Best & Worst Food Items From Costco, Here’s Why
1 Kirkland Signature Pork Shoulder
Barbecue-lovers should check out the Kirkland Signature Boneless Pork Shoulder. This huge cut of meat comes with two pork shoulders and usually weighs in at 17 pounds. It will set you back around $30 a pack. Not a bad deal, if you ask us.
- Pork shoulder butt
- Boneless
If you want pull-apart pork shoulder, your best bet is to slow roast it. Pour Worcestershire sauce over the butt and allow it to sit for 90 minutes. Hand-press brown sugar onto the meat and pour apple juice into the pan. Bake at 200 degrees for 4 hours. You will be thrilled at how juicy your meat will be.
2 Costco’s Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Another meat that you should pick up in the Costco meat department is the Boneless Beef Short Ribs. At just $7.79 a pound, you can get a lot of meat for your money. This cut works in many different dishes so it’s good to have on hand.
- USDA Choice Beef
- Less marbling than Prime, but still quality meat
Short ribs are the perfect ingredient to make a yummy stew in the slow-cooker. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown the meat in oil on high heat. Place garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, and vinegar into the crockpot. Add sliced onions and carrots and cook the spare ribs on low for 9 to 10 hours. Top with chives and toasted sesame seeds.
3 Kirkland Signature USDA Prime Beef Brisket
If you enjoy beef, then pay attention to this next item on the list. The Kirkland Signature USDA Prime Beef Brisket totally makes the cut. It’s USDA Prime beef and has plenty of marbling, which means you get a nice, tender piece of meat.
- Commodity Beef Brisket
- Boneless
Here’s a simple tip to cook the tenderest beef brisket. Add dry onion soup mix along with liquid smoke, beef broth, garlic powder, pepper, and the brisket in a roasting bag. Seal the bag, and poke 2 holes on the top of the bag with a fork. Cook at 275 degrees for 6 to 8 hours. This recipe is so tasty and easy!
4 Kirkland Signature Beef Ribeye Steaks
When it comes to steaks, Costco has an ample selection and offers amazing quality. The Kirkland Signature Beef Ribeye Steaks are another cut of meat that you should buy. They cost $8.99 a pound, which is an impressive price. Don’t pass up this deal.
- USDA Choice Beef
- Ribeye Cut
Here’s an unexpected way to cook a steak: try making it in an air fryer. Combine softened butter, parsley, chives, and thyme in a bowl. Harden in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Cook steak in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 16 minutes, flipping half-way through. Top steak with herb butter and enjoy!
5 Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Drumsticks
The Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Drumsticks will impress health-conscious shoppers. It’s challenging to find Non-GMO chicken at the big box stores, but Costco’s organic chicken eats an all-vegetarian feed, making this a smart option.
- $11.99 for 6lbs
- Hatched and raised in the USA
Looking for a yummy way to cook your Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Drumsticks? Try marinating the drumsticks in barbecue sauce overnight and then cook them on the grill. Here’s a pro tip for crispier skin: start grilling on high heat, then finish over medium heat until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6 Kirkland Signature Fresh Wild Atlantic Salmon Fillet
The seafood area at Costco has so many incredible deals, and one item that you should be on the lookout for is the Kirkland Signature Fresh Wild Atlantic Salmon Fillet. This is a beautiful piece of fish and you won’t believe how reasonable the price is. At just $8.99 a pound, the salmon is fresh and inexpensive.
- Boneless and skinless fillets
- They add color through the feed
A clever way to cook fresh salmon that enhances the flavor of the fish is to cook them in foil packets. Just place the salmon into foil on top of fresh green beans or any vegetable of your choice. Add a pat of butter and close the foil into a small pocket. The contents will steam during cooking. Plus, this method makes clean up so easy.
7 Kirkland Signature Lamb Loin Chops
One of the best deals you can find on meat at Costco is the Kirkland Signature Lamb Loin Chops. You can’t beat the price at just $6.99 a pound. You’d be hard-pressed to find this product for that price at your local grocery store.
- Australian made lamb loin chops
- This product isn’t always available, so grab it if you see it
The secret to cooking a moist lamb chop is to marinate the meat before cooking it. This will infuse the meat with flavor. Some good marinade options include jalapeno or rosemary. Here’s a quick tip: add some sugar to your marinade for a lovely caramelization. So delish!
8 Kirkland Signature USDA Prime Beef Loin New York Steak
Meat-lovers should pay attention to this next item on the list. Costco has fantastic deals on fine cuts of meat, like the Kirkland Signature USDA Prime Beef Loin New York Steak. It’s USDA approved and only costs $9.99 a pound which makes everyone’s wallet happy.
- These steaks are blade-tenderized, which means they’re mechanically punctured to make the meat tender
- This can cause surface bacteria deeper into the meat, so cook it to 160 degrees to be safe
There’s nothing that goes better with steak than potatoes. Any potato will do, but we love serving our steak with a side of french fries. Don’t forget to sprinkle a dash of sea salt onto the steak, this will draw out the moisture and create a brine that makes the meat juicier and more tender.
