I only wish I would’ve known about Costco’s excellent seafood department sooner. It has some of the freshest, most delicious salmon I’ve ever had (off the coast). Since it’s sold in bulk and we’re a house of two adults, I need to keep the rest frozen so it doesn’t go to waste. My Costco seafood meal prep is a must-read for anyone who loves fish or is looking to love fish on their trek to eating healthier.
Costco Seafood Offerings
Catfish, salmon, tilapia, cod and so much more are all available in bulk at unbeatable prices in the Costco seafood department. Of course, being a wholesaler, Costco comes with a membership fee, so it’s not as simple as walking in and making a one-off purchase. However, I do highly recommend the most basic membership to any household with at least two adults for this and many other reasons.
My Costco Seafood Meal Prep Process
I’ve never used any sort of food scale, I just eyeball the portions. Depending on how strict of a diet you’re following, you can invest in an inexpensive food scale to be sure you’re not over or under doing it.
To start, I lay out five to six pieces of tinfoil on the counter because once I start cutting the salmon flank into pieces my hands are too dirty to handle the tinfoil roll. As I go, I place the two one-person portions of salmon on each piece of tinfoil. Once all the salmon is divvied out, I wash my hands and then close the tinfoil so it doesn’t get all fishy from my hands.
While I’m currently using tinfoil, another option that I really should try is using a vacuum sealed food storage system. Amazon shopping wasn’t nearly as mainstream as it is today in 2021. So when I first started Costco seafood meal prepping I had no idea where to find one. After a bit of research, this is the vacuum sealer machine and vacuum seal food storage bags I’d suggest trying.
Costco Seafood Meal Prep Cost
Prepare to be wowed by the price of this very accessible fresh seafood.
Costco Tilapia Price
Each pallet of tilapia provides about five meals, at two to three filets per meal (larger fillets in groups of two, smaller ones in threes).
- One full tray of tilapia costs approximately $18.00
- Divided into about 5 meals for two
- Bringing the cost per two-person meal is about $3.60 (or $1.80 per person!)
Costco Salmon Price
Each salmon flank ends up creating eight ~5 ounce salmon filets, or four two-person meals.
- One full salmon flank costs approximately $21.00
- Divided into 8 filets
- Bringing the cost per two-person meal to about $5.20 (or $2.60 per person!)
Compare this pricing to Mariano’s (a local chain grocer) at $4.99 for a single salmon filet and you’re saving nearly 50% on your healthy fish dinner!
Seafood and Rice Meal Idea
More fullffilling than it sounds, seafood and rice is one of my favorite healthy meals. I always feel good after eating it and the way we prepare it, it’s anything but bland. Plus, super cost effective.
An example meal cost breakdown, featuring my teriyaki salmon with a Knorr rice side.
- The two salmon fillets ($2.60 x 2)
- One Knorr rice side ($1/unit, or less in bulk)
- Whole dinner costs about $6.80
Only $6.80 for a two-adult meal is an absolute bargain! We also toss some spinach or whatever greens we have home in with the rice for even more nutritional benefit.
What’re your thoughts on my Costco seafood meal prep? While I published this in 2016, in 2021 we’re still eating a healthy Costco salmon weekly. You have to let me know what you think in the comments!
More Food and Recipes
- Smoked Bacon Bomb Recipe
- Quick Fish Dish Dinner Idea
- Simple Quesadilla Recipe
- Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
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