How to cook Costco pre cooked ribs?

Costco’s pre cooked ribs are a convenient and delicious option for a quick weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue. They come fully cooked so all you need to do is heat them up and add your favorite barbecue sauce. This cuts down on prep and cook time significantly compared to raw ribs. In this article, we’ll walk through the simple process of preparing Costco’s pre cooked ribs so they come out juicy and flavorful every time.

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What Are the Benefits of Costco Pre Cooked Ribs?

There are several advantages to choosing Costco’s pre cooked ribs:

Convenience – The ribs come already fully cooked so there’s no need to spend hours smoking or braising them yourself. Just heat and serve!

Time savings – You can have tender, juicy ribs on the table in less than an hour since no lengthy cooking is required.
Consistent quality – Costco has already smoked the ribs perfectly so you don’t have to worry about under or overcooking.
Value – You get high quality, delicious ribs at a budget-friendly Costco price.

Shelf life – The pre cooked ribs last for 4-6 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight before heating.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick dinner, Costco pre cooked ribs are the way to go. Now let’s get into how to prepare them!

How Long Does it Take to Heat Costco Ribs?

One of the best things about pre cooked ribs is how fast you can have them ready to eat. Here are the approximate heating times:

Oven: 20-30 minutes at 300°F
Grill: 8-12 minutes per side over medium heat
Microwave: 4-8 minutes depending on amount

Stovetop: 15-20 minutes in a skillet or pot with sauce

So you can have hot, saucy ribs on the table in less than 30 minutes! Just be sure to heat them thoroughly until the center registers 165°F. Now let’s go over the best cooking methods.

How to Cook Costco Ribs in the Oven

The oven is a great hands-off way to reheat a whole slab of Costco ribs:

Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Remove ribs from packaging and place meaty side up on a rimmed baking sheet.
Cover ribs loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Check temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
During last 5 minutes of cooking, remove foil, brush with your desired barbecue sauce and return to oven to caramelize.
Slice between bones and serve!

The low and slow heating allows the ribs to warm gradually for tender results. The foil keeps them from drying out. Just watch closely near the end to prevent burning.

How to Cook Costco Ribs on the Grill

The grill adds delicious smoky flavor to reheated ribs. Follow these steps:

Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F.

Lightly oil the grates.
Place ribs meaty side down and cook for 8-12 minutes until marks form.
Flip ribs and cook another 8-12 minutes until heated through.

In the last 2-3 minutes, brush with barbecue sauce to glaze.
Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

The key is searing both sides over direct heat. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F internally.

How to Reheat Costco Ribs in the Microwave

The microwave provides a super fast method for heating up individual portions of ribs:

Unwrap ribs and place in a microwave-safe dish.
Cover dish with a paper towel or plastic wrap to prevent splattering.

Microwave ribs on High in 1 minute intervals until warmed through, 4-8 minutes total.
Check temperature using a meat thermometer, microwaving longer if needed.
Once ribs are heated, remove plastic, brush with sauce and microwave 30 more seconds to glaze.

Be careful when removing the dish as it will be very hot!

The main drawbacks of the microwave are uneven heating and lack of browning. But it’s a great option for quickly reheating a single serving.

How to Cook Costco Ribs on the Stovetop

For stovetop cooking, choose a skillet or dutch oven to braise the ribs in sauce:

Choose a pot or pan large enough to hold the slab of ribs laying flat.
Add 1 cup of barbecue sauce and 1/2 cup water or broth.
Place ribs meaty side down in the sauce.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Uncover and let sauce reduce to thick glaze texture.
Remove ribs, slice between bones and serve with extra sauce.

The braising gives great flavor infusion in the sauce. Just watch closely to prevent burning.

How Long Do Costco Pre Cooked Ribs Last?

Properly stored, here is how long Costco pre cooked ribs last:

Refrigerator – Use within 4-5 days of opening package.

Freezer – Last for 4-6 months in freezer until sold by date.
After reheating – Eat within 3-4 days.

The ribs come vacuum sealed for maximum freshness. Once opened, keep refrigerated and reheated ribs stored in airtight containers. Discard if you notice an off smell or appearance.

Tips for Serving Costco Pre Cooked Ribs

Here are some serving suggestions to get the most out of your Costco ribs:

Cut into individual ribs before saucing so sauce coats evenly.
Toss cooked ribs in your favorite barbecue spice rub for extra flavor.

Serve with traditional barbecue sides like cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans or mac and cheese.
Garnish with chopped scallions and fresh cilantro.
Make sandwiches with the ribs, barbecue sauce and brioche buns.

Dip ribs in additional sauce for moistness.

Any way you cut it, Costco’s pre cooked ribs make for quick, delicious barbecue-style meals with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I trim Costco pre cooked ribs before cooking?

There is no need to trim Costco’s pre cooked ribs before reheating. The minimal fat helps keep them moist and flavorsome. Leave them as is for best results.

Can I use an instant read thermometer for Costco ribs?

Yes, instant read thermometers are a great tool for checking doneness when reheating pre cooked ribs from Costco or any brand. They will ensure the center has reached safe eating temperature.

How should I reheat Costco ribs without drying them out?

Low, slow heating methods like the oven or grill are best for avoiding dried out ribs. Keeping them covered in foil while reheating will help retain moisture. Also brush with barbecue sauce just before serving for extra juiciness.

Can I reheat Costco ribs directly from frozen?

It is best to thaw ribs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This allows them to heat evenly throughout. If short on time, defrost in the microwave before a quick oven or stovetop reheat.

What wood smoke flavor are Costco pre cooked ribs?

Costco does not specify what wood they use to smoke their pre cooked ribs. Most large brands use a mix of woods like hickory, oak and apple to create a classic barbecue flavor profile.

Conclusion

Costco’s fully cooked ribs offer a simple shortcut to homemade barbecue taste. By following the proper reheating methods, you can enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs any night of the week. Their convenience, moisture and flavor make them a go-to for individuals and crowds alike. Just add your favorite sides and sauce for fingertip-licking ribs with seriously minimal effort.