9 Kirkland Signature Wild Pacific Cod
Don’t be afraid to buy frozen fish at Costco because they have a few tasty options. The Kirkland Signature Wild Pacific Cod is a wise pick. It’s a prime white fish that is individually vacuum-packed and quick-frozen. This fish has a nice, mild taste when cooked.
- Hand trimmed
- Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod Loins
Wine aficionados will tell you that the best wine to pair with Cod is a crisp white wine. Costco has an extensive wine selection, so be sure to grab a bottle on the way out. Here’s an insider secret: many of Costco’s wines are sourced from reputable wineries. Check the label on the back to see where it’s made.
10 Kirkland Signature Organic Young Chicken Whole Fryers
You can feel good when you buy Kirkland Signature Organic Young Chicken Whole Fryers because they are certified USDA organic. These fryers are hatched, raised, and harvested in the USA. They also eat a Non-GMO feed, which means no animal byproducts.
- $13.59 for a twin pack
- No added salt
If you want mouthwatering results, then you should cook a whole chicken in the Crockpot; it simmers and cooks meat to perfection. Coat the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Place it breast-side up in the Crockpot, and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours. We love this because it makes dinner prep easy on busy days.
11 Costco’s Northwest Fish Sea Scallops
Costco offers an impressive deal on Northwest Fish Sea Scallops. We like them because they’re so fresh and at $25 per pound, the price is right. There’s a minimum of 48 scallops, so this would be smart to buy for a dinner party or social gathering. Either way, these scallops are top-notch.
- Product of the USA
- Comes from MSC Certified waters
Don’t let cooking scallops intimidate you, they’re simple to cook, especially if you pan sear them. It only takes around 5 minutes to cook them on the stovetop. This method allows you to get a quick sear on the scallops and prevents overcooking. Melt butter in the pan, add a bit of garlic and lemon, then sear the scallops in the hot pan. Yum!
12 Farm To Family Organic Ground Turkey
Costco’s Farm To Family Organic Ground Turkey is a great option in the Costco meat department. Butterball backs this brand, so it’s a big name in disguise. It also gets points for being hormone and steroid free meat, so you know that you’re buying a high-quality product.
- Raised with no antibiotics
- Farm to Family products earned the American Humane Association’s Humane Certified™ certification
A tasty and easy meal that’s perfect for fall is turkey chili. Mix cooked ground turkey, a taco seasoning packet, a can of stewed tomatoes, a can of black beans, and a can of corn. Bring it to a boil and serve. Don’t forget to add garnishes like cilantro and sliced green onions. Yum!
13 Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties
There are also a handful of good meat products in Costco’s frozen section. For example, you should buy the Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties. These frozen patties are super convenient and don’t skimp on taste. We like that they only cost $3.79 a pound.
- Patties are 1/3 pound each
- 100% grass-fed beef
The Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties would be perfect for a juicy cheeseburger. Fire up the grill or cook them in a skillet for a no-fuss meal. Be sure to include all of your favorite condiments like lettuce, tomato, and onions. Serve it with traditional sides like french fries or coleslaw.
14 Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky
You can also find quality meat products on the shelves of Costco, so we added Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky to this list. If you enjoy beef jerky, then you will love this product. We like it because they contain no preservatives, nitrates, nitrites, or MSG, which means they’re a healthy option.
- 100% grass-fed beef
- Slow-cooked for moist meat
You can make beef jerky seem fancy if you make a charcuterie board. Items to include on your plate could include dried fruits, nuts, cheese, olives, or pita bread. The possibilities are endless. Just chop up the beef jerky and enjoy! This would totally impress your guests at a party.
15 Costco’s Kirkland Sliced Bacon
If you’re a bacon-lover, then you’ll enjoy Costco’s Kirkland Signature Regular Sliced Bacon. At just $14 for a 64-ounce, it’s a great buy. This brand was a winner with Consumer Reports, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product for a fraction of the cost.
- Naturally wood smoked
- Thick cut bacon
Let’s face it, everything’s better with bacon. A great appetizer is bacon-wrapped asparagus. These two ingredients are made for each other. Trim the asparagus and toss it with olive oil and black pepper. Wrap the asparagus with bacon and bake at 400 degrees for 28 minutes.
16 Costco King Crab Legs
If you’re a fan of crab meat, then you’ll want to check out Costco’s selection of King Crab Legs. These are fully cooked, ready to eat, and are just $19.99 a pound. You can’t find a much cleaner and brighter shell than the crab legs at Costco. This is fresh seafood at a decent price.
- Wild-caught in the Bering Sea
- Certified sustainable
Nothing sets off the savory flavor of crab legs like a seafood boil. Get creative with the ingredients, but we prefer to add lobster, corn on the cob, shrimp, Andouille sausage, red onions, and potatoes. Don’t forget the sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or warm French Bread.
17 Kirkland Pork Country Style Ribs
Barbecue-lovers should jump on Costco’s pork shoulder country style ribs. A package only costs $19.53. This is a great cut of meat to have in your freezer because you can prepare it in different ways, like cutting the ribs up for stew or small cubes for chili. We like that it’s such a versatile cut of meat.
