Costco offers a variety of high-quality pork rib options for members to choose from. Here’s an overview of the different cuts and styles of pork ribs available at Costco.
Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs are a popular choice for their tenderness and flavor. They come from the top of the ribcage near the spine and contain less fat than other rib cuts. At Costco, you can find baby back ribs in a few different packaging options:
- Kirkland Signature Boneless Baby Back Rib Rack – Around 3 lbs of boneless rib meat in cryovac packaging.
- Swift Bone-In Baby Back Ribs – Around 2.5 lbs of bone-in ribs in cryovac packaging, usually 2 racks per package.
- Kirkland Signature St. Louis Style Spareribs – Larger racks around 3-4 lbs, meatier than baby backs.
Spare Ribs
Spare ribs come from lower down on the belly side of the pig and contain more fat and cartilage. They tend to be cheaper than baby back ribs. Costco spare rib options include:
- Kirkland Signature St. Louis Style Spareribs – Around 3-4 lb racks, meaty with bone-in.
- Swift Boneless Spareribs – Around 4 lbs of boneless rib meat in cryovac packaging.
Country Style Ribs
Country style ribs are meatier pieces cut from the blade end of the pork loin. They contain a mix of white and dark meat and are higher in fat than other rib cuts. At Costco, country style ribs often come pre-seasoned or marinated for convenience:
- Kirkland Signature Country Style Ribs – Around 4 lbs of boneless country ribs in chili lime marinade.
- Member’s Mark Bone-In Country Style Ribs – Around 4 lbs of bone-in country ribs in original or spicy BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information
The nutrition content of pork ribs can vary slightly depending on the cut. Here is the approximate nutrition per 3 oz serving of cooked pork ribs from each type:
| Rib Cut | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Backs | 245 | 15 | 22 |
| Spare Ribs | 285 | 23 | 20 |
| Country Style | 320 | 24 | 24 |
Prices
Pork rib prices at Costco can range from $2.99 – $3.99 per pound depending on the cut and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Here are some typical price examples for popular rib choices:
- Kirkland Boneless Baby Backs – $3.49/lb
- Swift Bone-In Baby Backs – $2.99/lb
- Kirkland St. Louis Ribs – $3.49/lb
- Swift Boneless Spareribs – $3.99/lb
- Member’s Mark Country Ribs – $3.49/lb
Cooking Methods
Costco’s meat department also offers some pre-cooked ribs for convenience. However, many members like to prepare and cook their ribs at home. Here are some common cooking methods:
Baking
Baked ribs are seasoned with a dry rub or sauce and cooked low and slow in the oven at 225-250°F for several hours until tender.
Grilling
Grilled ribs get seared and caramelized over direct heat on a barbecue grill. This imparts a delicious charred flavor.
Smoking
Smoking ribs “low and slow” in a smoker or grill with wood chips results in extremely tender, smokey flavored ribs.
Braising
Country style ribs can be seared then braised in a flavorful liquid like barbecue sauce until fall-off-the-bone tender.
Pressure Cooking
A pressure cooker like the Instant Pot can cook ribs in a fraction of the time while still keeping them juicy and tender.
Selection and Storage
For the best results, look for ribs that are evenly colored and have a nice layer of white fat on top. Avoid ribs with dry looking meat. Store ribs tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 4 months.
Conclusion
Costco offers high-quality pork ribs in a variety of cuts like baby back, spare, and country style. Prices range from $2.99-$3.99 per pound. While some pre-cooked options are available, many members prefer cooking methods like baking, grilling, or smoking their ribs at home. With proper selection and storage, Costco’s pork ribs provide an enjoyable and flavorful meal.