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Salmon has long been the popular kid in seafood counters and on restaurant menus. People love its richness and health benefits, but both come at a steep price. Salmon's price continues to rise alongside its demand, and overfishing is a growing concern. 

Luckily for consumers, there are lesser-known fish that rival, or even surpass, salmon in nutrition, taste, cooking versatility, and cost. Exploring these alternatives and recipes featuring them will save you money and expand your culinary abilities and ambitions.  

Let's look at three overlooked fish that deserve your attention when you're standing at the seafood counter. 

Arctic Char

Many describe Arctic char as the perfect middle ground between trout and salmon. It offers a similar pink flesh but with a milder flavor, and it's also less oily. It's the perfect fish for people who find salmon to be too "fishy". It also grills wonderfully and requires only simple seasonings. 

Its most appealing factors are its sustainability and price stability. Most of the arctic char that's sold is responsibly farmed in controlled environments. This keeps costs down and ensures consistent quality. It also matches salmon in nutritional value. 

For home cooks working within a budget, Arctic char is approachable, affordable, and delicious. 

Mackerel

Mackerel lacks salmon's reputation, but it more than makes up for it in flavor and nutrition. This fish is readily available in most seafood counters and offers a rich savoriness. It's also packed with healthy fats that your body needs. 

Mackerel's assertive flavor works well for grilling, smoking, or curing, and it pairs well with spicy or acidic ingredients. Best of all, mackerel is a lot cheaper than salmon. Still, it's overlooked by consumers because it doesn't have the reputation of being mild and delicate, but that hasn't stopped it from being showcased in many global cuisines. 

For those who like the richness of salmon, it might surprise you to read that mackerel is an even more satisfying option.

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Sardines

Most people turn their noses up at sardines. It's a bit odd-looking, and some versions are more pungent than salmon. Fresh sardines are naturally savory, and grilling or pan-frying them enhances the flavor. Much of the negative stereotype about sardines is for the canned version. Fresh sardines are clean-tasting and incredibly versatile.

Sardines are one of the most affordable fish available and a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D. Their size makes them more sustainable than other fish, and they reproduce quickly and are quite low on the food chain. But it's truly their flavor and value that make them a standout choice. 

Salmon is versatile, tasty, and familiar, but its cost should convince you to keep perusing the seafood counter. Cheaper options like Arctic char, makerel, and sardines deliver the best parts of salmon and more. Arctic char is a milder alternative with similar health benefits, mackerel delivers a bold flavor, and sardines offer enormous value. Remember, the best seafood options might be right in front of you. Give these a shot and enjoy the savings.