Eating sushi has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its burst of flavors variety of textures and beautiful presentation, it’s no wonder sushi has made its way into the mainstream. As more people try their hand at making sushi at home, a common question arises Is the salmon from Costco sushi grade?
As a huge sushi fan and home cook, I’ve done a lot of research on this subject. This article will tell you everything you need to know about making sushi with Costco salmon, such as
- What “sushi grade” really means
- The risks of eating raw salmon
- How to choose quality salmon at Costco
- Proper storage and handling
- Expert tips for making sushi from Costco salmon
After reading, you’ll understand if Costco salmon can be used for sushi, and how to mitigate potential risks. Let’s dive in!
What Does “Sushi Grade” Really Mean?
You may see the labels “sashimi grade” or “sushi grade” at some grocery stores and specialty fish markets. But in truth, there are no legal or regulated definitions for these terms in the US
Sushi grade is more of a marketing term and a measure of quality rather than a safety standard. It signals that the vendor believes the fish is of high enough quality to eat raw.
More important than the “sushi grade” label is making sure your fish was properly handled stored and frozen to destroy potential parasites.
The Risks of Eating Raw Salmon
Eating raw fish does come with some health risks to be aware of:
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Parasites: Salmon can sometimes contain parasitic worms that can cause illness when ingested. Proper freezing kills these off.
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Bacteria: Improper handling and storage can lead to bacterial growth like salmonella and E. coli.
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Mercury: Large predatory fish like tuna can accumulate high mercury levels. Salmon has low mercury content.
Of these, parasites pose the biggest concern when eating raw salmon. But the chances of getting sick are very low, around 1 in 10,000 servings. You’re more likely to get food poisoning from produce.
Choosing Quality Salmon at Costco
Costco is an excellent place to buy fresh, high-quality salmon. Here are some tips for picking it out:
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Look for “farmed”: Farmed salmon has a much lower risk of parasites compared to wild.
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Check the color: The flesh should be vibrant orange-red with no brown spots.
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Examine texture: Make sure the flesh is firm with no gaps or mushy spots.
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Buy previously frozen: Costco freezes their salmon which kills parasites.
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Check the sell-by date: Pick salmon with the furthest date for maximum freshness.
Stick to Atlantic farmed salmon, and avoid wild-caught varieties like sockeye or steelhead which carry higher parasite risks.
Proper Storage and Handling
To keep your Costco salmon in optimal condition for sushi, be sure to:
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Keep it very cold, stored in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally below 40°F.
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Rinse fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels before use.
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Work quickly and use within 2 days of purchasing for best quality.
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Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for raw fish.
Proper storage inhibits bacterial growth, while rinsing helps remove traces of bacteria. Following these steps minimizes risk when making sushi.
Tips for Making Sushi from Costco Salmon
Once you’ve selected some beautiful Costco salmon, here are some tips for transforming it into delicious sushi:
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Thinly slice fillets: Cut very thin, even slices across the width of the fillet for nigiri or sashimi.
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Remove pinbones: Use tweezers or fish pliers to remove any small bones for safety.
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Brush with nikiri: Traditional nikiri sauce adds flavor and sheen. Blend soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
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Chill your rice: Properly vinegared rice should be chilled before making nigiri to avoid getting mushy.
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Wrap nori inside out: For maki rolls, place nori on the outside to avoid moisture making it soggy.
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Clean up as you go: Wash knives, boards, and hands frequently to prevent bacteria transfer.
Follow these tips and you’ll be amazed at the restaurant-quality sushi you can make using Costco salmon!
The Verdict on Costco Salmon for Sushi
While Costco salmon isn’t marketed specifically as “sushi grade”, it’s certainly fresh and high-quality enough to eat raw in sushi. Costco’s strict seafood standards, high-volume sales, and freezing practices make it a great place to source salmon for home sushi.
To stay on the safe side, be sure to choose farmed Atlantic salmon and use proper handling procedures. Keep the salmon refrigerated at under 40°F, rinsed, and sliced thinly for optimum flavor and texture.
As long as you follow basic food safety guidelines, making sushi from Costco salmon can result in incredible homemade nigiri, sashimi, and rolls. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your sushi chef skills!
Sushi Guy’s Guide: Costco Fresh Salmon for Sushi Use (v2 non-Frozen Version)
FAQ
Is Costco’s salmon sushi grade?
How do you know if salmon is sushi grade?
Is Costco salmon good for sushi?
The quality of the salmon at Costco makes it a great option for making sushi at home. However, it’s important to note that not all types of salmon sold at Costco are suitable for raw consumption. For sushi, it’s best to look for salmon labeled as “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade.”
Does Costco freeze salmon?
Even though wild salmon tastes better, it must be flash frozen to destroy parasites in the flesh; Costco does freeze its salmon, but does not meet FDA guidelines for parasite destruction. Parasite Risk: none Scallops are an excellent choice for sushi, typically served as nigiri, perhaps with a pinch of salt and squeeze of citrus.
Can you freeze Costco salmon for sushi?
Yes, you can use frozen Costco salmon for sushi as long as it is labeled as sushi-grade. Freezing the salmon at a specific temperature for a certain period of time kills any parasites and makes it safe to consume raw. 3. What should I look for when buying salmon for sushi?
Does Costco sell sashimi quality fish?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as black and white as yes or no. Costco does sell “sashimi quality” fish, but that’s not quite the same thing as sushi or sashimi-grade. Still, not one of these terms has a concrete definition, anyway.