Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. At Costco, you can find high-quality frozen salmon at affordable prices. But with different types of salmon to choose from how do you know which is best?
I did the research and tried the frozen salmon from Costco to help you decide if Costco frozen salmon is a good choice for your family. Keep reading for a detailed review of the frozen salmon sold at Costco.
Overview of Frozen Salmon at Costco
Costco sells three varieties of frozen salmon
- Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon
- Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Alaska Sockeye Salmon
- Morey’s Wild Alaskan Salmon
The salmon ranges in price from $23. 99 to $35. 99 for a 2. 25 to 3 pound bag.
The main differences between the options are:
- Where it was caught (Atlantic vs Pacific Ocean)
- Whether it is wild-caught or farm-raised
- If the skin is removed
- If it is pre-marinated
I’ll explain each type in more detail below to help you choose the best Costco frozen salmon.
Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon
The Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon comes in a 3 pound bag of individually wrapped, boneless and skinless 6-8 ounce portions.
The salmon is raised on farms on the east coast of the United States and contains added salt and water as a preservative and for color.
Pros
- Affordable at $11.30 per pound
- Individually wrapped portions for convenience
- Skinless and boneless cuts down prep time
- Farm raised means more consistent supply
Cons
- Higher in fat, calories and cholesterol than wild salmon
- Contains sodium solution as a preservative
- More concerns over contaminants than wild salmon
Overall, the Kirkland Atlantic Salmon is a good budget option, but I prefer the wild-caught varieties for nutritional reasons. The sodium solution is also a concern for anyone watching their salt intake.
Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Alaska Sockeye Salmon
The Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon comes in a 3 pound bag of 5-7 ounce skin-on fillets.
Sockeye salmon has a stronger flavor and deeper red color than other salmon. It also has firmer flesh and higher omega-3 content.
Pros
- Wild-caught means lower risk of contaminants
- Skin-on portions have more omega-3s
- No preservatives or salt added
- Rich, salmon flavor
Cons
- Higher price at $12 per pound
- Smaller fillets with bones
- Stronger “fishy” taste than Atlantic salmon
The Kirkland Sockeye is my top choice. The wild-caught status means it likely has more omega-3s and fewer contaminants. The skin also helps it retain moisture and nutrients when cooking.
Morey’s Wild Alaskan Salmon
The Morey’s Wild Alaskan Salmon is a 2.4 pound bag of six 6-ounce skin-on fillets that are pre-marinated.
The fillets are marinated in a blend of olive oil, canola oil and spices.
Pros
- Pre-marinated for quick cooking
- Milder taste than Sockeye salmon
- skin-on portions have more omega-3s
- Wild-caught status
Cons
- Higher sodium due to marinade
- Less control over ingredients/flavor
- Smaller fillets
The marinade makes Morey’s salmon a fast and convenient option. But the Kirkland Sockeye gives you more control over flavor and ingredients.
How to Pick the Right Frozen Salmon from Costco
When choosing frozen salmon at Costco, here are some things to consider:
Wild-Caught vs Farm-Raised
Wild salmon spend their lives swimming freely and eating other wild fish. Farm-raised salmon are penned in and fed fishmeal.
Studies show wild salmon has:
- More omega-3 fatty acids
- Lower risk of contaminants like PCBs
- Less saturated fat and calories
Farm-raised salmon is still healthy, but I recommend wild-caught if you can get it.
Atlantic Salmon vs Pacific Salmon
Atlantic salmon is typically farm-raised, while Pacific salmon species like sockeye are wild-caught.
Atlantic salmon has a milder flavor and is less fishy. But Pacific salmon has a richer, more pronounced salmon flavor.
For nutritional reasons, I opt for wild-caught Pacific salmon. But Atlantic is a good option if you prefer milder tasting fish.
Skin-On vs Skinless
Salmon skin contains healthy fats and oils. Cooking it skin-on helps keep the fish moist and retains more nutrients.
However, chemicals like PCBs can accumulate in salmon skin. So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stick to skinless fillets.
But for most people, skin-on portions are the better choice. Just make sure to cook the salmon to 145°F to render out the fat under the skin.
Marinated vs Plain
The pre-marinated salmon at Costco is convenient – just thaw and bake!
But with marinades you lose control over sodium and flavor. I prefer to season salmon myself with healthy ingredients.
If you value convenience over customization, the marinated salmon is a tasty option.
Are There Any Downsides to Costco’s Frozen Salmon?
Overall, Costco’s frozen salmon provides high-quality fish at affordable prices. However, here are a few potential downsides:
- Prone to freezer burn if not well wrapped
- Must be thawed properly to avoid damage
- Not as fresh tasting as fresh salmon
- Can have pieces of bone in some cuts
As long as you handle it properly, Costco’s frozen salmon tastes great. I haven’t had any issues with excessive freezer burn or damage from improper thawing.
How to Cook Costco Frozen Salmon
Follow these tips to cook delicious frozen salmon from Costco:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if cooking from fully frozen
- Submerge in cool water for 15-20 minutes if using within 2 days
- Preheat oven to 400°F and roast skin-side down for 12-15 minutes
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F
- Pan fry over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes if thawed – use a microwave-safe cover
I like to coat the salmon with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon slices or garlic before roasting or pan frying.
