It can be hard to come up with new meals for during the week. Work can keep you busy, and how often do you get to make a simple, tasty meal and enjoy it? I have a solution for you: bake salmon. This recipe only needs four ingredients, but it will make you the star of the dinner party.
It can be hard to come up with new meals during the week. Work can keep you up late, so there aren’t many nights when you can make a simple, tasty meal and enjoy it.
I have a solution for you: baked salmon. I love a dinner like this. I can pop it in the oven and get a few more things done while it’s cooking. This way, the food and I are ready to sit down and enjoy our time spent together.
I don’t know why I didn’t post this easy baked salmon recipe sooner. It is one of my go-to recipes for salmon that I have made for over ten years.
This salmon recipe will make you a hero for dinner – it’s so simple and so tasty.
Three simple things that you probably already have in your pantry and a fish fillet. Here’s the list:
If you want to get fancy, you can add a little lemon juice and some fleur de sel.
Costco is a great place to buy quality salmon at an affordable price. Their fresh salmon fillets are a staple in many home kitchens.
While Costco salmon can be prepared in various ways, one of the easiest and most delicious methods is baking. The key is knowing how long to bake Costco salmon to ensure it turns out moist, flaky and cooked through.
I did extensive research and testing to determine the ideal baking times and temperatures specifically for Costco salmon fillets. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Why Bake Costco Salmon?
There are a few reasons why baking is one of the best cooking methods for Costco salmon
-
It’s easy and requires minimal preparation or cleanup. Simply season the fillets, pop them in the oven, and you’re done.
-
Baking gently cooks the salmon through while keeping it tender and moist The fish comes out flaky and infused with flavor
-
It’s easy to bake many fillets at once, which is great for cooking for a lot of people or making meals ahead of time.
-
Hands-off cooking frees you up to focus on side dishes or other meal components while the oven does the work.
-
When you bake salmon instead of grilling or pan searing it, it doesn’t fall apart or dry out as quickly. It’s a very forgiving cooking method.
How Long to Bake Costco Salmon
The exact bake time depends on a few factors:
Thickness of the Fillet
Thicker salmon fillets will obviously require a longer bake time than thinner pieces Costco’s fresh salmon fillets are typically cut about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick,
For a 1-inch thick salmon fillet, plan on baking for 18-22 minutes at 400°F.
1 1/2-inch thick fillets may need 22-28 minutes for full doneness.
Desired Doneness
-
For rare or medium rare salmon, bake for the minimum recommended time.
-
Medium or well done salmon will require a longer baking time, closer to the maximum.
-
I prefer my Costco salmon baked until just opaque and medium done all the way through. Around 20-22 minutes yields the texture I like best.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Salmon fillets cooked on the bone may take 2-5 minutes longer since the bones insulate the meat slightly. The bones do impart extra flavor though!
Portion Size
-
Individual 6-8 oz fillets will bake faster than a large 2-3 lb salmon roast.
-
Adjust bake times up for thicker, larger cuts of fish.
How to Bake Costco Salmon Perfectly Every Time
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly baked salmon fillets:
Step 1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2) Rinse salmon fillets and pat extremely dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with oil or melted butter.
Step 3) Season salmon generously with salt, pepper and any other desired herbs or spices.
Step 4) Place fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-25 minutes based on thickness.
Step 5) Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F when done.
Step 6) Let salmon rest 5 minutes before serving.
And that’s seriously it! Beautifully cooked, flaky salmon ready in under 30 minutes.
Cooking Frozen Costco Salmon
It’s easy to go straight from freezer to oven with Costco’s individually vacuum sealed frozen salmon fillets.
Since frozen salmon takes longer to bake through, increase cook time to 25-35 minutes at 400°F for a 1-inch thick fillet.
As always, rely more on the internal temp than time. Bake frozen fillets until they register 145°F.
Checking Doneness of Baked Salmon
Using an instant read thermometer is the most foolproof way to assess doneness. But if you don’t have one, try these visual cues:
-
Salmon should flake easily and look opaque throughout when done.
-
Test for flakiness by poking the thickest part with a fork.
-
The exterior will appear lightly browned or caramelized.
