If you’re a fan of succulent, juicy ribs, then you’ll know that Costco is the perfect destination for buying them. Their Kirkland Signature St. Louis Style Ribs are some of the best on the market. However, cooking ribs can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to end up with dry, tough meat. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to cook costco ribs to perfection.

Preparing the Ribs

The first step in cooking great ribs is choosing the right rack. At Costco, you’ll find St. Louis-style ribs, which come from the lower part of the pig’s ribcage. They’re meatier than baby back ribs, making them more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. When choosing ribs, look for a rack with plenty of meat and a good amount of marbling.

Once you’ve got your ribs home, it’s time to get them ready for cooking. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the rack. This thin layer of connective tissue can make the ribs tough, so it’s best to remove it before cooking. To do this, use a knife to loosen one end of the membrane and then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off in one go.

After removing the membrane, trim any excess fat from the ribs. Leave a thin layer of fat on the meat to keep it moist while it cooks, but too much fat can cause flare-ups on the grill or smoker. Finally, rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

By preparing your ribs carefully, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and are packed with flavor.

Seasoning the Ribs

Once your ribs are prepped, it’s time to add some flavor. There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Some popular options include dry rubs, marinades, and brines.

Dry rubs are a blend of spices that are rubbed onto the meat, where they create a flavorful crust. You can make your own dry rub by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices you like. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made rubs from the store.

Marinades are a mixture of liquids and seasonings that are used to flavor the meat. You can use anything from beer to apple juice to create a marinade. Simply combine your chosen ingredients, pour them over the ribs, and leave them to marinate for several hours.

Brines are similar to marinades, but they also contain salt, which helps to tenderize the meat. To make a brine, combine water, salt, sugar, and any other seasonings you like. Submerge the ribs in the brine and leave them to soak for several hours before cooking.

No matter which seasoning option you choose, make sure to apply the seasoning liberally to both sides of the ribs. This will ensure that the meat is packed with flavor from the first bite to the last.

Seasoning the Ribs

Now that you’ve chosen your seasoning option, it’s time to apply it to the ribs. If you’re using a dry rub, simply rub it onto both sides of the meat, making sure to cover every inch. For marinades and brines, make sure the ribs are fully submerged in the mixture and leave them to soak for several hours, or even overnight.

When it comes to applying the seasoning, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Massaging the seasoning into the meat will help it to penetrate deeper and create a more flavorful end result.

Once the ribs are seasoned, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.

Cooking the Ribs

There are several different cooking methods you can use to cook your Costco ribs, including grilling, smoking, and oven-baking. The method you choose will depend on your preferences and the equipment you have available.

Grilling

Grilling is a popular method for cooking ribs, as it gives them a delicious smoky flavor and a crispy crust. To grill ribs, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Place the ribs on the grill and cook them for around 30-40 minutes, flipping them every 10 minutes. You can baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking, but make sure not to do so too early, as the sugar in the sauce can burn.

Smoking

Smoking is another great option for cooking ribs, as it infuses them with a rich, smoky flavor. To smoke ribs, you’ll need a smoker and some wood chips. Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F and adding your wood chips. Place the ribs on the smoker and leave them to cook for around 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the rack. You can wrap the ribs in foil during the last hour of cooking to keep them moist.

Oven-Baking

If you don’t have a grill or smoker, you can still make delicious ribs in your oven. To oven-bake ribs, preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Bake the ribs for around 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. You can remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a crispy crust.

No matter which cooking method you choose, make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The ribs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook Costco ribs to perfection, whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner cook.