Costco is a popular warehouse club that offers great deals on bulk items. Many Costco shoppers wonder if the wholesale retailer sells sushi-grade fish for making sushi at home. Here are some quick answers to common questions about buying sushi-grade seafood from Costco:
What is sushi-grade fish?
Sushi-grade refers to very fresh, high-quality fish that is safe to eat raw. This grade of seafood has been frozen to kill parasites and bacteria. Sushi chefs look for fish with high fat content that holds together well for slicing.
Does Costco sell sushi-grade fish?
Yes, certain Costco locations do carry sushi-grade fish like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and halibut. However, selection varies by region and season. Call ahead to ask if your local Costco has sushi-grade seafood.
What types of sushi-grade fish does Costco sell?
Costco stores that sell sushi-grade seafood may carry:
- Tuna (bluefin, yellowfin, albacore)
- Salmon (farmed Atlantic salmon, wild king salmon)
- Yellowtail
- Halibut
- Sea bass
- Fluke
- Snapper
- Ikura (salmon roe)
What does sushi-grade fish from Costco cost?
Prices vary by location and current stock. As a benchmark, sushi-grade wild salmon fillets can cost around $19.99 per pound. Tuna is around $14.99 per pound for frozen steaks or sashimi cuts. A 1-pound bag of salmon ikura may cost $19.99.
How should you store sushi-grade fish from Costco?
For safety, it’s ideal to consume sushi-grade seafood from Costco within 2 days. Immediately store the fresh fish on ice or refrigerate. Do not refreeze previously frozen sushi-grade fish. Keep raw fish to be eaten raw separated from other foods.
Can you freeze sushi-grade fish from Costco?
If you don’t plan to use the sushi-grade fish right away, it can be safely refrozen. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Store at 0°F or below for 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Is Costco sushi-grade fish actually safe to eat raw?
Yes, reputable grocery chains like Costco follow regulations for selling sushi-grade seafood safe for raw consumption. Look for shiny, firm flesh without discoloration. Only buy fish displayed on ice that smells fresh, not fishy.
Should you make sushi with fish from Costco?
Making sushi or sashimi at home with fish from Costco is fine. Ensure the fish was labeled sushi-grade and has been handled properly. Follow food safety guidelines carefully when preparing raw fish dishes.
Conclusion
At select warehouse locations, Costco does sell high-quality sushi-grade fish like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and halibut. While availability varies, the seafood offered is very fresh and appropriate for eating raw if labeled sushi-grade. Use proper storage and food prep when making homemade sushi with fish bought from Costco.
Does Costco Sell Sushi-Grade Fish?
Costco is a popular bulk grocery store chain that offers great deals, but does Costco sell sushi-grade fish suitable for making sushi at home? The availability of sushi-grade seafood at Costco locations varies greatly depending on the region, season, and individual store. Certain Costco stores do carry sushi-grade options like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and halibut that can be used for sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, ceviche, and other raw fish applications. However, the selection is not consistent chainwide.
What Qualifies as Sushi-Grade Fish?
True sushi-grade fish has the following characteristics:
- Very fresh and of high quality
- Firm texture with shiny, smooth flesh
- No discoloration or strong “fishy” odor
- High fat content
- Commonly sliced cleanly and holds shape well
- Frozen at ultra-low temperatures to kill parasites
Fish meeting these standards is considered safe and desirable for consumption raw in Japanese cuisine. The term “sushi-grade” is not an official designation regulated by seafood authorities, but implies the fish was handled according to guidelines for raw preparation.
Species of Sushi-Grade Fish Sold at Costco
The selection fluctuates, but some sushi-grade fish species that may be available seasonally at Costco include:
- Tuna – Bluefin, yellowfin, albacore
- Salmon – Farmed Atlantic salmon, wild king salmon
- Yellowtail (Hamachi)
- Halibut
- Sea bass
- Fluke
- Snapper
- Ikura (Salmon roe)
Contact your local warehouse to ask about current sushi-grade inventory. Availability and prices vary.
Proper Handling of Sushi-Grade Fish from Costco
To safely consume raw seafood from Costco:
- Only select fish displayed on ice that looks shiny and firm
- Refrigerate immediately and use within 2 days
- Keep raw fish separate from other foods
- Avoid cross-contamination and handle with clean utensils
- Do not refreeze previously frozen sushi-grade seafood
- Thaw frozen fish overnight in the refrigerator before use
- Follow good hygiene and food safety practices when prepping raw fish
Is it Safe to Make Sushi with Costco Fish?
