As a Costco member, I love taking advantage of their high-quality fresh salmon. But with a family of 4, I often find myself buying more salmon than I can eat before it goes bad
That led me to wonder – can I freeze the fresh salmon from Costco to save it for later?
The short answer is yes! Freezing fresh salmon from Costco is a great way to prevent waste and always have this nutritious fish on hand.
In this article, I’ll share tips on how to properly freeze salmon from Costco, how long it keeps, the best way to thaw it, and how to cook previously frozen salmon.
Follow these freezing guidelines and you’ll have delicious frozen salmon fillets or steaks ready to enjoy anytime!
Why Freezing Salmon from Costco is a Smart Idea
Here are the main advantages of freezing fresh salmon from Costco:
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Saves Money: Buying fresh salmon in bulk when it’s on sale helps you avoid paying full price later.
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Reduces Waste: Freezing prevents spoilage so no salmon goes to waste.
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Provides Convenience: Frozen salmon is ready to thaw and eat whenever you want it.
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Locks in Freshness: Freezing preserves the texture, flavor, and nutrients.
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Allows Stocking Up: You can build up your inventory of frozen salmon when it’s on sale.
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Adds Variety: Enjoy different cuts and types of salmon year-round by freezing a selection.
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Simplifies Meal Prep: Thaw frozen salmon for quick and easy weeknight dinners.
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Aids Budgeting: Freeze measured portions so you know exactly how much salmon you have on hand.
Clearly, keeping a stash of frozen Costco salmon makes both financial and practical sense for any family.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Salmon from Costco
Follow these simple steps for successfully freezing fresh salmon fillets or steaks from Costco:
1. Select High-Quality Fresh Salmon
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Inspect salmon closely and choose pieces that are moist, firm, and free of dry spots or odors.
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Check the expiration date and select salmon with the furthest date for maximum freeze time.
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Take advantage of Costco’s salmon variety like wild-caught sockeye or king.
2. Prepare the Salmon for Freezing
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Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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If freezing large fillets, cut them into meal-size portions.
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Remove the skin to prevent water loss during freezing.
3. Package the Salmon
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Place salmon pieces in freezer bags, removing excess air before sealing tightly.
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For extra protection, wrap the bagged salmon in a layer of plastic wrap.
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Label bags with salmon type, quantity, and freeze date.
4. Freeze the Salmon
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Arrange salmon flat in a single layer in the freezer for fast, even freezing.
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Freeze at 0°F or below to maintain proper texture and flavor.
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Freeze salmon within 2 days of purchasing for ideal freshness and quality.
And that’s all it takes – your fresh Costco salmon is now frozen for long-term storage and use!
Handy Tips for Freezing Salmon from Costco
Follow these pro tips for the best results freezing salmon:
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Double wrap salmon in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Place salmon in a single layer on trays to freeze quickly.
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Use a deep freezer (0°F) for storing frozen salmon up to 9 months.
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In a regular freezer, use frozen salmon within 3 months.
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Portion salmon in meal-size bags for easy thawing.
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Rotate stock and use older salmon first.
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Salmon can be cooked frozen – no need to thaw first.
Thawing Frozen Salmon from Costco
Here are safe ways to thaw frozen Costco salmon:
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In the refrigerator overnight on a plate or in a container.
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Submerged in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Takes 2 hours for 1 lb.
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In the microwave using the defrost setting, checking often.
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During cooking – add frozen salmon pieces directly to soups, pasta dishes etc.
Once thawed, use refrigerated salmon within 2 days for the best quality and flavor.
Cooking Previously Frozen Salmon
Frozen Costco salmon retains its great flavor and texture when thawed. It can be cooked just like fresh salmon. Try these cooking methods:
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Baked Salmon: Brush with oil or marinade and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
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Salmon Burgers: Make patties with minced salmon, breadcrumbs, egg and seasonings. Pan fry 4-5 mins per side.
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Salmon Cakes: Mix flaked salmon with mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs. Pan fry into patties and top with sauce.
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Grilled Salmon: Coat with oil and grill for 3-4 minutes skin side down first. Then flip and grill 2-3 minutes more.
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Salmon Tacos: Break into chunks and pan fry with taco seasoning. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings.
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Salmon Salad: Flake over greens, vegetables, eggs, nuts and dressing.
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Smoked Salmon: Cure raw salmon with salt, sugar and spices. Then hot or cold smoke.
How Long Does Frozen Salmon from Costco Last?
For best quality and food safety, use frozen Costco salmon within these time limits:
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Deep freezer (0°F): 9-12 months
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Freezer section of fridge: 2-3 months
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Door shelf of fridge: 1-2 months
Discard any thawed salmon with an off smell or visible mold.
Can You Safely Eat Raw Frozen Salmon from Costco?
Salmon frozen solidly at 0°F from a trusted retailer like Costco can be safely consumed raw when thawed. However, check with your doctor first if you are pregnant, elderly or have a medical condition.
Pregnant women should avoid raw salmon altogether for maximum safety.
Is it Safe to Refreeze Thawed Salmon from Costco?