Here are some delicious ways to prepare Costco’s frozen salmon:
With the right recipes and cooking method, Costco’s frozen salmon tastes amazing!
Is Costco Frozen Salmon Worth Buying?
In my thorough testing and review, I found Costco’s frozen salmon to be high quality and an excellent value:
Quality – The salmon tastes fresh, has beautiful color and texture, and minimal odor from freezing.
Price – At $10-12 per pound, it’s significantly cheaper than fresh salmon from the seafood counter.
Convenience – Individually vacuum-sealed portions make it easy to defrost just what you need.
Nutrition – Rich in protein, omega-3s and essential nutrients. The wild-caught varieties are best.
Versatility – Delicious pan fried, roasted, on the grill, in foil packs and more.
For affordable, nutritious salmon you can feel good about feeding your family, Costco frozen salmon is definitely worth buying. The Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Sockeye is my top recommendation for its great flavor and nutritional profile.
So next time you need an easy protein for dinner, skip the salmon at the grocery store and head to Costco. With the right handling and preparation, you’ll have restaurant-quality salmon at home for a fraction of the price!
Math is our friend.
Welp. This blog is officially 6-months old, and this is my 79th food review. Hooray?
Whoops, once more, with more enthusiasm: HOORAY!
I bought a 3-pound bag of frozen Kirkland Sockeye Salmon at Costco, because it was on sale. Buying $35 of frozen fish all at once felt like quite a commitment. But, fortunately, it ended well.
Sockeye salmon is probably my favorite fish in the whole, wide-world.
Well, I haven’t tried all the fish in the whole, wide-world. Not even close. But, of the fish I’ve eaten, sockeye is my favorite. So there.
The portions in the bag are all individually vacuum-sealed, and they have skin, but no bones. This is wild-caught Alaskan salmon, and is certified sustainable by MSC. Compared to other frozen sockeye salmon I have tried, this one has the least “fishy” smell, so it appears quite fresh.
I thawed my salmon by submerging a vacuum-sealed portion in a bowl of cool water for 10 minutes (or so) until it was thawed. The fillets are thick, and have vibrant color with minimal fat between the fish grain — a hallmark of quality wild-caught salmon. The skins are moist with a pliable, fresh appearance. My fillets had some small gouges in the surface, but this probably occurred during the harvesting and packing process.
Kirkland’s individual sockeye salmon portions are usually 6 ounces, but they can be anywhere from 5 to 7 ounces. Mine seemed surprisingly consistent in size, though. Some are not as thick.
I cooked my salmon in a pan with some butter, salt, pepper, and a little garlic. Even though my picture makes it look burnt, trust me when I say that the meat inside was incredibly juicy, and the slight charring tasted great when I mixed it into my creamy zucchini pasta.
My fish had a rich “salmon” flavor, and a tender texture. It’s moist, and flaked nicely — and even re-heated the next day to taste pretty decent. I did find a couple thin fish bones, but nothing egregious.
I peeled the skin off my cooked salmon, and added it to a creamy pasta with zucchini. Behold, the splendor!.
It was pretty yummy. This is 5.2 ounces of Boursin cheese, plus 1 large zucchini, plus about 1.5 cups dry pasta (cooked), and one 6-ounce fillet cooked sockeye salmon. Sautee the zucchini in 2 tablespoons butter with salt and pepper for about 2 minutes, then add the hot cooked pasta (with a little pasta water), stir in the Boursin cheese, and flake the salmon into it. Salt and pepper to taste. Done.
Nutrition Facts in Costco Kirkland Sockeye Salmon
There were exactly 8 portions in my bag. Most of them were the same size but had slightly different shapes. There are only 220 calories and 8 grams of fat in a 6-ounce serving, but it has 38 grams of protein. You get 120% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin D, too.
Sushi Guy’s Guide: Costco Frozen Salmon for Sushi Use
FAQ
Is frozen salmon as good as fresh salmon?
Is Costco frozen salmon wild caught?
What is the best frozen salmon to eat?
Does Costco sell frozen salmon?
Besides the plentiful fresh salmon near the meat, Costco sells three types of frozen salmon: Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon, Morey’s Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Alaska Sockeye Salmon. Prices range from $23.99 to $35.99, and packages are 2.25 to three pounds.
What is the healthiest frozen salmon at Costco?
Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon is the healthiest frozen salmon at Costco. The product list just contains fish, meaning no added salt or preservatives, and studies show that wild-caught salmon has added health benefits. The Kirkland Signature Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon is higher in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
How much does Costco salmon cost?
Here are Costco salmon prices as of 5/1/2022. How much is Salmon at Costco? Costco Atlantic salmon goes for roughly $10 a pound, and both Kirkland Signature fresh and frozen sockeye salmon costs about $13 per pound. Fresh and frozen salmon have similar prices, so pick based on the occasion and how you want to cook and serve it.
Is Costco Salmon Safe?
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is known to be one of the safer salmon options due to its low toxicity and mercury levels. The Costco brand – Kirkland Signature has a couple of different frozen salmon options with the Alaskan salmon being the most expensive. I enjoy salmon weekly, is this one from Costco tasty enough that I’ll repurchase it?