Homemade Trader Joe’s Salmon Recipe

I’ve always appreciated the quality and variety that Trader Joe’s brings to the table, especially when it comes to the Trader Joe’s Salmon. It’s not just a fish; it’s a canvas of culinary possibility.

How to make Trader Joe’s Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 Trader Joe’s salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh dill, parsley, or lemon slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or acidity, depending on your preference.
3. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Glaze the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. With a brush or spoon, generously apply the honey-lemon-garlic glaze all over the top and sides of each fillet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. For a slightly caramelized top, you can broil the salmon for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching it closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Before serving, you can garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or lemon slices. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of vegetables or a light salad.

Tips for Perfect Trader Joe’s Salmon:

• Selecting the Salmon: Opt for fillets that are uniformly thick to ensure even cooking.
• Skin-On vs. Skin-Off: Cooking the salmon with the skin on helps retain its moisture. However, if you prefer skinless salmon, Trader Joe’s offers both options.
• Adjusting Cooking Time: Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary. Start checking the salmon a few minutes before the recipe suggests, ensuring it doesn’t overcook.
• Sustainability: Trader Joe’s often sources its salmon with sustainability in mind. Feel good about the fish you’re eating by checking its sourcing and certification marks.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, flake the salmon and add it to salads, pasta, or make it into salmon cakes for the next day. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients Substitutes

Trader Joe’s pre-marinated salmon products come with unique blends of sauces, seasonings, and flavor profiles that make them convenient and delicious options. However, if you’re recreating Trader Joe’s salmon at home or need substitutes for certain ingredients, there are plenty of alternatives.

1. Salmon Itself

If fresh salmon isn’t available, here are alternatives:

• Frozen Salmon Fillets: These are just as convenient and can be thawed before use.
• Steelhead Trout: Similar texture and flavor to salmon, making it a perfect substitute.
• Arctic Char: Slightly milder in flavor but still delicious.
• Tilapia or Cod: These leaner fish can work if you’re interested in a salmon-inspired dish without actual salmon.

2. Marinades and Sauces

Trader Joe’s often features salmon with diverse marinades, such as teriyaki, miso, or tangy citrus blends. Substitutes for popular flavors include:

Teriyaki Style Marinade

If replicating a teriyaki-glazed salmon:

• Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos for a low-sodium option.
• Brown Sugar Substitute: Replace with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup for sweetness.
• Ginger Alternative: Ground ginger can replace fresh ginger, though the flavor is milder.
• Garlic Substitute: Garlic powder can replace minced garlic in a pinch.
• Sesame Oil: If unavailable, olive oil or avocado oil can work. You can add toasted seeds for flavor.

Miso Marinade

For dishes that rely on miso glaze:

• Miso Substitute: Use soy sauce mixed with tahini and a small amount of sugar.
• Rice Vinegar Alternative: Replace with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Honey or Agave: These can replace traditional sweeteners like mirin used in the sauce.

Citrus Marinades

If substituting citrus flavors:

• Orange Juice Substitute: Use pineapple juice or lemon juice for tangy brightness.
• Lime or Lemon Zest: Replace zest with available citrus fruits like grapefruit or mandarin orange zest.
• Oil Alternative: Avocado oil works as an excellent substitute for olive oil.

3. Seasoning Mixes

Trader Joe’s uses a variety of spice blends for their salmon. Here’s how you can replicate or substitute their unique seasoning mixes:

Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

This is commonly used at Trader Joe’s. If unavailable:

• Combine granulated garlic, onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a hint of salt.
• Cajun and Spicy Blends

For a Cajun-inspired salmon:

• If you don’t have pre-mixed Cajun seasoning, substitute paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.

Asian Seasonings

If a dish calls for Asian spices:

• Sesame seeds, dried nori (seaweed), or Chinese five-spice powder can replicate this flavor family.

4. Vegetable Garnishes

Trader Joe’s salmon dishes are often paired with veggies like asparagus, mixed greens, or sweet potatoes. Substituting vegetables can include:

• Regular Asparagus: Replace with broccolini or green beans.
• Sweet Potatoes: Substitute with carrots or butternut squash for roasted sides.
• Greens: Spinach or kale can replace arugula or mixed salad greens.

5. Cooking Method Substitutes

Trader Joe’s salmon is often baked, grilled, or pan-seared. Substituting cooking techniques can also elevate the dish:

• Baking Alternative: If you don’t prefer baking, try steaming the salmon for a healthier option.
• Grilling Substitute: Use a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• Pan-Searing: Instead of pan-searing, you can poach the salmon in a flavorful broth.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s salmon is versatile, delicious, and simple to prepare. With this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe, you’re not just making a meal; you’re creating an experience that balances taste, nutrition, and the joy of cooking.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Homemade Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts Recipe
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Margarita Mix Recipe