The best thing ever is take-and-bake dishes—they’re easy to use like takeout, but you don’t have to worry about the food getting cold on the way home. Here’s how to make stuffed salmon, a favorite take-and-bake dinner at Costco.
I’m convinced that take and bake meals are the most brilliant thing modern grocery stores offer. They are one of the easiest ways to make dinner, in between ordering takeout and cooking from scratch, and they are usually better for you than regular takeout. Costco has a variety of take and bake options, and this stuffed salmon is one of the best.
But sometimes the directions aren’t very clear, so I bought one and cooked it in both the oven and the air fryer. Here’s how to cook your Costco stuffed salmon perfectly!.
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Stuffed salmon from Costco is a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender salmon fillets are stuffed with a delicious crab cake-style filling that makes this meal seem fancy and indulgent. But what if you can’t eat it all right away? Can you safely freeze the leftover stuffed salmon from Costco?
The short answer is yes – you can absolutely freeze stuffed salmon from Costco, both before and after cooking Freezing allows you to stock up on this tasty meal while saving money and reducing food waste
In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing Costco’s stuffed salmon, including proper storage times, defrosting instructions, and expert tips for keeping it fresh.
How Long Does Uncooked Stuffed Salmon Last in the Fridge?
If stored properly in the fridge, uncooked stuffed salmon from Costco will stay fresh for 2-3 days after the pack date. Make sure to keep it in the original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it on a plate to catch any leaks.
Store the stuffed salmon in the coldest part of your fridge at 40°F or below. For best quality and freshness plan to cook the salmon within 1-2 days of opening. Both raw salmon and seafood-based fillings can spoil quickly when left too long in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Uncooked Stuffed Salmon from Costco?
Freezing uncooked stuffed salmon allows you to save any leftover portions or stock up when it’s on sale. According to the USDA, uncooked salmon stored continuously at 0°F or below can safely be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To freeze, individually wrap each raw salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil, removing as much air as possible. Place the wrapped fillets in freezer bags or airtight containers. Before sealing, remove excess air.
Make sure to label the package with contents and freeze date. For best quality, use frozen uncooked stuffed salmon within 2-3 months.
How to Cook Frozen Stuffed Salmon from Costco
Cooking frozen stuffed salmon from Costco is simple. Here are some methods:
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Oven Preheat oven to 400°F Place frozen salmon on a baking sheet and cook 40-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F,
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Stovetop: Thaw salmon overnight in fridge. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until done.
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Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Oil grates and cook frozen salmon 25-30 minutes, flipping once, until it reaches 145°F.
Always check temperature with a meat thermometer. The filling should reach 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
How Long Does Cooked Stuffed Salmon Last in the Fridge?
Cooked stuffed salmon will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly, according to USDA guidelines. Place cooled leftovers in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. For optimal freshness and quality, use refrigerated leftover stuffed salmon within 3 days. Discard any leftovers that smell or look spoiled.
Can You Refreeze Previously Frozen Stuffed Salmon?
It’s not recommended to refreeze stuffed salmon that’s been thawed from frozen. Refreezing thawed salmon can lead to texture and quality issues. The fish may become mushy and the filling dry or crumbly.
Per the USDA, it is safe to refreeze cooked salmon if it still has ice crystals and has been refrigerated correctly. But for best taste and texture, avoid refreezing previously frozen stuffed salmon.
How Long Does Cooked Stuffed Salmon Last in the Freezer?
The USDA says cooked stuffed salmon will maintain optimal quality when frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow cooked salmon to cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic, foil or freezer bags.
Remove excess air and seal the package. Freeze in single portions for easy reheating later. Thaw frozen cooked salmon overnight in the fridge before using.
Tips for Freezing Stuffed Salmon from Costco
Follow these tips for successfully freezing stuffed salmon purchased at Costco:
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Freeze uncooked salmon within 1-2 days of buying for maximum freshness.
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Wrap fillets tightly in plastic or foil before freezing, removing air.
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Portion into meal-size servings to only thaw what you need.
