Costco’s meat counter entices top-quality cuts ranging from steaks and seafood to pork and poultry.
Groceries are perhaps the most popular of Costco’s goods and services, but some departments are more popular than others.
The enticing bakery, for example, is well-known for its fragrant selection of cookies, pastries, and massive desserts. Another fan favorite is the freezer aisle, which is stocked with long-lasting foods. The produce section, on the other hand, frequently disappoints.
But what about the meat counter at the warehouse club? Like most other sections of Costco’s stores, the meat counter has many perks and praise-worthy items. If you’re familiar with Costco, you’re probably familiar with the store’s famously low-priced rotisserie chicken. However, experienced chefs know that Costco’s high-quality selection extends far beyond that.
Continue reading to discover what these experts think are the best poultry, pork, chicken, and seafood to buy at the supermarket.
1. Brisket
They’re high-quality and reasonably priced. And Costco’s brisket is at the top of his list of favorites. That sucker is to die for! I smoke it for 12 hours on my Kamado Joe! Kamado Joe is a highly versatile brand of ceramic duel grills and smokers for those who aren’t professional chefs. But don’t be concerned. This high-end equipment isn’t required to cook a delicious Costco brisket at home. A conventional grill, slow cooker, or even a standard convection oven will suffice.
2. Whole Octopus
If you enjoy seafood, Costco has a plethora of options for you. I particularly enjoy the store’s octopus, which is sold whole, tentacles and all. I like to prepare sous to vide, the popular method of vacuum-sealing the protein and immersing it in warm water. I then char it on the grill to achieve that epic Basque/Spanish finish.
3. Lamb Racks
Lamb racks, normally imported from New Zealand, are also available at Costco. Pan-roast them whole after a simple marinade to achieve a rare medium finish. Moreover, the lamb racks are French trimmed, which means they are already cut in a way that cleanly exposes the bone and simplifies the preparation and serving process. You can also slice them into cutlets and cook them on the grill to caramelize the sweet fat.
4. Whole chicken and chicken thighs
While regular shoppers can’t get enough of Costco’s famous $4.99 rotisserie chickens, top chefs prefer the warehouse’s uncooked poultry options. These are both low-cost protein options. In addition, the Costco whole chicken is ideal for early-week cooking and meal prep, and it can be used in various ways, including wraps, salads, sandwiches, dinners, and even breakfast.
5. Chicken Breasts
Costco has some of the best meats around, and the store has something for every palate, whether you’re just shopping for groceries or hosting a fancy dinner party. Stewart, a culinary consultant and executive chef with extensive experience in local eateries, restaurants, and catering to A-list celebrities, is particularly fond of the store’s poultry. Their chicken breasts are also excellent; large, fatty, juicy chunks that never taste dry no matter how long you cook them. Plus, they’re already boned, so you’ll have less work to do when preparing your meal!
6. Ribeye Steaks
In the beef category, one specific cut at the warehouse has Stewart’s heart. Costco’s best meats include rib eye steaks, which are incredibly tender and juicy due to the marbling. This marbling allows the steak to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in the restaurant-quality steak that everyone craves. Combine these Costco thick-cut steaks with a bottle of one of Costco’s popular Kirkland-brand red wines for the ideal date night!
7. Pork Chops
Costco’s pork chops are another popular item in the warehouse meat section. Stewart describes them as thick cutlets with a ton of flavor from slow oven roasting and that these characteristics make the chops an exceptional entree to serve any night of the week. Stewart also adds that Costco’s pork products are typically organic and antibiotic-free and that some selections are pre-smoked, which can impress even the most critical dinner guest.
8. Bacon
The thick-cut hickory wood smoked pepper bacon, which brings a bit of spicy kick in each bite, is second to none and sure to add some extra deliciousness to whatever dish you decide to prepare with it.
Don’t forget to check out the Kirkland Signature Fully Cooked Bacon, which may not be as extravagant as some of these other options, but members say it’s one of the warehouse’s most underrated items.
9. Organic Ground Beef
Kirkland signature organic ground beef is the best from Costco; it is sold in bulk and offers good value. Because it is organic and grass-fed, it is free of chemical and synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals, making it certified organic beef.
Turner goes on to say that eating organic is not only healthier for you because the meat is leaner and higher in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s also healthier for the environment, making organic ground beef the ideal choice for those who are concerned about both their health and the environment.
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