Freezing and Storing Costco’s Tasty Salmon Milano

As a busy mom who loves good food but has minimal time to cook I rely on quality pre-made meals from Costco. One of my family’s favorites is their salmon milano – fresh salmon fillets stuffed with a decadent basil pesto butter. It’s a quick and easy dinner that feels elegant and restaurant-worthy.

I like to stock up on the salmon milano when it’s on sale at Costco since my family devours it so quickly. But that leaves me with the question – can I freeze the extra salmon milano to enjoy later? I did some digging to find out

Is Freezing Salmon Milano Possible?

The good news is, yes you can absolutely freeze Costco salmon milano! Freezing is a great way to save money by buying in bulk and extend the life of perishable foods like seafood. However, proper storage technique is key to preserving the quality and texture of the frozen salmon.

Below I’ll go over my tips for successfully freezing salmon milano from Costco, including how to store it, thaw it, and revive it to be just as delicious as the fresh stuff.

Separate the Pesto Butter Before Freezing

The first step is to remove the basil pesto butter from the salmon fillets. Pesto contains dairy ingredients like Parmesan cheese that can separate or get watery when frozen.

I recommend scooping off the pesto and storing it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator to use within a week. The salmon can then be frozen pesto-free.

If you want to freeze the pesto as well, transfer it to an airtight freezer bag or container. Press out all the air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Wrap Salmon Fillets Thoroughly

Once the pesto is removed, individually wrap each salmon fillet in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to wrap it tightly, pressing out any air pockets.

Then, wrap the fillets again in a second layer for extra protection. The tight double wrapping prevents freezer burn which can cause dry spots and texture changes.

Use Freezer Bags for Portion Control

For the most convenience, I like to divide the wrapped salmon fillets into meal-sized portions before freezing.

I place each piece of wrapped salmon in its own quart-sized freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bags tightly.

This portion control makes it easy to defrost just what I need for a family dinner or individual lunch. No need to thaw the whole package of fillets at once.

Maximize Shelf Life with Proper Freezing

To maximize the shelf life of frozen salmon milano, it’s important to freeze it promptly after purchasing. Avoid letting it linger in the fridge.

Ideally, the salmon should be frozen within 2 days of purchasing for peak freshness and quality. Frozen properly, the salmon fillets will last up to 3 months in the freezer before noticeable decline in taste or texture.

Be sure to label the freezer bags with the freeze date so you know when 3 months is up.

Thaw Overnight in the Fridge

When ready to enjoy your frozen Costco salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This slower thawing method helps maintain moisture.

I like to remove the bag of salmon fillets from the freezer the night before I want to cook them. After 24 hours in the fridge, they are ready to bake and serve!

Do not try to quick thaw salmon at room temp or in the microwave. This can cause uneven cooking and a rubbery texture.

Revive with a Quick Bake

Once thawed, the salmon is ready for a quick cooking session to heat through and revive the texture.

I preheat the oven to 375°F and place the fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.

For extra flavor and moisture, I coat the salmon lightly with olive oil or melted butter and add seasonings before baking. Lemon pepper is a favorite!

And don’t forget to top the salmon with the thawed basil pesto butter just before serving.

Enjoy Costco Salmon Milano Anytime!

Thanks to proper freezing techniques, I can now enjoy restaurant-quality Costco salmon milano even when it’s out of stock at the store. Keeping a stash in the freezer makes a gourmet meal readily available.