Alternatively, you could catch your own during fishing season and turn that salmon craving into a hands-on culinary adventure.
Alaskan Crab
The top three yummy Alaskan crabs are:
- Dungeness crab: Another Alaskan classic with a salty-sweet flavor and tender meat. Best served streamed, this crab is perfect for dipping into melted butter or a tangy garlic sauce. Dungeness meat is also delectable in risotto and crab cakes.
- King crab: With huge, meaty legs, king crabs are sweet and succulent, with hints of buttery flavor. Best served steamed or boiled, it usually forms part of an enormous crab feast. While many restaurants serve it up classic style, with lemon butter, some adventurous chefs offer it in pasta, soups, and sushi rolls.
- Snow crab: The distinctive snow-white meat has a sweet and mild taste. Plus, since it can be easily shredded, it’s ideal for adding to tacos, pastas, and salads.
Many coastal towns celebrate crab fishing season (October to January) with local festivals, where you can enjoy every type of freshly caught crab treat you can think of, from eating it straight from the shell to slurping it in creamy chowders.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a crab fishing expedition? Nothing beats eating your catch!
Halibut
Alaskan halibut is an absolute must for lovers of white, flaky fish. With a mild taste and a firm but flaky texture, this flatfish is most often grilled, fried, or baked.
One popular way to enjoy it is in halibut tacos, served with salsa and avocado. Or, you could serve up your taco with zesty lime, shredded cabbage, and spicy sauces for a fusion taste explosion.
A local delicacy is halibut cheek fritters, pan-seared with garlic butter, bringing out the fish’s sweet flavors.
If you’re after an activity-packed holiday featuring the adrenaline rush of sport fishing, targeting halibut should be on your to-do list. Landing one of the state’s prized catches will definitely make it a memorable day on the water!
Alaskan Spot Prawns
Shellfish lovers are in for a treat with these sweet, tender delights. Spot prawns are large with a delicate, sweet taste and firm texture. They are usually enjoyed grilled, steamed, or sauteed, paired with a glass of crisp Alaskan white wine for a feast fit for royalty.
Eat spot prawns piled high and slathered with garlic butter or tossed through pasta. True enthusiasts will delight in trying them in a fresh ceviche or hearty gumbo.
Alaskan Oysters
Alaska’s icy waters mean that high-quality oysters, renowned for their clean, crisp taste, can be enjoyed all year round.
Accompany your dish with lemon wedges, spicy hot sauces, or traditional mignonette sauce for a true taste explosion.
Fun fact: Oysters cannot mature and reproduce in Alaska’s cold water, which is why they are, instead, farmed in the area. So, to add to your culinary journey, why not head over to one of the farms to see the fascinating cultivation process and shuck your own oysters right at the source?
Try Them All
Alaska takes seafood to a whole new level of yum—so much so that many people often book a cruise here just to indulge in the food!
A great way to enjoy as many of these delicacies at once is in a chowder or stew. Plus, there’s no better way to warm up than with a steaming bowl of fresh fish and shellfish in a creamy base—talk about warming comfort on icy days. Think tender chunks of salmon, halibut, or crab in a rich, creamy broth…mmmm.
To get your seafood fix, head over to a local eatery or check out your coastal cruise’s dining options—you certainly won’t be short on options!
Thoughts on These Must-Try Alaskan Seafood Dishes?
Alaska’s state culture and identity are built around its incredible seafood. So, it’s a no-brainer that you should tailor your visit around trying out as many seafood experiences as you can, from catching your own to catching a food festival or visiting a farm.
Every foodie deserves an aquatic adventure that includes world-famous salmon, briny fresh oysters, and everything in between.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Must-Try Alaskan Seafood Dishes?
Let’s hear it!
Cover Photo by Nghia Trinh