Yes, it is considered safe to use sushi-grade fish from Costco for making sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and other raw seafood dishes. As a major retailer, Costco follows rigorous standards for selling fish intended for raw consumption and labels their offerings accordingly. Always inspect the fish carefully for freshness and proper handling practices. While rare, there is a small risk of contamination associated with consuming raw seafood from any source.
Should You Make Sushi with Non-Sushi-Grade Costco Fish?
It’s not recommended to use non-sushi-grade fish from Costco for raw dishes. Fish not labeled for sushi/sashimi has likely not been frozen to the extremely cold temperatures needed to kill bacteria and parasites. Eating unfrozen fish raw can pose a health hazard. Stick to fish clearly sold as sushi-grade when making raw preparations.
Tips for Purchasing Sushi-Grade Seafood from Costco
Here are some tips for getting sushi-grade fish at Costco warehouses:
- Call ahead to ask if they have sushi-grade fish available that day
- Inspect fish carefully for freshness and quality
- Look for firm, shiny flesh with no discoloration or smell
- Make sure fish is on ice and properly stored
- Check labeling/signage for sushi-grade and species information
- Ask fish counter staff for recommendations
- Consider frozen options for longer shelf life
- Purchase only what you will use within 2 days
Current Costco Sushi-Grade Inventory
Sushi-grade seafood stock can vary greatly across Costco locations and by season. Some current examples of sushi-grade fish that may be available include:
| Fish Type | Origin | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Alaskan King Salmon | Alaska, USA | $18.99/lb |
| Bluefin Tuna Loins | Massachusetts, USA | $39.99/lb |
| Pacific Yellowtail (Hamachi) | Japan | $14.99/lb |
| Halibut Fillet | Alaska, USA | $22.99/lb |
Check with your local Costco fish counter for up-to-date inventory and pricing details.
How to Store Sushi-Grade Fish from Costco
To safely store sushi-grade seafood from Costco:
- Keep fresh fish on ice until ready to use
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags
- Use within 2 days for raw preparations
- Freeze at 0°F or below for 3-6 months for longer storage
- Thaw frozen fish overnight in the refrigerator
- Avoid cross-contamination and contamination
Proper storage preserves freshness and reduces risk of bacteria growth and spoilage.
Is Sushi-Grade Fish Worth Buying from Costco?
For sushi fans, having access to sushi-grade fish can make it easier to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi, sashimi, poke, and other Hawaiian-style seafood dishes from home. While availability is limited, Costco can offer an affordable source for ultra-fresh fish intended for raw consumption compared to specialty seafood retailers. The savings on species like wild-caught salmon, bluefin tuna, and yellowtail can be significant.
Keep in mind that storage times are limited, as sushi-grade fish is highly perishable. You’ll want to plan to use or freeze the fish within 2 days. There is always some risk of contamination when consuming raw seafood as well. However, Costco sushi-grade fish comes from reputable sources and follows the handling methods necessary to minimize this risk if the fish looks and smells fresh.
While not every location carries sushi-grade options, Costco can be a more budget-friendly source for quality fish for Japanese cuisine compared to other grocery stores and fish markets if you can find it in stock.
Key Takeaways on Costco’s Sushi-Grade Fish
- Availability of sushi-grade fish varies greatly across Costco warehouses.
- When in stock, options may include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, halibut, and roe.
- Prices are discounted compared to specialty seafood stores.
- Fish must be labeled sushi-grade and look shiny, firm, and fresh.
- Refrigerate immediately and use within 2 days.
- Freeze at 0°F for longer storage up to 3-6 months.
- Follow proper handling procedures for raw consumption.
- Costco sushi-grade fish can provide quality and value for home sushi meals.
Conclusion
At select Costco locations, it is possible to find affordable sushi-grade fish options like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and more that can be used to make sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and other Hawaiian and Japanese seafood specialties from home. The availability varies greatly by region and season, so call ahead to check. While not carried chainwide, Costco does offer fresh ultra-low temperature frozen seafood that is safe for raw consumption when labeled as sushi-grade. This allows shoppers to skip specialty seafood markets to source quality fish for sushi and save money. Always inspect the fish carefully for standards of freshness and proper handling when buying seafood intended to be eaten raw. With some research and planning, Costco can be a viable source for sushi-grade fish compared to traditional fishmongers.
