How to Cook Trader Joe’s Famous Salmon Pinwheels to Perfection

Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels have become an extremely popular ready-to-cook item at the beloved grocery store chain. These tasty salmon rolls stuffed with a creamy spinach and feta filling are a quick and easy dinner that both novice and experienced cooks love.

But if you’re new to cooking salmon pinwheels, you may be wondering exactly how to prepare these convenient seafood treats. Have no fear – cooking Trader Joe’s famous salmon pinwheels is actually quite simple. With just a few tips and techniques, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality salmon pinwheels in your own kitchen in no time.

An Overview of Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels

Before we dive into the cooking methods, let’s take a closer look at what makes these prepared salmon rolls from Trader Joe’s so special.

The pinwheels begin with fresh Atlantic salmon fillets that are seasoned with garlic, herbs and spices. Then they are stuffed with a tangy filling featuring feta cheese, spinach, and red bell peppers Finally, the seasoned salmon is rolled up jelly-roll style to form the compact pinwheel shape

This clever design makes for a hand-held salmon meal bursting with flavors in every bite. You get the savory salmon creamy cheese and fresh spinach all in one delicious package.

Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels provide a quick protein fix with minimal effort required. They are fully cooked from frozen or thawed so no butcher skills are needed. Let’s look at some cooking tips to heat these pinwheels to flaky perfection.

Cooking Methods for Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels

The beauty of Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels is their versatility. You can choose from various cooking methods to prepare them just the way you like. Here are some of the easiest and most popular cooking techniques:

Baking

Baking is a foolproof way to cook salmon pinwheels to tender, moist perfection. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F and place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The hot dry air surrounds the pinwheels evenly, ensuring they heat all the way through without drying out.

Air Frying

Cooking the salmon pinwheels in an air fryer yields a crispy exterior with tender salmon inside. Pre-heat your air fryer to 375°F, then cook the pinwheels for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The circulating hot air gives you quick, even results similar to deep frying but in a healthier way.

Grilling

For delicious char-grilled flavor, cook the pinwheels on a preheated grill over medium heat. Grill the pinwheels for 5-7 minutes per side. Take care not to overcook them directly over the flames. This smoky grilled salmon pairs perfectly with fresh veggies and rice for a summery dinner.

Pan Searing

Looking for a quick weeknight meal? Pan-sear the pinwheels in a hot skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned. The filling may ooze out a bit during searing, but don’t worry – just keep spooning it back on top. It will firm up as the pinwheels rest after cooking.

Poaching

For extra-moist salmon, try poaching the pinwheels. Bring a skillet of water to a bare simmer, then lower the pinwheels into the water. Poach gently for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. The delicate poaching liquid keeps the salmon moist and tender.

Broiling

Broiling the salmon pinwheels takes just minutes under high heat. Place them on a broiler pan, then broil 5-7 inches from the heating element for 5-7 minutes per side. Rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking. Broiling gives a nice caramelized crust while keeping the inside supple and moist.

Handy Tips for Cooking Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels

• Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F.

• If reheating leftover pinwheels, use the microwave or low oven to prevent overcooking.

• Try customizing the filling with sun-dried tomatoes, different cheeses, or fresh herbs.

• Marinate the pinwheels in teriyaki, citrus, or Greek marinade for extra flavor infusion.

• For food safety, refrigerate cooked pinwheels within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

• Adjust cooking times based on thickness and size. Larger pinwheels may need a few extra minutes.

• Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the baking sheet or grill. Parchment paper also helps.

• Resist the urge to press down on the pinwheels as they cook. Doing so dries them out.

• Let pinwheels rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving for juicier salmon.

With these handy tips, tricks and cooking methods, you can enjoy foolproof salmon pinwheels for a gourmet seafood dinner with minimal fuss and effort. Trader Joe’s has truly made enjoying healthy salmon meals accessible for any home cook.

So next time you visit Trader Joe’s, be sure to grab a package of their popular salmon pinwheels. Then cook up these elegant salmon rolls at home to enjoy their savory, spinach-stuffed flavor in minutes. Your tastebuds will thank you for this quick and delicious dinner option.

Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels can be cooked in the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the pinwheels on a baking sheet. For frozen pinwheels, cook for 25-30 minutes, and for thawed pinwheels, cook for about 22 minutes, according to Sealand Quality Foods. An air fryer can also be used at 400°F (200°C) for a similar cooking time, flipping halfway through.