-
Well done salmon will separate from the skin more easily.
Tips for Flavorful, Moist Salmon
-
Dry thoroughly and brush with oil or melted butter before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
-
Use a non-stick pan or line pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
-
Brush with mayo or mustard instead of oil for extra browning and flavor.
-
Season generously with salt, pepper and spices or herb rubs. Salmon benefits from strong seasonings.
-
Bake at a high temp like 400°F to brown the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
-
Let rest before serving so juices can redistribute through the flesh.
Side Dishes for Baked Salmon
Here are some delicious options to accompany your baked Costco salmon:
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Sauteed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Mixed salad greens with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
I also love serving sauces like chimichurri, aioli, pesto or teriyaki on the side for dipping. Fresh lemon or lime wedges are fantastic too.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
You can safely store leftover baked salmon in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Here are some ideas for enjoying leftovers:
- Break into chunks and add to salads or rice bowls
- Flake into pasta, risotto or frittatas
- Stuff in lettuce wraps or sandwiches
- Top with eggs for a protein packed breakfast
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave
For longer storage, you can freeze baked salmon for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
More Easy Ways to Cook Costco Salmon
If you love Costco’s salmon, try these other quick and simple cooking methods:
- Cedar planked salmon – Infuses incredible smoky flavor
- Salmon foil packets – Bake in parchment paper or foil
- Air fryer salmon – Gets crispy with minimal oil
- Grilled salmon – Great smoky flavor from the grill
- Broiled salmon – Similar to grilling but indoors
- Poached salmon – Very gentle, moist cooking method
- Salmon burgers – Made from chopped salmon fillets
With so many options, you can enjoy affordable Costco salmon any night of the week. Follow this baking guide for perfect results every time.
Costco Salmon is Perfect for this Recipe
I love to shop at Costco. This is a great recipe for baked salmon from Costco, where you can buy frozen salmon in single servings that are great for dinner.
I also buy fresh salmon at the store, but having a few tasty meals in the freezer is great. When I leave for work in the morning, I will take the pieces of frozen fish from Costco out of the freezer and put them in the fridge. This way, they will be defrosted and ready to be cooked when I get home.
How to Cook Baked Salmon
I am almost ashamed to tell you how to make this baked salmon dish. It’s so easy!
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil are all mixed together in equal parts and then poured over the salmon.
- After that, you bake the salmon for about 15 minutes, or longer if it’s bigger.
That’s all there is to it.
Kirkland salmon | how To | Review | Chef Dawg
FAQ
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
How long do you cook salmon in the oven at 425 degrees?
How do you cook Costco salmon?
To cook Costco salmon, preheat your oven to 375°f. Place the salmon on a baking tray lined with foil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Costco is known for offering high-quality products, and their salmon is no exception.
How do you cook Kirkland salmon in the oven?
Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil all over. Place them, skin side down, in the baking dish. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to taste. Bake your Costco Kirkland Salmon until it is opaque and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F, this should take 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven.
How do you cook salmon in the oven?
Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200 °C) and line your baking sheet. Season: Pat your salmon dry and season generously. Aromatics (Optional): Add lemon slices, herbs, or veggies for extra flavor. Bake: Cook for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Crispy skin, tender flakes oven-baked salmon perfection awaits!
How long does salmon take to cook?
Bake the Salmon. Transfer to the oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at the thickest part of the fillet. For example, a 1-inch fillet at 400°F typically takes 12-15 minutes. (see notes*) The best way to tell if your salmon is done is the flake test!
How do you make a copycat salmon sandwich?
For copycat dish, mash together the butter and pesto in a small bowl with a fork. Copycat: Place salmon skin side down on a baking pan, and spread the pesto-butter mixture on top, then add fresh dill. Costco take and bake: remove lid. Bake for 12-16 minutes in oven, or 5-10 minutes in air fryer, depending on thickness.
How long to cook salmon at 425?
At an oven temperature of 400°F, 1-inch thick salmon portions will take 12 to 14 minutes, while a whole fillet will take 15 to 20 minutes. Further, two-inch salmon portions will take 18 to 20 minutes, while a whole fillet will take 20 to 25 minutes. Always check doneness using an instant-read thermometer.