Seafood|Oily Fish | Pescatarian Gluten Free Keto High Protein

Arctic Char

Salvelinus alpinus Allergens: Fish
Arctic Char

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Salmonidae
  • Primary Cuisine Nordic|North American
  • Seasonality Year-Round (farmed)|Summer (wild)
  • Source Fish (Ocean/Freshwater)

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A cold-water fish related to salmon and trout, known for its delicate flavor, firm, pinkish flesh, and high omega-3 content.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Sweet, Buttery, Delicate
TextureFlaky, Firm, Moist
AromaOcean-fresh, Clean
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g (3.5 oz fillet)
Calories170 kcal
Total Fat10 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol50 mg
Protein20 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium350 mg

Chef’s Secret

Arctic char's high fat content makes it very forgiving to cook. It holds up well to grilling, pan-searing, and roasting without drying out easily.

Substitutions

Best Match

Salmon

1:1

Similar fatty fish, rich in omega-3s, but char is typically milder and less "fishy."

Rainbow Trout

1:1

Smaller, more delicate flavor than salmon, good for whole roasting or pan-frying.

Steelhead Trout

1:1

Often marketed as a salmon alternative, similar color and fat content.

Cod (with added fat, e.g., butter)

1:1

Milder white fish, needs more fat added during cooking to mimic char's richness.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, moist flesh. Farmed Arctic char is often considered a sustainable choice. Can be purchased as fillets or whole.

Flavor Pairings

Lemon dill butter white wine asparagus potatoes roasted vegetables light sauces.

Recipes Using Arctic Char

Arctic Char With Pears image 150
Fish Main Ingredient Time To Make Preparation

Arctic Char With Pears

A stunning recipe from the Legal Sea Foods cookbook by Roger Berkowitz & Jane Doerfer. This elegant dish features pan-seared arctic char fillets with a sweet and savory pear topping, crunchy panko crust, and a hint of ginger and Grand Marnier. Impress your guests with this 22-minute masterpiece! Serves 4.

See Complete Recipe