LongHorn Steakhouse is a popular chain restaurant known for its variety of juicy steaks. However, for non meat-eaters or those looking for a lighter option, LongHorn also offers a selection of fresh salmon entrees. With consumers becoming more concerned about the source of their seafood, a common question is – is LongHorn Steakhouse’s salmon wild-caught?
Why Wild-Caught Salmon is Preferred
Wild-caught salmon refers to salmon that has been caught in its natural ocean or river habitats. This is opposed to farmed salmon, which is raised in crowded cages or pens. There are some important differences between wild and farmed salmon:
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Nutrition – Wild salmon has a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and higher vitamin D and antioxidant levels. The natural diet of wild salmon results in greater nutrition.
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Contaminants – Farmed salmon contains higher levels of contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) dioxins and antibiotics. Wild salmon eat a natural diet and live in less crowded conditions.
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Quality – The muscle tone and texture of wild salmon is often superior to the fatty, soft flesh of farmed salmon. The natural swimming leads to firmer meet
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Taste – Connoisseurs often report wild-caught salmon has a fresher, cleaner flavor compared to muddier-tasting farmed versions. Less fat results in a more pronounced natural fish taste.
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Sustainability – Some salmon farms have been criticized for pollution, chemical use, parasites, and escaping fish that impact wild populations. Wild-caught salmon from well-managed fisheries is considered more sustainable.
So when it comes to salmon, wild-caught is generally regarded as the superior option for nutrition, purity, taste and environmental reasons.
Does LongHorn Steakhouse Serve Wild-Caught Salmon?
After being questioned by consumers about their salmon source, LongHorn Steakhouse has confirmed that all of their salmon offerings are fresh Atlantic wild-caught salmon.
This includes menu items like:
- Lily’s Salmon – grilled or blackened salmon filet with lemon butter sauce
- Salmon Rockefeller – Atlantic salmon topped with crabmeat, creamed spinach and cheese
- Baked Salmon – Atlantic salmon baked with garlic herb butter
- Salmon Salad – grilled salmon served over a fresh salad
LongHorn also clarified that their salmon is sustainably caught in the cold waters of the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway. These northern Atlantic regions are known for having high quality, wild salmon populations that are well-managed.
So while LongHorn Steakhouse is best known for its steaks, you can feel good about ordering the wild-caught salmon when dining there.
Health Benefits of Wild Salmon
By using wild-caught salmon, LongHorn Steakhouse’s salmon entrees provide numerous health advantages:
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Heart Healthy Fats – Wild salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA that support cardiovascular health.
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Lean Protein – A 6-ounce salmon fillet provides over 30 grams of high-quality, muscle-building protein.
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Vitamin D – Wild salmon provides vitamin D, which regulates calcium absorption and immune function. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D.
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Selenium – Salmon is an excellent source of selenium, an essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant in the body.
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Astaxanthin – This reddish-orange pigment in wild salmon has potent antioxidant properties that may reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Consuming salmon, ideally wild-caught, just twice per week provides anti-inflammatory effects, heart-healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals that offer a multitude of benefits.
Tips for Ordering Wild Salmon at LongHorn
If you want to reap the full benefits of wild-caught salmon, here are some tips for ordering it at LongHorn Steakhouse:
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Request salmon entrees to be grilled rather than blackened, as the high heat of blackening reduces omega-3 content.
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Opt for simpler preparations like Lily’s Salmon or Baked Salmon instead of smothered dishes like Salmon Rockefeller.
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Ask for no or light butter to limit saturated fat and calorie intake. Lemon as seasoning instead.
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Pair salmon with a side salad and brown rice pilaf for a balanced meal.
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Inquire about sauce options and choose lower calorie lemon or chimichurri instead of hollandaise if wanting to eat lighter.
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Order a half portion or lunch menu salmon meal to limit your intake to the recommended 5-6 ounces per serving.
While LongHorn is all about hearty indulgence, there are ways to make menu choices like wild salmon work within a healthier lifestyle.
Other Restaurants Serving Wild-Caught Salmon
In addition to LongHorn Steakhouse, here are some other popular chain restaurants that advertise using sustainably caught wild salmon:
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Red Lobster – Features fresh, never frozen wild-caught North American salmon on their “Fresh Fish” menu.
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Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Uses hand-filleted, wild-caught Key West pink salmon, blackened or grilled.
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Bonefish Grill – Sources Atlantic salmon rated green or yellow by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
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Seasons 52 – Their new Spring menu includes a miso-glazed wild king salmon entree.
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Cheesecake Factory – Offers a sustainable Skuna Bay Salmon entree at many locations.
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Yard House – Serves garlic herb Atlantic salmon with lemon garlic aioli sauce.
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First Watch – Provides a hearty Breakfast Salmon Flatbread with wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
With consumers becoming more educated about fisheries, menu options for eco-friendly wild salmon are growing across the country.
The Bottom Line on LongHorn’s Salmon
When you order salmon at LongHorn Steakhouse, you can feel confident knowing it is responsibly fished wild Atlantic salmon sourced from Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Choosing grilled preparations with lighter sides and sauces results in a satisfying, health-conscious meal. While LongHorn will always be known as a steakhouse, they serve a quality wild-caught salmon option that offers diners the benefits of this Omega-3 rich fish.