Trader Joe’s is a go-to for many home cooks looking for quality ingredients at affordable prices. Their fresh salmon is no exception – it’s tasty, healthy, and easy to cook if you follow a few simple tips. In this comprehensive guide, learn the best practices for cooking Trader Joe’s salmon fillets, from thawing and prepping to baking, grilling, and more.
Choosing Your Trader Joe’s Salmon
Trader Joe’s sells fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets in convenient individual portions. You can find both farmed Atlantic salmon as well as wild-caught varieties like sockeye and king. While more expensive, wild salmon contains higher omega-3s and less saturated fat.
When choosing salmon at Trader Joe’s, look for bright color and firm flesh. Dull or mushy fillets mean the quality is not as good. Also check the sell-by date and pick the freshest option.
For easier prep, choose salmon with the skin already removed Trader Joe’s offers skinless options for most of their fresh salmon
Thawing Trader Joe’s Salmon Properly
If using frozen salmon fillets from Trader Joe’s thaw them properly before cooking. There are a few safe ways to do this
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In the refrigerator overnight. Place fillets in a bowl or on a plate to catch any drips as they thaw.
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In cold water. Submerge fillets in a large bowl or pot of cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
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In the microwave. Use the defrost setting and check often to ensure edges don’t start cooking.
Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this puts the salmon in the danger zone for bacterial growth.
Once thawed, dry fillets well with paper towels before seasoning.
Prepping and Seasoning the Salmon
Rinse thawed or fresh salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Use a sharp knife to trim any discolored portions or fins from the edges.
Season the salmon lightly on both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices desired. Some good options are garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
Brush fillets with oil or melted butter to help prevent sticking. Let sit 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
Baking Trader Joe’s Salmon
Baking is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook salmon from Trader Joe’s.
To bake:
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Preheat oven to 325° F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush salmon with maple syrup, brown sugar, or soy sauce for added flavor.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
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For a nice crisp skin, turn broiler on high the last 1-2 minutes.
An internal temperature of 145°F indicates salmon is cooked through but still moist. Baking brings out salmon’s natural flavors beautifully!
Grilling Trader Joe’s Salmon Fillets
During summer, grilling is a tasty way to prepare those Trader Joe’s salmon fillets.
For grilling:
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Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. Heat grill to medium-high.
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Place salmon skin-side down. Grill 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
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Resist the urge to flip repeatedly. Just one flip halfway through prevents breakage.
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Brush with glaze or sauce in the last few minutes if desired.
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Grill until salmon reaches 145°F internally and flakes easily with a fork.
The high heat of the grill gives the outside a lovely char while keeping the inside succulent and tender.
Pan-Seared Salmon from Trader Joe’s
Pan searing is a quick and easy salmon cooking method perfect for weeknights.
To pan-sear:
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Pat salmon fillets dry and season as desired.
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Heat an oiled or buttered skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place fillets in the hot skillet skin-side down if still attached.
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Cook 2-3 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on second side.
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Reduce heat if pan smoking or salmon browning too quickly.
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Cook until 145°F internally. Salmon should flake easily when tested with a fork.
The hot skillet gives you a crisp, browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Tips for Preventing Overcooked Salmon
It’s easy to go from perfectly cooked to dry, overcooked salmon. Follow these tips for tender, flaky salmon every time:
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Always cook to an internal temp of 145°F. This prevents over-baking.
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For thin fillets under 1 inch, reduce oven temp to 300°F and cooking time.
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If pan-searing, use medium or medium-low heat to prevent burning.
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For grilling, move to a cooler part of the grill if cooking too fast.
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Do not overcrowd. Space fillets at least 1/2 inch apart for even cooking.
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Allow thicker fillets to rest 5 minutes before serving. Residual heat will finish cooking.
Serving Your Cooked Trader Joe’s Salmon
Trader Joe’s salmon pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces. Consider:
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Fresh green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
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Grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
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Bright citrus wedges or vinaigrettes
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Dill, parsley, or chives for fresh flavor
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Compound butters for richness
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Tzatziki, chimichurri or pesto for sauces
With its firm yet tender texture and versatility, Trader Joe’s salmon makes for easy, nourishing meals any night of the week. Follow these tips for baked, grilled, or pan-seared salmon perfection.
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FAQ
Is it better to cook salmon in the oven or on the stove?
Can you cook Trader Joe’s salmon from frozen?
Surprise–you don’t need to thaw those frozen salmon fillets from the supermarket before cooking them. That’s right: Simply add the fish to a preheated skillet and cook away, then make a simple sweet and savory sauce from garlic, honey, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar for drizzling.
How to cook store-bought seasoned salmon?
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove fillet(s) from pouch and place in a single layer, not touching, with flat side down on a foil-lined sided baking pan.
- Place baking pan on middle rack of oven.
- From thawed: Bake for 15 – 18 minutes (1 to 2 fillets).
- From frozen: Bake for 28 – 32 minutes (1 to 2 fillets).
How to cook prepackaged smoked salmon?
Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the smoked salmon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through (1). Remember to keep an eye on the salmon while heating it to prevent overcooking.
How to cook Trader Joe’s Salmon pinwheels in the oven?
Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in the oven for a foolproof dish your guests will love. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking.
How do you cook frozen Trader Joe’s Salmon?
To cook: Preheat oven to 400 F, unwrap pinwheels. Arrange frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet, bake for 25-30 minutes (depending on thickness!), until the internal temperature reaches 155 F. How do you cook Trader Joe’s salmon? Preheat oven to 325° F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
How long do you cook wild salmon at Trader Joe’s?
From frozen cook for 25-30 minutes and from thawed cook for 22 minutes. How long to cook wild salmon Trader Joe’s? Bake in oven for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 145° with a thermometer. While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Do Trader Joe’s Salmon pinwheels need to be cooled before baking?
Let pinwheels sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for more even cooking. Adjust bake times based on thickness of pinwheels. Thicker ones may need a few extra minutes. If the ends start to unroll a bit, simply tuck them back under while baking. Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels pair wonderfully with:
What goes well with Trader Joe’s Salmon pinwheels?
Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels pair wonderfully with: Lemon dill sauce or creamy horseradish sauce for dipping. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Buttery toasted bread or savory crackers for appetizer-style serving. Flaky sea salt, extra lemon wedges, fresh dill or parsley for garnish.
How do you cook salmon in a broiler?
Here’s how to put this stupid-easy dish together. Step 1: Pre-heat your broiler to high. Step 2: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel on both sides. Step 3: Spread some olive oil on a broiler-safe cast-iron skillet or pan. Step 4: Place the salmon skin down on your skillet/pan. Step 5: Drizzle a little olive oil on top of your salmon.