As a devoted home cook and salmon lover, I’m always seeking new ways to prepare this nutritious, omega-3-rich fish. Safeway offers a convenient shortcut with their ready-made stuffed salmon fillets, preloaded with incredible crab and lobster fillings. With minimal prep, you can have restaurant-quality stuffed salmon on the table in under 30 minutes.
In this article, I’ll share my expert tips for cooking Safeway’s stuffed salmon to tender flaky perfection. You’ll also find serving suggestions to round out the meal. Get ready to impress your family with these sensational seafood creations!
Picking the Best Safeway Stuffed Salmon
The first step is choosing your stuffed salmon fillets at Safeway. Here’s what to look for:
- Fresh, vibrant salmon color
- Firm, intact fillets without tears/gaps
- Minimal liquid inside packaging
- Fully thawed if purchasing frozen
- Several weeks before sell-by date
Popular stuffed varieties include crab, lobster shrimp, scallop and garlic herb. I prefer wild sockeye salmon for its deep orange hue and rich flavor. The crab/lobster combo is a luxurious choice for a special occasion.
Once home, thaw frozen fillets overnight in the fridge. Now let’s get these stuffed beauties ready to cook!
Preparing Stuffed Salmon for Baking Perfection
Safeway does most of the work by pre-stuffing the salmon. With a few easy steps, you’ll have these fillets oven-ready:
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Brush lightly with oil on both sides
- Season with salt, pepper and paprika
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Line a baking sheet with foil
That’s it – the stuffed salmon is prepped for cooking!
Baking Tips for Superior Stuffed Salmon
With an oven-safe thermometer, baking stuffed salmon is foolproof. Follow these guidelines:
- Bake on middle oven rack
- Cook 20-25 minutes until 140°F internally
- Broil 2-3 minutes to brown tops
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook or it will dry out.
Grilling Stuffed Salmon for Smoky Flavor
During summer, I love to throw stuffed salmon on the grill for irresistible charred flavor. Here are some grilling tips:
- Oil the grates well
- Grill skin-side down first
- Flip carefully using two spatulas
- Grill 5-6 minutes per side
- Get a nice sear on the skin
- Remove from grill around 130°F
Finish cooking to 140°F internal temp if needed. The skin should be crispy and charred with the flesh moist and flaky inside.
Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce for Stuffed Salmon
A bright, lemony sauce complements rich stuffed salmon perfectly. Whip up this easy dill cream sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir ingredients together until well blended. Drizzle the sauce over your salmon for a restaurant-worthy presentation!
Killer Side Dishes for Stuffed Salmon
A stuffed salmon fillet makes a complete meal, but I like to include a few tasty sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or pasta
- Sauteed spinach with pine nuts
- Brown butter rice pilaf
- Roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts
- Fresh mixed greens salad
Round out your plate with a whole grain like quinoa or wild rice. A crisp white wine or sparkling water makes the ideal beverage pairing.
With minimal sides prep, you can have an elegant seafood dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Impress your family, guests or even yourself with your culinary skills!
Leftover Stuffed Salmon Handling
Stuffed salmon reheats beautifully, so plan on leftovers. Follow these storage tips:
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate.
- Separate from sauce/sides to prevent sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
The delicate fish will start to breakdown after 4-5 days. Use it to make salmon patties, salad or chowder.
Common Questions about Cooking Safeway Stuffed Salmon
If you’re new to preparing stuffed salmon, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I thaw frozen stuffed salmon first?
Yes, always thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Never thaw at room temperature.
Can I microwave the stuffed salmon to reheat?
No, microwaving will make the texture soggy. Reheat gently in a low oven.
What temperature should I cook the stuffed salmon to?
Cook until it reaches 140°F internally. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
How will I know when it’s done?
Look for opaque, flaky salmon flesh that separates easily with a fork. It should be firm but not tough.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed salmon?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Have more questions? Ask the knowledgeable seafood staff at your local Safeway store for their expert tips.
Sink Your Teeth into Succulent Seafood
With Safeway’s ready-made stuffed salmon fillets, you can create restaurant-caliber seafood dishes with ease. Follow my simple prep and cooking instructions for tender, flaky results guaranteed to impress.
Surround the salmon with fresh vegetable sides and lemon dill sauce for a sensational meal. You’ll look like a pro without the hassle or expense of dining out.
The next time a seafood craving strikes, grab a stuffed salmon fillet from Safeway. Then relax and let your oven or grill work its magic. Your family will keep begging for more of these scrumptious salmon sensations!