Skip to main content

Baked Costco Stuffed Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Costco's pre-stuffed salmon fillet turns into an impressive dinner with almost no effort.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Servings
4
Cost / Serving
$5.00

Quick Answer

Bake Costco's pre-stuffed salmon at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, basting with lemon-butter sauce in the final minutes. Pre-stuffed means almost no prep — package to plate in 30 minutes. Serves 4.

Costco sells a refrigerated stuffed salmon fillet packed with a savory crab, cream cheese, and herb filling — all the hard work is already done. This recipe walks you through baking it to a perfect 145°F, with a simple lemon butter sauce that complements the rich filling without overwhelming it. It looks like a restaurant-worthy centerpiece but takes only 30 minutes start to finish.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove the stuffed salmon from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.

  2. 2

    Place the stuffed salmon portions in the baking dish, stuffing-side up. Brush the top of each portion lightly with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Be gentle — you don't want to dislodge the stuffing.

  3. 3

    Bake uncovered at 375°F for 22–26 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reads 145°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish (not the filling).

  4. 4

    While the salmon bakes, make the lemon butter sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

  5. 5

    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt. The sauce will foam slightly when you add the lemon juice — that's normal. Keep warm until ready to serve.

  6. 6

    Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 3 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to plate without falling apart.

  7. 7

    Plate each portion carefully with a wide spatula. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad all pair well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I bake stuffed salmon?+
Bake stuffed salmon at 375°F (190°C). This temperature is hot enough to cook the fish through and heat the filling completely without drying out the exterior. Higher temperatures like 400°F can overcook the outside before the center is safe to eat, which is especially important since the cream cheese filling needs to reach a safe temperature throughout.
How do I know when stuffed salmon is done?+
The most reliable method is an instant-read thermometer — insert it into the thickest part of the fish (not the filling) and look for 145°F. Visually, the salmon should be opaque all the way through and flake easily when you press it gently with a fork. The filling should be hot and bubbling slightly at the edges. If the salmon is flaking but the center still looks translucent, give it another 3–4 minutes.
Can I grill Costco stuffed salmon instead of baking it?+
Yes, but it requires care. Place the stuffed portions on a well-oiled grill over medium heat (about 375°F). Cook with the lid closed for 18–22 minutes — do not flip, as the stuffing will fall out. Alternatively, cook it in a foil packet on the grill: wrap each portion loosely in foil, seal the edges, and grill for 20–25 minutes. Check internal temperature to confirm 145°F.
What should I serve with stuffed salmon?+
Light sides work best since the stuffed salmon is already rich from the cream cheese filling. Good options include roasted asparagus, steamed broccolini, garlic-sautéed spinach, a simple green salad, lemon rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce. Avoid heavy cream-based sides that compete with the filling.
Is Costco stuffed salmon already cooked when you buy it?+
No — it is raw when you purchase it. The salmon and the crab/cream cheese filling are raw and uncooked. It must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating. Do not eat it straight from the package. Some people confuse it with smoked salmon products, which are cured, but this stuffed fillet is a fresh/refrigerated raw product that requires full cooking.