Can You Eat Raw Salmon From Aldi? (Explained By Experts)

Are you a fan of sushi or sashimi? Have you ever wondered if you can eat raw salmon from Aldi?

The answer is yes, but with some important caveats. While some varieties of smoked salmon sold at Aldi can be consumed without any further preparation, others need to be cooked before consuming. And if you’re looking to eat raw salmon, it’s important to know that it should be previously frozen to ensure any parasites are killed.

But that’s not all there is to know about grocery store fish and sushi. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of salmon, the best practices for safe consumption, and more.

So let’s dive in and learn everything you need to know about eating raw salmon from Aldi.

Can You Eat Raw Salmon From Aldi?

As mentioned earlier, you can eat raw salmon from Aldi, but it’s important to ensure that it’s been previously frozen. This is because salmon can contain parasites that can be harmful to humans. Freezing the fish at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time kills these parasites, making the fish safe to eat raw.

It’s also important to note that not all varieties of salmon sold at Aldi are suitable for raw consumption. Some smoked salmon varieties labeled as “ready to eat” can be consumed without any further preparation, while others labeled as “lightly smoked” need to be cooked before consuming.

When it comes to sushi-grade fish, there is no legal definition for the term. It’s up to the grocery store to determine if a particular type of fish is safe to eat raw. However, if you’re looking for raw salmon specifically, it’s best to look for packages that state the fish is safe for raw consumption or has been previously frozen.

Types Of Salmon Available At Aldi

Aldi offers a variety of salmon options, including wild-caught Alaska pink salmon canned in the USA, farmed “Atlantic” salmon from Chile, and farmed “Norwegian” cold smoked salmon. Additionally, Aldi carries fresh salmon in the refrigerated section, with options such as Norwegian Atlantic salmon, Atlantic salmon, and whole sides of salmon. The store also rotates other salmon options throughout the year, including Coho salmon and Sockeye salmon, along with stuffed salmon, salmon on a wood plank, or pre-seasoned salmon.

Aldi’s smoked salmon varieties include their staple Specially Selected Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon, as well as other options like farmed “Atlantic” cedar plank salmon from Chile and farmed “Atlantic” Mediterranean herb salmon from Chile. It’s important to note that not all smoked salmon varieties are suitable for raw consumption.

In terms of frozen options, Aldi offers frozen salmon fillets that have received mixed reviews. It’s important to follow food safety guidelines when preparing fish, cooking it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Aldi also carries canned and pouch tuna on shelves, fish fillets like Sea Queen Fresh Atlantic Salmon and tilapia in the refrigerated section, ready-to-cook breaded fish, scallops, and frozen shrimp (raw or cooked). Packages of frozen crab legs can also be found in the freezer case. Overall, Aldi offers a wide range of salmon options for customers to choose from.

The Importance Of Freezing Raw Salmon

Freezing raw salmon is an essential step in ensuring its safety for consumption. Raw salmon can contain parasites that can be harmful to humans, and freezing the fish at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time can kill these parasites. This process, known as freezing for parasite destruction (FPD), has been recommended by the FDA and other regulatory agencies.

But freezing raw salmon isn’t just about safety – it’s also about preserving the quality of the fish. Freezing slows down the biological, chemical, and physical deterioration of food, but it’s important to note that degradation of food quality still occurs. Freezing can cause changes in color, texture, enzymatic activity, lipid oxidation, and ice crystal structural damage.

To minimize these negative effects, it’s recommended to freeze raw salmon as quickly as possible. Faster freezing rates result in smaller and more uniform ice crystals, causing less structural damage to the fish. Slower freezing rates result in larger and fewer ice crystals, causing more structural damage and a darkening effect on the meat surface.

It’s also important to properly package raw salmon before freezing to prevent exposure to air. Any exposure to air can cause the fish to spoil and affect its flavor and texture. The fish should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an air-tight container before being placed in the freezer.

Lastly, it’s important to note that while frozen raw salmon can be safe for consumption for up to six months, its quality starts degrading after three months. It’s best to consume frozen raw salmon within three months for optimum quality.

How To Prepare Raw Salmon For Sushi Or Sashimi

If you want to prepare raw salmon for sushi or sashimi, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure that it’s safe and delicious.

