The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Alaskan Foods. If you manage to be in an Alaskan restaurant or you are visiting Alaska, I recommend the following:
1. King Crab Legs
The most popular and most expensive Alaskan king crab is the red king crab. Alaskan red king crab have long, firm legs full of tender white meat and are renowned by seafood lovers for their rich, juicy flavour. They offer a fantastic juicy taste and a completely unique dining experience.
2. Berry Cobbler
Alaska is rich in many types of berries and wild berries always taste best. You can make this dessert using any of your favourite cobbler recipes and the fresh berries you picked that day. Common Alaskan berries include: raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Turn your shoe wardrobe into an Alaskan adventure by adding more unusual Alaskan fruits. Try blackberries, blueberries and blackberries in your recipes for a special treat.
3. Eskimo Ice Cream
Akutaq is an Alaskan delicacy also known as Eskimo ice cream. Don’t expect the sweet and creamy ice cream most of us are used to: akutaq consists of reindeer blubber, seal oil, fresh snow, berries and optional minced fish. It has long been made by Alaska Natives and takes its name from the word yupiq, which translates as mixture. It can be eaten as a dessert, appetizer or spread, and is a common dish at most Alaskan celebrations. According to local custom, choosing a berry for akutak is a lifelong decision, and if you are caught using other berries in cooking, you will be condemned to ostracism.
4. Black Cod
Black cod, also known as black cod, has an incredibly rich and smooth texture that pairs well with a miso marinade. Some even call black cod the “butterfly fish” because of its buttery flavour. No matter what you call it, sole is rich and tender, providing a delicious meal rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Chocolate Bread
This brioche cake has a long history that began in Central and Eastern Europe and is now a staple of the North American brunch menu. This version combines dark chocolate, walnuts and cinnamon for the ultimate toasted flavour. Here’s how to make it. This recipe is best served warm to bring out the chocolate flavour.
6. Fish and Chips
Crispy fried wild Alaskan Halibut served with nachos and salsa. Although the fish and chips are not unique to Alaska, the fish they use is quality food! This delicate and sweet flaky fish is incredible.
7. Gumbo
A hearty soup usually cooked in a large black cast iron pot, the base can be seafood and okra with tomatoes or turkey and chicken with ham, sausage and fried oysters. Perhaps the main protagonist is rabbit or wild duck, and the flavour of Tasso ham is more prominent. Regardless of the base, the gumbo is always richly flavoured with onion, garlic, bay leaf and thyme, and the rich, thick liquid is poured into bowls and served with steamed white rice. Regardless of its ingredients, gumbo should always contain rice, a roux and another thickener, either okra powder or lomo powder, but never both.
8. Smoked Salmon
It is one of the most popular foods in the world, especially in the United States. Americans prefer it for breakfast, often combined with freshly baked bagels and cream cheese. It is also an essential ingredient in the famous American brunch and a common ingredient in sandwiches and snacks served at picnics and parties. In Europe, it is commonly used in pasta sauces or as a topping for breads and sandwiches. This delicacy is often served with salad, scrambled eggs and various spreads.
9. Reindeer Dogs
The reindeer dog is a variation of the Alaskan dog with sausages made from reindeer, pork and beef. Along with sliced grilled sausages, the buns are topped with scallions, mustard and cream cheese, and sometimes ketchup and relish. These hot dogs are said to be so delicious that they are even made and sold in other parts of the USA, such as Denver and Portland.
10. Muktuk
Muktuk is a traditional Inuit dish made from frozen whale skin and blubber. Although bowhead whales are most commonly used for this dish, beluga and narwhal can also be used. The food has a smooth texture that some describe as smelling like fresh coconut, while others claim it tastes like fried eggs. Muktuku is usually sliced thinly, sprinkled with salt and eaten raw, although it is sometimes diced, breaded, fried and served with soy sauce.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional North American Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.