Is Texas Roadhouse Salmon Farm Raised?

Texas Roadhouse has become renowned for its hand-cut steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs. But did you know that salmon is one of its top-selling menu items? The popular steakhouse chain has been serving up delicious salmon dishes for over 20 years. But an important question for seafood lovers is – is Texas Roadhouse’s salmon farm raised?

The short answer is yes. Texas Roadhouse proudly sources its salmon from Norway, which is one of the world’s leading producers of farm-raised salmon. While this revelation may be concerning to some diners, there’s more to the story. Let’s take a closer look at where Texas Roadhouse’s salmon comes from and whether the farming methods are sustainable.

An Overview of Farm-Raised Salmon

Farm-raised salmon refers to salmon produced in aquaculture settings, like floating net pens, instead of caught wild in the ocean. This practice has boomed over recent decades to meet rising demand for salmon, with Norway at the forefront.

Major concerns around farm-raised salmon often center on:

• Use of antibiotics and chemicals
• Impact on wild salmon populations
• Pollution from fish waste and excess feed
• Lower nutritional value

However, the reputation of Norwegian farmed salmon has improved considerably thanks to strict regulations enacted by the Norwegian government and salmon farming industry. These rules help ensure responsible practices when it comes to sea lice management, fish density, water quality monitoring, and more.

Inside Texas Roadhouse’s Salmon Supply

For over 20 years, Texas Roadhouse has sourced its salmon from Nordic Group, a Norwegian seafood supplier based in Trondheim Nordic Group works closely with the Norwegian Seafood Council to promote Norwegian salmon in the U.S market.

As a major farmed salmon producer, Norway has implemented quality standards and sustainability measures that Texas Roadhouse’s suppliers must follow. This includes:

• No use of antibiotics
• All-natural diet for fish
• Lower fish density in pens
• Stringent water quality monitoring
• Measures to prevent fish escapes

So while Texas Roadhouse’s salmon is farm-raised, it comes from suppliers adhering to responsible practices that aim to reduce the common concerns around salmon aquaculture.

Why Texas Roadhouse Chose Farm-Raised

Texas Roadhouse specifically chose to source farmed Norwegian salmon for several key reasons

Consistency – With wild salmon, there can be variability in size, texture, fat content and flavor. But with farmed salmon, Texas Roadhouse can offer a reliably tender and flavorful product year-round.

Cost – Wild salmon can be twice as expensive as farmed, Opting for farmed salmon allows Texas Roadhouse to serve large 6 oz portions at an affordable price point

Sustainability – Norway’s strict regulations help alleviate sustainability concerns around aquaculture. And sourcing farmed salmon reduces pressure on wild stocks.

Supply – Wild salmon is in limited supply. But farmed salmon can be produced year-round to meet demand. This reliability is key for a national restaurant chain.

How Texas Roadhouse Salmon is Raised

Texas Roadhouse wants customers to know exactly how their salmon is raised at Nordic Group’s Norwegian facilities:

• Salmon spend their first year in freshwater before transfer to ocean pens
• Pens are located in cold, fast-moving fjords for optimal growing conditions
• Water quality is continually monitored and meets strict standards
• Fish are fed an all-natural diet with no use of hormones or antibiotics
• Salmon are harvested after about 2 years when they reach full maturity and flavor

By choosing a supplier aligned with its values around responsible seafood, Texas Roadhouse can serve up delicious Norwegian salmon that diners can feel good about eating.

How the Salmon is Prepared

Once the sustainably-raised salmon arrives from Norway, Texas Roadhouse prep cooks get to work filleting by hand and preparing each order. Here are some secrets behind their famous salmon dishes:

• Fillets are brushed with garlic herb butter for rich flavor
• A smoked paprika dry rub adds subtle heat
• Salmon cooks quickly on a hot grill to sear the outside
• Fillets are cooked to a perfect medium doneness
• A squeeze of lemon brightens up the finished dish

This cooking method delivers a salmon entree that is moist, tender and full of flavor in every bite. It’s no wonder Texas Roadhouse sells over 150,000 pounds of salmon each week!

Health Benefits of Salmon

Beyond the great taste, salmon provides stellar nutritional value:

• High in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
• Excellent source of protein – 32g in a 6oz fillet
• Rich in B vitamins, selenium and potassium
• Low mercury levels compared to other fish

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish like salmon at least twice per week for optimal health. So Texas Roadhouse’s salmon is a nutritious option, whether you opt for classic grilled or blackened.

Environmental Impact

With any seafood sourcing decision, impact on the oceans and fish populations must be considered. Here’s how Texas Roadhouse salmon stacks up:

• Sourced from Norwegian aquaculture, not wild fisheries
• Strict regulations in place to protect wild salmon
• Fish waste and excess feed are closely managed
• Suppliers actively prevent fish escapes

By partnering with accountable Norwegian companies, Texas Roadhouse sources salmon in the most sustainable, responsible manner possible.

The Verdict on Texas Roadhouse’s Salmon

While farm-raised salmon still garners some skepticism, the practices of Texas Roadhouse’s Norwegian suppliers help put many concerns to rest. With antibiotic-free, sustainably raised salmon on the menu, seafood lovers can feel good about ordering the salmon at this popular steakhouse chain. So next time you’re at Texas Roadhouse, don’t hesitate to get the grilled or blackened salmon entree!