First, it’s crucial to start with fresh salmon from a trusted source. If possible, buy a whole fish and fillet it yourself to ensure freshness. Look for bright red gills, clear and bulbous eyes, and firm, unblemished flesh.

Next, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and sprinkle them with kosher salt. This will help to remove any excess moisture and enhance the flavor. Let the salmon rest in the fridge for one hour.

After an hour, carefully slice between the flesh and the rib bones using a fillet knife. Make sure to keep the knife close to the ribs to avoid removing too much meat. Run your fingers along the salmon to check for any remaining rib bones and scrape them off with a knife if necessary.

If you’re concerned about parasites, freeze the salmon for at least 48 hours before defrosting and preparing it for sushi or sashimi. This will kill any potential parasites and make the fish safe to eat raw.

To prepare the cured salmon for your sushi or sashimi, unwrap the plastic wrap and place it on a clean cutting board. Using a clean and sharp knife, gently trim around the fillet of salmon starting with the skin side first. Remove any parts of the salmon fillet that have been exposed to salt and rice wine vinegar mixture.

Finally, slice the salmon into thin rectangular pieces about 1/4 inch thick or your preference. Serve with sushi rice, wasabi, soy sauce, and any other desired accompaniments such as yuzu aioli, lemon, cucumbers, or avocado.

By following these steps, you can safely and deliciously prepare raw salmon for sushi or sashimi at home using salmon from Aldi or any other grocery store.

Cooking Salmon From Aldi

If you’re looking to cook salmon from Aldi, there are a variety of options available. One popular choice is the Aldi Mediterranean Salmon, which comes pre-seasoned with herbs and spices. Customers have reported that this salmon has a great taste and texture, but can be a bit salty for some palates.

To cook the Mediterranean Salmon, customers recommend grilling or baking it. If grilling, place the salmon fillets on the grill for two minutes on each side, rotating 90 degrees after the first two minutes. If baking, place the salmon on an oiled baking sheet and bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°.

Another way to cook salmon from Aldi is to grill it on a cedar plank. This method is said to keep the fish juicy and moist while imparting a cedar flavor that adds depth to the dish. To prepare, season the salmon with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil and lemon juice or a dab of barbecue sauce.

Tips For Safe Consumption Of Grocery Store Fish

When purchasing fish from a grocery store, there are several important tips to keep in mind to ensure safe consumption.

Firstly, always purchase fresh fish the day you plan to cook it. Fresh fish should have firm flesh that springs back when touched and only a slight salty or freshwater scent. Avoid buying seafood that has been in the grocery store case for too long and be sure to check the date it was packaged.

Secondly, check for proper refrigeration of fresh fish. The flesh should be shiny and firm, not separating from the bone, and the odor should be fresh and mild, rather than overly “fishy”. Make sure packaged seafood is well-packed in ice and that packages are tightly sealed and free of dents and tears. Avoid packages containing ice crystals as this is a sign that the seafood has previously thawed.

Thirdly, always buy fish from reputable sources such as grocery stores and seafood markets. If purchasing cooked seafood such as shrimp, crab or smoked fish, make sure it is displayed in a separate case or physically separated section from raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.

Finally, keep in mind the importance of cleanliness, temperature, and time when handling seafood at home. Keep your hands, preparation area, and utensils clean and never let raw seafood come in contact with cooked seafood or other raw (or cooked) foods. Seafood is highly perishable so be aware of temperatures – of the air, your refrigerator and freezer, and cooking – and limit how long the fish and shellfish are refrigerated. By following these tips, you can ensure safe consumption of grocery store fish.

Conclusion: Enjoying Salmon From Aldi Safely And Deliciously

In conclusion, Aldi offers a good variety of salmon, but the quality may vary depending on the farm or fishery. When purchasing salmon from Aldi, be sure to check the packaging to ensure that it’s safe for raw consumption or has been previously frozen. Freezing the fish at a certain temperature for a certain amount of time kills any parasites that may be harmful to humans, making it safe to eat raw.

It’s also important to properly store salmon to maintain its freshness and prevent foodborne illness. Salmon should be stored in an airtight container or vacuum seal in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days. For longer storage, salmon can be kept in the freezer for up to 9 months past its sell-by date. However, it’s important to note that the texture, flavor, or taste may be impacted if cooked 2 months after its sell-by date.