Welcome to the irresistible world of Costco brisket, where succulence meets perfection. Costco has long been known for its exceptional quality and value, and its brisket is no exception. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or simply a lover of good food, the allure of their tender, juicy, and flavor-packed brisket is undeniable.
This article will delve into the secrets behind Costco’s mouthwatering brisket, including how to pick the best one. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey that will leave you craving more.
Can You Get Beef Brisket At Costco
Yes, Costco sells two versions of beef brisket. The warehouse has flat-cut, trimmed, and untrimmed portions at $7.49 per pound.
Both are in the refrigerated meat section. The less fatty version on a styrofoam tray retains a layer on the bottom. While the vacuum-sealed untrimmed is nearby. Both are USDA Choice Grade.
During the month of March, the warehouse has corned beef briskets, too.
Besides beef, the meat section includes excellent deals, including chicken thighs, and pork.
Is Costco Brisket Trimmed
Costco sells trimmed and untrimmed brisket. Both are flat cut and USDA Choice Grade.
The trimmed version is on styrofoam trays in the refrigerated meat section. While the butcher removed most of the fat, there is still a layer of fat on the bottom. It’s about ¼-½” thick.
The 2023 cost is $7.49 per pound.
What Are The Grades of Brisket at Costco?
Costco sells USDA Choice Grade brisket. There are three grades, Prime, Choice, and Select. Prime typically costs $1-1.50 more per pound.
Choice beef is high quality but has less marbling than Prime. These meats are great for dry heat and are most tender if braised, roasted, or simmered with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan.
Many BBQ pros use Choice Grade for smoking briskets and have excellent results.
What Is Better Prime or Choice Brisket?
USDA meat inspectors evaluate beef for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. After evaluation, beef cuts receive the grade Prime, Choice, or Select.
Prime brisket comes from younger, well-fed cattle which produce lots of marbling. Choice is also of high quality but has less marbling. Less than two percent of beef briskets receive the prime designation. Choice has between 4-10 percent fat, while Prime has from 10 to 15 percent fat.
The Prime version is often sold as a full-packer, meaning the point and flat sections are still together. Restaurants and hotels often purchase this, while Ii’s more common to find Choice briskets in supermarkets.
Choice is typically less expensive, and many recommend it for most preparation methods, including smoking.
Costco Brisket Cost
Costco sells two types of brisket. Both are flat-cut, but one has more fat than the other. One is trimmed, and the other is untrimmed.
Either Costco brisket costs $7.49 per pound.
The trimmed version is on a styrofoam tray in the meat section. Portions range from three to five pounds. It still has a layer of fat on the bottom.
You’ll find the vacuum-sealed untrimmed version nearby. These are slightly larger, with packages ranging from three to six pounds.
Whichever you choose, it’s a great deal. Our local grocer sells beef brisket for almost double the price — $14.00 per pound.
How Do You Pick A Brisket At Costco?
Here’s how to pick a great Costco brisket.
- Decide if you want it trimmed or untrimmed. The version in styrofoam is trimmed of fat, while the vacuum-sealed still has its fat. If you want to control the amount of fat, buy untrimmed. If you are looking for convenience, trimmed is the way to go.
- Look for uniform thickness which ensures even cooking. Anything less than an inch thick won’t cook well, so skip that if there are any thin parts of the meat.
- Check the fat cap (typically on the package’s bottom side). This is important for the trimmed version. You don’t want it too fatty; you only need ¼” to prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
- Check the color of the meat. You are looking for dark red, almost purple.
- Look at the size. Briskets shrink by almost half when cooked. Plan for 1 pound per person.
Costco Brisket FAQ
Does Costco Sell Smoked Brisket?
While the warehouse sells two versions of uncooked brisket, we have yet to see smoked brisket at Costco in 2023. We will update this if anything changes.
How Many People Will A 20-Pound Brisket Serve?
Briskets tend to shrink when cooked, so it’s best to plan for one pound of meat per person. If you have a 20-pound brisket, it will feed 20 people.
One pound of uncooked meat will yield approximately ½ lb. of cooked brisket.
When planning a meal for a large group, it’s essential to consider the number of sides and how many kids are attending. Kids often eat less than adults, and you generally need a little less if many other dishes accompany the meat.
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