There are just some items at Costco that you walk past every trip and wonder if it’s worth the purchase. Kirkland Signature pulled pork is that item for me. I reach over it in the refrigerated section while grabbing Baby Bell cheese every time and wonder, is it any good?
It has the potential to be a great weeknight dinner since it’s pre-cooked.
I purchased it the other day and have lots of thoughts. Here is everything you need to know about Costco pulled pork.
Does Costco Sell Pulled Pork?
Yes! Costco sells two varieties of pulled pork. The Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork and the Wolf Family Pulled Pork. Both are in the refrigerated section, and each package contains approximately two pounds of meat.
You can purchase the Kirkland signature version online via cold and frozen delivery. The Wolf Family version is available in-store or via Instacart.
The warehouse giant sells pork shoulder if you prefer to make pulled pork from scratch. The fat content of this cut makes it ideal for this dish. The meat is approximately 16lbs which yields about 10 lbs. of pulled pork which would feed 20 people. I’ve made the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe from Dinner at the Zoo several times, and it’s easy and delicious.
I have not seen canned pulled pork in the warehouse or online recently.
How To Cook Costco Pulled Pork
Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork comes cooked. There are two ways the manufacturers recommend reheating: via the microwave or the stovetop. When you open the packaging, you will notice the fat has collected in spots, be sure to follow the instructions, as proper heating will help the fat melt.
To heat in the microwave, remove the cardboard sleeve and puncture the bag four times. Place the bag in the black tray provided and microwave for seven minutes. Let stand for two minutes, then stir and serve.
Stovetop directions: Place the bag in boiling water for 12-15 minutes. Remove meat from the pack and shred. This cooking method alone makes it an excellent camping meal.
How Many Pounds of Pulled Pork Do You Need Per Person?
There are many factors to consider when deciding how much pulled pork you need per person. How are you serving it? If you are serving sandwiches, the buns are filling vs. on a salad.
As a general rule of thumb, plan for ⅓ to ½ pounds of pulled pork per person. A package of Costco pulled pork is two pounds, serving four to six people. My family of four had plenty of leftovers.
Pulled Pork Serving Size FAQs
How Many People Will 3 Lbs. Of Pulled Pork Feed?
Three pounds of pulled pork serves 6-9 people. On average, people will eat ⅓ to ½ pounds of pulled pork.
How Many Sandwiches Can You Get Out Of One Pound Of Pulled Pork?
The average sandwich bun holds 4-5 ounces. Since there is 16oz in a pound, there’s enough to make about four sandwiches.
How Long Does Costco Pulled Pork Last In The Fridge?
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, if stored at or below 40 degrees, pulled pork should last 3-4 days.
If something doesn’t look, smell, or taste good, it’s best to toss it. Pathogenic bacteria grow in temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees, so proper storage is essential.
Can You Freeze Costco Pulled Pork?
Yes! Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork freezes well. You can do so before or after it’s heated.
The package is vacuum-sealed, so storage is easy. It should last for 3-4 months.
Place cooked meat in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and flatten for accessible storage and defrosting. Cooked pulled pork is good for 3-4 months. Make sure to label the bag since lots of frozen items look alike.
Put the package in the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan on cooking to defrost.
Costco Pulled Pork Nutrition Information
One three-ounce serving contains the following:
- 160 calories
- 11g of fat
- 60mg of cholesterol
- 490mg sodium
- 6% of Your Daily Value of Iron
The product is gluten-free.
Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork Ingredients:
Pork, Water, Salt, Sodium Nitrite, Flavoring
Costco Pulled Pork Review
Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork is an easy dish to prepare. It’s ready in twenty-five minutes, and there are lots of ways you can use it.
While right out of the package, it is not the prettiest to look at, after it’s cooked, it’s more appealing. The strands are thicker than with other recipes I’ve made.
As for the taste, it has more of a cured ham taste than a traditional pulled pork one. It’s pretty salty and even looks more like ham than conventional pulled pork with its pinkish hue. The hickory taste is very subtle, and you can’t taste it in every bite.
My kids gave it one thumbs up. They liked it with BBQ sauce or ketchup on it.
I don’t think I would repurchase it. Instead, I would purchase the Wolf Family Pulled Pork, also sold at Costco. It takes much better, doesn’t have any nitrites, and is just as easy to prepare.
I can see this being a great dinner if you are camping. It’s hearty and easy to prepare. It also doesn’t weigh too much if you need to carry it.
How Do You Use Costco Pulled Pork?
This meal is a great starting point for dinner since you can use it in many ways. Here’s how.
Costco Pulled Pork With BBQ Sauce
Mix the heated pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and put on sandwich buns. W love Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Sauce (available at the warehouse). Y u will want just shy of ½ cup of sauce for two pounds. M x until you get the desired consistency.
If you want to get fancy, top your sandwiches with this KFC Copycat Cole Slaw Recipe or make some quick pickled red onions.
Costco Pulled Pork Carnitas
Carnitas are a Mexican version of pulled pork. Maki g Costco pulled pork into carnitas is all about the spices. After it’s reheated, add lime juice, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Carnitas make geat tacos. Use warmed corn tortillas and top with meat, chopped white onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, and green salsa.
Pizza Topping
BBQ pizza is delicious! Top pizza dough with BBQ sauce, shredded pulled pork, red onion, and mozzarella cheese for a tasty take on the traditional favorite.
Costco Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Pulled pork makes an excellent quesadilla filling. Make it Mexican-inspired and use a taco cheese blend or BBQ-style with Monterrey jack or cheddar.
Salad Topping
Who says pulled pork needs a carb with it? It’s a great way to add protein to salads. Use BBQ sauce or even ranch dressing to top it off.
Bowl
Salad bowls are great but can be painful since there are many components. Maki g one is easier since the pork cooks relatively quickly. Add roasted veggies, beans, cheese, or whatever you like for a hearty dinner or lunch that comes together in a snap.
Burrito
For lunch on the go, use the Kirkland pulled pork in a tortilla and add corn, lettuce, and cheese. Or, add scrambled eggs and cheese for a filling breakfast.
Nachos
Shred the pork, put it on tortilla chips, and top with your favorite cheese.
What Should I Serve With Pulled Pork?
Here are a few great pulled pork side dishes.
- French Fries
- Garlic Bread
- Green Salad
- Mashed Potatoes
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower Mash
- Roasted Cauliflower
What Goes With Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
Here are some great side dish ideas for pulled pork sandwiches.
- French Fries
- Tater Tots
- Green Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Broccoli Salad
- Cole Slaw
- Carrot Sticks
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