It’s not recommended to refreeze salmon that has been completely thawed. Refreezing may allow bacteria to multiply.
For safety, thawed salmon should be cooked fully then consumed within 3 days.
However, partially thawed salmon with ice crystals can be safely refrozen.
Storing Thawed Salmon
To safely store thawed salmon:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Use within 2 days for best quality
- Discard if it develops an unpleasant smell
- Do not refreeze fully thawed salmon
Proper refrigeration prevents bacterial growth and keeps thawed salmon fresh for cooking.
Get the Most Out of Your Frozen Salmon Stash!
By mastering how to freeze fresh salmon from Costco, you can enjoy a steady supply of this healthy and delicious fish. Follow the guidelines above for ideal results freezing, storing, thawing, and cooking frozen salmon.
Taking advantage of Costco’s fresh salmon deals allows you to always have frozen salmon on hand for quick, budget-friendly meals. Become a salmon freezing expert today!
Flavoring Your Poaching Liquid
Once the tails have been skewered, set those aside and prepare the poaching liquid. In this case, it’s butter, and lots of it, with garlic and herbs. Not only is the butter infusing flavor into the lobster, but the lobster will also impart its flavor into the butter. After poaching, the lobster-infused butter can then be used for dipping or saved in the fridge up to 5 days for other recipes. The butter can also be frozen up to two months.
You can add other aromatics to the pan as well. Some of my favorite combinations are sliced fennel bulb and a splash of vanilla extract, chipotle in adobo and lime zest, and onion, bay leaf, green bell pepper, and coconut milk.
Where To Buy Lobster Tails
You’ll most always find the best price at your local fish monger. If you don’t have one nearby, wholesale food clubs and local grocery stores will often carry frozen tails at the seafood counter or in the frozen food section. If you don’t see them, ask. Because lobsters are expensive, some grocery stores keep them in the large walk-in freezer behind the counter to prevent theft.
You can also order frozen lobster tails online, but check prices because they vary greatly. Popular steak and seafood mail order companies tend to have higher prices than other online specialty markets.
You might also find thawed lobster tails at the grocery store or fishmonger. I don’t recommend buying these because you never know how long they’ve been sitting in the case. Fresh is the key when it comes to lobsters! You always want to take them home alive, frozen, or already cooked. In the case of lobster tails, frozen is the best option.
Lobster tails are available as cold water and warm water varieties. Cold water lobsters are caught in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean in places like Canada, Maine, and coastal New England. Warm water lobsters are caught off the coast of Florida, the Caribbean, California, and similar tropical or areas with warmer waters. Sizes vary greatly, but are typically available between 4- and 8-ounce tails.
Using Costco FROZEN Salmon for Sushi
FAQ
Can you freeze the salmon from Costco?
Yes, you can freeze it to kill parasites (takes about 7 days at home freezer), but there is another issue: how the salmon was kept until you purchased it. What’s crucial here is not how “fresh” the fish is, rather, it’s how the fish was kept after it’s caught until it was displayed at Costco.
How long is Costco salmon good in the fridge?
Can you freeze salmon you bought fresh?
Yes, freezing raw salmon is a safe and common way to store it for later. Here’s how to do it safely: * Wrap the salmon tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. A vacuum sealer is ideal, but not essential. * Label the package with the date you fro…
Can I freeze salmon in its original packaging?
Packaging. Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its original packaging, however this type of wrap is permeable to air and quality may diminish over time.
Does Costco sell frozen salmon?
As you can see, Costco carries quite a variety of salmon products. They have everything from canned salmon to salmon burgers to smoked salmon and, of course, frozen and fresh salmon filets. Everybody likes options, but sometimes this can lead to analysis paralysis. Should you go for frozen or fresh salmon? Farmed or wild?
Can you freeze smoked salmon from Costco?
Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon from Costco. It’s best to keep them in the fridge until it’s about to reach the printed date on the package. Then place any leftover smoked salmon into the freezer bag. Lay a sheet of greaseproof paper after each layer.
Can you freeze Costco stuffed salmon?
It also contains 2% or less of the following: Can You Freeze Costco’s Stuffed Salmon? Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says you can freeze the uncooked portions of Costco’s stuffed salmon for 4 to 6 months.
Can smoked salmon be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them. To ensure they remain fresh, wrap each fillet in cling film a couple of times. Once wrapped, place them into a freezer bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal it tightly. Then place them into the freezer. To avoid any major changes to the texture, use the hot smoked salmon within 2 months.
How much does Costco salmon cost?
Sprouts, which is a notch above Costco in price and sometimes in quality, sells its Atlantic Salmon for $11.99/pound. They sell their wild-caught sockeye salmon for $14.99/pound. Both of their fresh salmon options are $2 more than Costco’s per pound price. Can you eat Costco Salmon Raw or as Sushi/Sashimi?
Does Costco thaw fresh salmon?
Costco fresh salmon, found in the meat and seafood department, is flash-frozen and then thawed before being sold. They do this to kill any worms or parasites that may be in the fish. Most seafood found in grocery stores and other retailers will be flash-frozen during production.