Costco’s seasoned baby back ribs are a fan favorite that sells out quickly. These meaty, tender ribs are pre-seasoned with a sweet and savory blend of spices that enhances their flavor. While Costco does most of the work for you with their special seasoning, cooking them properly ensures fall-off-the-bone texture and maximum flavor. Follow this simple guide to cook Costco’s seasoned ribs to juicy, mouthwatering perfection.
What You’ll Need
Cooking Costco’s seasoned ribs requires minimal ingredients and equipment beyond the ribs themselves:
- 2 racks Costco baby back ribs
- Cooking spray or aluminum foil
- BBQ sauce (optional)
- Oven or grill
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Prep the Ribs
Proper prep ensures the ribs cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor. Follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F or prepare grill for indirect cooking.
- Remove ribs from packaging and rinse under cold water.
- Pat dry completely with paper towels.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a spoon or your fingers under it to loosen, then grab and pull it off.
- Generously coat both sides of the racks with cooking spray or rub with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Ribs
You can cook Costco’s seasoned ribs in the oven or on the grill:
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place ribs meaty side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Cover tightly with foil, crimping edges to seal.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove foil and brush with barbecue sauce if desired.
- Increase oven temp to 450°F.
- Return ribs to oven and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to caramelize sauce.
- Remove ribs from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Grill Method
- Prepare grill for indirect cooking by heating to medium heat on one side and leaving the other side with no coals.
- Place ribs meaty side up on cooler side of grill.
- Cook covered for 1 1/2 – 2 hours with lid closed as much as possible, maintaining temperature between 250°-275°F.
- Check periodically and add fresh coals as needed to maintain heat.
- During last 15-30 minutes of cooking, brush with barbecue sauce if desired.
- Move ribs directly over fire for a few minutes each side to caramelize sauce.
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
The ribs are done when fork tender and the meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bones slightly. Allow them to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting into individual ribs to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Costco’s seasoned ribs pair beautifully with various sides:
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Mac and cheese
- Corn on the cob
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
Serve the ribs with your favorite barbecue sides for a backyard-style feast. Top individual portions with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover Costco ribs will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Here are some storage tips:
- Let ribs cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate ribs within 2 hours of cooking.
- Do not shred or slice ribs until ready to reheat.
- Cooked ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap ribs tightly in foil then place in freezer bags.
To reheat, unwrap ribs and place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven until heated through, 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it makes the ribs mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Yes, removing the thin membrane before cooking allows spices and smoke to better penetrate the meat. It also prevents the membrane from contracting and pulling the ribs out of shape as they cook.
Do I need to add extra seasoning?
Costco’s ribs come pre-seasoned with a flavorful dry rub. For the best flavor, cook the ribs unaltered or just brush with barbecue sauce toward the end. Extra seasoning overwhelms Costco’s special spice blend.
What if my ribs get dried out or burnt?
It’s easy to overcook ribs. Wrapping them in foil prevents burning or drying out. If your ribs are slightly overdone, brush them with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to add moisture.
Can I cook the ribs straight on the grill?
Cooking the ribs solely over direct high heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Use indirect heat, either on the grill or in the oven, to slowly roast the ribs for best results.
What sides go well with Costco ribs?
These meaty, saucy ribs pair perfectly with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, and potato salad. Serve with chilled watermelon slices for a refreshing finish.
Conclusion
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can turn Costco’s incredible pre-seasoned ribs into a mouthwatering family feast. Low, slow cooking tenderizes the meat while locking in moisture and flavor. Follow this foolproof guide for ribs cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection every time. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for requests for this winning barbecue meal again and again.