Pulled pork is a popular barbecue dish that consists of slow-cooked pork shoulder that is shredded, or “pulled,” to create tender, juicy meat. The pork is typically seasoned with a dry rub, braised until fall-apart tender, then doused with barbecue sauce. Pulled pork can be served on sandwiches, over baked potatoes, or as an entree with sides. It’s a staple menu item at barbecue restaurants and a classic dish for backyard grilling. Costco sells ready-to-eat pulled pork in the deli section that makes an easy weeknight meal or addition to a summer barbecue spread.
Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork
The brand of pre-made pulled pork that Costco sells is their exclusive Kirkland Signature line. Kirkland Signature products are designed to offer members quality items at a great value. The pulled pork is sold refrigerated in 2-pound vacuum sealed packages. It’s already fully cooked so just needs to be heated before serving. Each 2-pound package contains 8 quarter-pound servings of juicy pulled pork that has been slow smoked with Kirkland’s signature blend of spices and seasonings. The pork shoulder is smoked for up to 12 hours to break down the meat’s collagen and turn it meltingly tender. Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork is ready to enjoy in sandwiches, tacos, nachos, baked potatoes, pizza, salads, and more.
Nutrition Information
Here are the nutrition facts for Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork (per 2 oz serving):
| Calories | 90 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 12g |
As you can see, a serving contains 90 calories and 12g of protein so it provides a good amount of lean meat. However, the sodium content is quite high at 360mg per serving. This is expected for cured and smoked meats like pulled pork. Those looking to reduce their sodium intake may want to limit their portion size or rinse the meat before eating to reduce excess salt.
Ingredients
Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork contains relatively simple and straightforward ingredients:
- Pork shoulder
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Spices
- Natural hickory smoke flavor
- Sodium phosphates
The main component is pork shoulder which offers well-marbled meat that stays moist during long cooking times. Water is added during processing to enhance juiciness. Salt and sodium phosphates help enhance flavor and retain moisture. Natural smoke flavoring provides authentic barbecue taste. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Taste and Texture
Reviewers on Costco’s website praise the Kirkland pulled pork for its savory smoked flavor and tender, juicy meat. The pork shreds easily and soaks up barbecue sauce nicely. The meat has a pleasantly smokey taste from real hardwood smoke. The spice blend provides a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor. While not overly spicy, it has a mild kick. The pork has a soft, rich texture that falls apart on your fork. Some reviews mention the meat being slightly fatty, but this is typical for well-marbled pork shoulder. Overall, customers find it to be an easy and delicious pulled pork option.
Cost and Value
A 2-pound package of Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork costs around $7.99. With 8 quarter-pound servings per package, that equals just $1 per serving. This offers great value compared to buying pulled pork at a restaurant. Pulled pork sandwiches can cost $8-12 at barbecue joints. Given the tasty smoked flavor and tender meat, Kirkland pulled pork provides quality you’d expect from a good barbecue restaurant at a fraction of the price. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy pulled pork anytime.
Cooking Instructions
Since the pulled pork is fully cooked, reheating it is quick and easy:
- Remove package from refrigerator and cut open outer plastic packaging.
- Leave sealed inner vacuum pack intact and place in microwave.
- Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Carefully open inner package (caution – hot steam) and transfer pork to serving dish.
- Shred meat lightly with two forks.
- Toss pork with your desired barbecue sauce.
- Enjoy immediately on sandwiches, nachos, baked potatoes, and more!
The pork can also be heated in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Just warm it through for 5-10 minutes stirring frequently. This helps render any excess fat and makes the outer edges crispy.
How to Store
To retain quality and freshness, it’s best to store unopened packages of Kirkland pulled pork in the refrigerator. Sealed packs will keep for 2-3 weeks past the sell-by date printed on the label. Once opened, leftover pulled pork should be used within 3-5 days. Store open packages in the fridge and reheat to 165°F before eating. You can also freeze unused portions of pulled pork for longer term storage. Just divide into freezable portions, place in bags or airtight containers, label, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Where to Buy
Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork is sold exclusively at Costco warehouse stores. You can find it in the refrigerated meat section near the packaged deli meats and hot dogs. Costco carries it at most locations so you can grab a pack at your local warehouse. Some Costco stores also sell it from the on-site food court alongside items like pizza and hot dogs. If you don’t have a Costco membership, you unfortunately can’t purchase it. But it’s a good excuse to sign up or tag along on a trip with a friend who’s a member!
Uses for Pulled Pork
Kirkland pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the many ways you can use it:
Sandwiches
Pile the juicy pork on buns with your favorite barbecue sauce and toppings like coleslaw and pickles. Classic!
Nachos
Top corn tortilla chips with pulled pork, shredded cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and more for satisfying nachos.
Baked Potatoes
Load up baked russet or sweet potatoes with tender pulled pork and barbecue sauce for a hearty meal.
Pizza
Add shredded pulled pork as a tasty topping for homemade or frozen pizzas. Yum!
Tacos
Stuff warm corn or flour tortillas with pulled pork, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo for amazing tacos.
Salads
Mix shredded pork into leafy green or grain-based salads for added protein and flavor.
Breakfast
Crumble pork into scrambled eggs, hash, or omelettes for a savory start to your day.
Conclusion
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork offers delicious smoked flavor and fork-tender meat at an affordable price point. The pork shoulder is slow smoked for up to 12 hours to break down collagen and turn the meat meltingly tender. A seasoning blend provides sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor. While the sodium content is quite high, this is typical for cured barbecue meats. At just $1 per serving, Kirkland pulled pork is a great value compared to restaurant pricing. You can find it in the refrigerated section at Costco locations across the US. This versatile pre-cooked pulled pork is quick to heat and enjoy in sandwiches, nachos, tacos, pizzas, and more!