Costco’s Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter is a fan favorite for good reason – it’s delicious! But like with any perishable food, you may have leftovers that you don’t want to go to waste. Or, you might want to stock up when it’s on sale but aren’t sure how to store it. So can you freeze Costco Salmon Milano?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can freeze Salmon Milano from Costco! But to maintain quality and flavor, there are some important guidelines to follow
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing Costco Salmon Milano, including:
- Benefits of freezing Salmon Milano
- Step-by-step instructions for proper freezing
- Tips for thawing and reheating
- Creative ways to use up leftovers
- Delicious add-ins for the Basil Pesto Butter
Let’s dive in!
Why Freeze Costco Salmon Milano?
Freezing Salmon Milano can be a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
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Cost savings – Buying in bulk and freezing allows you to take advantage of Costco’s low prices without the food going bad before you can eat it all
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Convenience – Having frozen Salmon Milano on hand means you can enjoy a quick delicious meal anytime without having to go to the store.
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Preserve freshness – Properly freezing locks in flavor and texture. Thawed Salmon Milano tastes just-prepared.
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Reduce waste – Freezing lets you fully utilize leftovers and take advantage of deals without anything going to waste.
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Longer shelf life – Frozen Salmon Milano keeps for 2-3 months in the freezer versus just 3-4 days fresh.
Clearly, freezing makes good sense for Costco’s Salmon Milano!
How to Properly Freeze Salmon Milano from Costco
To get the best results freezing Costco Salmon Milano, follow these simple steps:
1. Remove the Pesto Butter
Before freezing, peel off the layer of Basil Pesto Butter atop the salmon. Freezing the butter on can cause it to separate and become watery when thawed.
Store the butter in a small airtight container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.
2. Wrap the Salmon Tightly
Wrap the salmon fillets very tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure there are no air pockets.
This protects the salmon from freezer burn which can cause dryness and texture changes.
3. Put Salmon in Freezer Bag
Place the tightly wrapped salmon in a freezer bag or airtight container. Make sure to label the package with the date and contents.
4. Freeze Right Away
For best quality, freeze the salmon as soon as possible after purchasing or preparing. Leaving it in the fridge causes loss of freshness.
5. Store Flat in Freezer
Arrange packages flat in a single layer in your freezer. This prevents creasing or damage during freezing.
Following these tips, your frozen Costco Salmon Milano will taste great for 2-3 months stored at 0°F.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Salmon Milano
Thawing and reheating properly is key to preserving the quality of frozen Salmon Milano. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Thaw in Fridge Overnight
Always thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in water. Place the frozen package in the fridge 24 hours before you want to eat it.
Thawing slowly in the fridge keeps the texture intact.
2. Remove Any Excess Moisture
Once thawed, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture on the surface.
This prevents the fish from getting soggy when you reheat it.
3. Reheat at 325°F
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 325°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet or pan and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
You can also reheat in the microwave or air fryer. Just be careful not to overcook.
4. Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the salmon reaches 140°F when reheated.
This ensures any bacteria is killed while preventing overcooking.
5. Add Moisture
Line the baking dish with foil and add a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating to help keep the fish moist.
Following these simple steps, your thawed Salmon Milano will taste remarkably fresh and flavorful!
Get Creative with Leftovers!
Don’t let any extra thawed Costco Salmon Milano go to waste. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftovers:
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Make salmon salad – Flake into chunks and mix with mayo, onion, celery, parsley.
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Toss with pasta or rice salmon fried rice – Stir in veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
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Top salads or bowls with seared or grilled salmon – Delicious protein boost!
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Blend into a smoked salmon dip – With cream cheese, lemon, and dill.
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Use in place of tuna in salmon melts or salmon patties.
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Make salmon hash with potatoes, peppers, and seasonings.
With a little creativity, you can give leftover salmon exciting new life!
Killer Add-Ins for the Pesto Butter
The Basil Pesto Butter Costco includes is already incredible. But you can take it to the next level with these easy add-in ideas:
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Fresh lemon juice – Bright, citrusy flavor
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Minced garlic – Extra zing
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Grated Parmesan – Nutty, salty flavor
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Cracked pepper – A little heat
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Italian seasoning – Oregano, basil, thyme
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Chopped sun-dried tomatoes – Savory richness
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Crushed red pepper flakes – For some kick
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Fresh dill or parsley – Herby freshness
Just mix a tablespoon or two of your chosen add-ins into the softened pesto butter before spreading atop the cooked salmon. So simple yet so tasty!
The Takeaway on Freezing Costco Salmon Milano
Freezing is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and always have delicious Salmon Milano on hand.
To maintain quality, be sure to remove the pesto butter, wrap the salmon tightly, freeze promptly, and thaw/reheat with care.
Get creative with leftovers and try spicing up the pesto butter with flavorful add-ins.
Following this guide, you can enjoy freezer-fresh Costco Salmon Milano for up to 3 months after purchase. No more worrying about food going bad or expensive ingredients going to waste!
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FAQ
Can you freeze the fresh salmon from Costco?
How long does Costco salmon last in the fridge?
Can Costco salmon be refrozen?
Is it OK to freeze store bought salmon?
Does Costco sell salmon Milano?
Costco sells their Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter for $10.49 a pound. The salmon milano can be found in Costco’s prepared meal refrigerators which is usually located near the deli area. The basil pesto salmon is found with the other prepared meal items such as the tuna poke, beef bulgogi, or the chicken taco kit.
Does Costco sell frozen salmon?
As you can see, Costco carries quite a variety of salmon products. They have everything from canned salmon to salmon burgers to smoked salmon and, of course, frozen and fresh salmon filets. Everybody likes options, but sometimes this can lead to analysis paralysis. Should you go for frozen or fresh salmon? Farmed or wild?
Does Costco have salmon Milano with basil pesto butter?
Of course, the 1.73 pounds includes the weight of the salmon and the basil pesto butter, so the price paid to turn this into a Salmon Milano dish is a little bit more. Convenience has a price! As a 20 year+ costco member, this is my first ever time trying Costco’s Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter.
How much does Costco salmon cost?
Sprouts, which is a notch above Costco in price and sometimes in quality, sells its Atlantic Salmon for $11.99/pound. They sell their wild-caught sockeye salmon for $14.99/pound. Both of their fresh salmon options are $2 more than Costco’s per pound price. Can you eat Costco Salmon Raw or as Sushi/Sashimi?