- USDA Choice Meat
- These ribs are boneless
The best way to cook Kirkland Boneless Pork Country Style Ribs is to smoke them. This technique brings out the flavor of the ribs and makes them so tender, they’ll melt in your mouth. Just sprinkle the ribs with a pinch of salt and pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ rub or sauce. Place them in the smoker at 250 degrees for 4 hours.
18 Costco Shrimp Cocktail
Let’s head back to the Costco deli, shall we? If you’re looking for seafood that is prepared and ready to go, then you’ll love the convenience of picking up Costco’s shrimp cocktail from the deli. The price is a total steal at just $9.99 a pound.
- Includes lemon slices
- Cocktail sauce included
Why not make a grown-up drink and have a shrimp cocktail Bloody Mary? They’re perfect for brunches or parties. Add one can of tomatoes and green chilis, chicken broth, celery seed, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a tablespoon of sugar. Top the drinks off with a skewer of shrimps and olives.
19 Phillips Crab Cakes
You can also discover high-quality seafood in the freezers at Costco. We really enjoy the Phillips Crab Cakes, so it’s worth grabbing while you’re shopping. These crab cakes are handmade and made with premium crab meat. They’re so quick and easy to fix, but don’t skimp on flavor.
- Made with lump crabmeat
- Zero grams of trans fat
Sometimes it’s nice just to stick to the classics when cooking, especially if you’re eating something as traditional as crab cakes. We suggest covering Phillips Crab Cakes with tartar sauce and topping them off with a squeeze of fresh lemon. A little touch of dill rounds out this dish. These flavors work so well together, why mess with a good thing?
20 Costco’s Giant Lobster Claws
Be on the lookout for Costco’s giant lobster claws that have been spotted in their seafood departments. Shoppers reported seeing the massive claws in several California Costco stores. The claws vary in size and weigh between 2 to 7 pounds. That’s a lot of meat!
- $9.99 per pound
- Only available on the West Coast
Once you crack through that massive shell, a tasty way to prepare your huge lobster claw would be to make a lobster roll. Here’s a simple way to make them. Melt butter in a pan and toss in the lobster chunks until they are coated. Serve it on a warm hot dog bun, cover with chives, and a squeeze of lemon.
21 Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef
If natural ingredients are important to you, then you’ll want to add the Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef to your grocery list. This USDA quality meat is procured from Canada and Australia and is certified 100% organic meat. So, you can feel good knowing you’re serving your family healthy ingredients.
- No added antibiotics
- No added growth hormones
Everyone loves taco night! Toss a taco seasoning packet and the Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef into a skillet. Serve with corn or flour tortillas and all the yummy sides, like rice or refried beans. Don’t forget the sour cream and guacamole. This is a fiesta in the making.
22 Kirkland Signature Australian Lamb Rack
Another amazing lamb product available in the Costco meat department is the Kirkland Signature Australian Lamb Rack. We like that it’s just $10.99 a pound, which is less than you’d pay for it in Australia. This is one deal you shouldn’t pass up.
- Grass-fed lamb
- 100% pure Australian meat
A decadent way to cook this cut of meat is to prepare a garlic-crusted rack of lamb. Our favorite ingredients for the crust include garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, and parmesan cheese. Toss all the ingredients in the food processor, brush the rack of lamb with dijon mustard, and coat it with the breading.
23 Kirkland Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken
You can also find great deals on meat in the Costco deli department. One of their most popular items is the Kirkland Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken, and for good reason. They’re a total steal for $4.99 a chicken. You get a lot of meat for your buck.
- Most grocery store Rotisserie Chickens cost around $7.00
- This product is so popular that there’s even a Facebook page dedicated to the Kirkland Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken
We love the Kirkland Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken because it can save you so much time in the kitchen. It also makes a great chicken salad. Dice the chicken, toss in chopped cucumbers, roasted red peppers, and a spoonful of mayonnaise. This would be a perfect option for a potluck or a picnic.
24 Canadian Cove Mussels
Costco offers quality mussels in their seafood department. The Canadian Cove Mussels are $12.99 a tray. They’re a product of Canada and are live rope grown. Health-conscious shoppers will like that they’re certified organic, so you can avoid chemicals and hormones.
- Good source of Omega 3
- Comes in a 6lb serving
A lovely way to cook mussels is to steam them. Heat olive oil in a pot, saute shallots and garlic. Toss the mussels into the liquid then add white wine, lemon juice, chicken broth, fennel, and diced tomatoes. Cover the pot and steam the mussels for 5 minutes, until they open. Serve with warm bread for sopping up the juices.
25 Beyond Meat Beyond Burger
We had to include a plant-based option on our list for our vegetarians. Costco carries The Beyond Burger, which contains 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving. It’s a tasty option for those who don’t eat meat but crave a hamburger. We like this product because it is Non-GMO verified.
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
The Beyond Burger is just begging to become a patty melt. Start off with white bread, slathered in butter. Add the plant-based pattie, top it with a slice of cheddar cheese, and grill it to perfection. This is an enticing dish that will make you forget that you’re eating fake meat.