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Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Label with contents and freeze date for easy reference.
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Once thawed, use refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days.
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Avoid refreezing previously frozen stuffed salmon.
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Cooked salmon keeps up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Always thaw frozen salmon safely in the refrigerator.
Thawing Frozen Stuffed Salmon Safely
Use these safe methods to thaw frozen stuffed salmon:
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Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge 24-48 hours before cooking. This is the safest thawing method.
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Cold Water Bath: Seal salmon in a bag submerged in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. Takes 1-2 hours to thaw.
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Microwave: Defrost salmon using defrost setting if available. Check often to prevent cooking edges.
Never thaw stuffed salmon at room temperature or in hot water. This can allow bacteria to grow. Cook thawed salmon right away and discard any leftovers.
Reheating Leftover Stuffed Salmon
To reheat leftover cooked stuffed salmon, use one of these recommended methods:
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Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place salmon on a baking sheet to reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 3-5 minutes per side to reheat salmon.
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Microwave: Microwave salmon in 30 second increments until heated through, checking in between.
Bring refrigerated salmon to an internal temperature of 165°F. Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving to prevent dryness. Discard any leftovers after 4 days.
Enjoy Costco’s Delicious Stuffed Salmon Anytime
By properly freezing and thawing stuffed salmon from Costco, you can enjoy this easy gourmet meal even weeks after purchasing. Follow the guidelines for maximum freshness and quality.
With proper storage times, temperatures, and reheating methods, Costco’s stuffed salmon stays tender and delicious when frozen. Just remember to label bags and use within recommended timelines for best results.
Why you’ll love this fresh salmon with crab stuffing:
- Done in under 30 minutes!
- No or low prep
- Generous portions
- Looks fancy- great for a special occasion.
How to Make The Stuffed Salmon in the Air Fryer
If you have a temperature probe, it will help you make sure your food doesn’t get too hot or too cold. There are many things that can change the cooking time. I didn’t preheat my air fryer here, but some models may heat up faster than others. I used the grill pan but the regular basket is fine too.
It should be air-fried at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until the crab mixture inside is at least 145 degrees. Putting parchment paper or aluminum foil under it will make cleanup easier, but it will also cut down on airflow a bit, which could make the cooking time a little longer. Do NOT use a paper towel.
| Time cooking: | Probe 1 (Stuffing): |
| 8 minutes | 98 degrees F |
| 12 minutes | 123 degrees F |
| 14 minutes | 136 degrees F |
| 15 minutes | 143 degrees F |
| 16 minutes | 145 degrees F |
This is definitely the fastest way to prepare this dish!
Costco Stuffed Salmon
FAQ
Can you freeze the salmon from Costco?
How long does Costco salmon last in the fridge?
How long is stuffed salmon good for in the fridge?
Can you freeze pre packed salmon?
Can you freeze Costco stuffed salmon?
Yes, you can freeze Costco stuffed salmon, whether you’ve cooked it or not. Though the stuffing was previously frozen, the USDA states you may refreeze raw or cooked food without reheating. Previously frozen fish may also be refrozen. As with other perishable foods, throw out any salmon left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
How do you bake frozen Costco stuffed salmon?
Here’s how to oven bake frozen Costco stuffed salmon: ➡️ Preheat the oven to 425F (218C). Cover the baking tray the frozen salmon is in with aluminum foil. ➡️ Bake the frozen stuffed salmon at 425F on an oven rack 1/3 down from the top of the oven. It’s done when it reaches an internal temp of 165F (74C).
Can you freeze stuffed salmon before the date?
The best before date on the salmon is three days from the date it’s packed on. I didn’t freeze mine as we ate it right away but I would recommend probably freezing leftovers after baking rather than freezing it raw. This stuffed salmon at Costco makes a super quick and easy meal.
Does Costco make stuffed salmon?
The stuffed salmon is one of the most expensive pre-made meals at Costco which I think might make some people a little apprehensive about purchasing it. Cooking the stuffed salmon from Costco is extremely simple. All you have to do is either bake it in the oven or bake it on the barbecue.