Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon is a quick and easy weeknight meal solution. The salmon fillets are pre-seasoned with Trader Joe’s sweet and tangy barbecue spice rub, so all you need to do is bake or grill them. Salmon is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthy protein that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In this article, we’ll walk through the simple steps for cooking Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon, as well as provide tips and tricks for getting the best results. Whether you bake, broil, or grill it, Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or summer barbecue.
What is BBQ Cut Salmon?
Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon consists of fresh Atlantic salmon fillets that have been pre-coated in the grocery store’s signature barbecue dry rub. The rub features spices like brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, onion, mustard, and paprika to give the salmon a sweet and tangy barbecue flavor.
Salmon fillets are one of the most popular seafood choices due to their rich omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3s offer many health benefits including reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and heart disease risk, and improving brain function. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein.
The barbecue spice rubbed salmon from Trader Joe’s provides a quick and easy way to incorporate salmon into your diet. It takes the guesswork out of seasoning and preparing the fish. Trader Joe’s does all the prep for you so all you have to do is cook the fillets.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon per 4 ounce serving according to the Trader Joe’s website:
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 23g |
As you can see, one serving of BBQ cut salmon contains 23g of protein making it an excellent choice for adding more protein into your diet. It also has healthy fats from the salmon. The carbohydrate and sugar count are low.
How to Cook Trader Joe’s BBQ Salmon
Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon can be cooked either on the stovetop or oven. The preparation is quick and straightforward. Here are step-by-step instructions for cooking this barbecue salmon two different ways:
Baking
Follow these simple steps for baking Trader Joe’s barbecue salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the fillets are in a single layer and not overlapping.
- Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The residual heat will continue cooking the fish.
- Enjoy your baked BBQ salmon!
Baking is a hands-off cooking method that infuses the salmon with smoky barbecue flavor. The fillets come out moist and tender.
Stovetop Grilling
You can also cook the Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon on the stovetop with these steps:
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. You may need to cook the fillets in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and serve immediately.
Grilling the barbecue salmon on the stovetop adds nice sear marks and enhances the smoky, charred flavors. Use a metal spatula to carefully flip the delicate fish halfway through.
Grilling Outdoors
During the summer months, you can also grill Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon on an outdoor barbecue:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Grill for 5-6 minutes.
- Carefully flip the fillets using a metal spatula. Grill for another 4-5 minutes.
- Check for doneness and remove from the grill once opaque and flakes easily. The salmon should reach 145°F internally.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
The hot grill sears in the barbecue flavors and adds great char marks to the salmon. Grilling outside during summer is a refreshing way to prepare this BBQ salmon.
Tips for Cooking Trader Joe’s BBQ Salmon
Follow these tips and tricks for getting the most flavor and best texture when cooking Trader Joe’s barbecue salmon:
- Pat the fillets dry before cooking to help sear and caramelize the seasoning rub.
- Get the grill or pan nice and hot before adding the fish. Preheating helps create a nice crust.
- Flip the salmon gently only once during cooking. Frequently flipping can cause it to flake apart.
- Use a digital food thermometer to check for doneness. Salmon is perfectly cooked at an internal temp of 145°F.
- Let the cooked salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute through the fish.
- Serve the salmon with extra barbecue sauce, lemon wedges, or cilantro for added flavor.
- Store any uneaten salmon in the fridge for 2-3 days. The spice rub helps preserve the fresh fish.
Following these simple suggestions will help ensure moist, flavorful BBQ salmon every time you cook it.
What to Serve with BBQ Salmon
Trader Joe’s barbecue salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty options:
- Rice: White or brown rice, fried rice, rice pilaf
- Potatoes: Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes
- Vegetables: Grilled corn, sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus
- Salad: Green salad, potato salad, Caesar salad, kale salad
- Bread: Corn bread, biscuits, dinner rolls
The barbecue flavors of the salmon complement starchy sides like rice, potatoes, and bread. Crisp vegetables add freshness while salads provide a lighter option.
You can also serve the salmon over greens for a main dish salad. Top a bed of lettuce or kale with the cooked BBQ salmon, avocado, tomatoes, and ranch or vinaigrette dressing.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Salmon
Like any fish, Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon is best when fresh. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Let the cooked salmon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- Place the container of salmon on the bottom shelf of the fridge, away from warmer air currents.
- Only keep leftover salmon for 2-3 days maximum.
- You can store the raw salmon an extra day or two before cooking it.
- Do not freeze the pre-seasoned BBQ salmon. The texture will degrade.
Properly stored in the fridge, the leftovers retain the moist texture and smoked spice flavors. Use the leftover salmon to make salmon tacos, salmon salad, or salmon fried rice.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon:
Is the salmon precooked?
No, Trader Joe’s BBQ salmon is raw and needs to be fully cooked before eating for food safety.
Can I eat the salmon skin?
Yes, the skin on Trader Joe’s salmon is edible. It gets nice and crispy when cooked. The skin contains healthy fats so there’s no need to remove it.
What if I don’t have a thermometer to check temperature?
You can check doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the salmon and looking for opaque, flaky flesh. It should not be translucent.
Can I marinate the BBQ salmon?
You can, but it’s not necessary. The spice rub provides plenty of flavor. Avoid acidic marinades that will start cooking the fish.
What if my salmon sticks to the grill?
Be sure to oil the hot grill well before adding the salmon. Use a metal spatula to gently pry it off the grates. Allow the fillets to release naturally before flipping.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon takes the guesswork out of cooking fresh fish at home. Thanks to the flavorful spice rub, you’re left with juicy, barbecue-glazed salmon with little effort. Bake, grill, or pan sear the salmon then pair it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for an easy weeknight meal. Follow proper storage tips to enjoy any leftovers later in the week. Trader Joe’s specialty salmon allows you to enjoy the healthy benefits of salmon in a convenient, tasty form.