The Best Pork Ribs To Buy At Costco For A Backyard BBQ

When it comes to backyard barbecues, most shoppers are looking for the best way to host a large crowd without too much hassle. Barbecues can be stressful and expensive — feeding multiple partygoers poses a challenge for hosts, from making sure there's enough potato salad and beer to having the right type of grill. But when it comes to ribs, what's the best choice?

We believe the Kirkland Signature Premium Pork St. Louis Spare Ribs from Costco are the ideal pick. These packs contain no artificial ingredients and offer consistent quality without breaking the bank. Prices vary depending on the weight of the package and the shopper's location, but they tend to fall within the $3.19-to-$4.60-per-pound range.

When most people think of barbecue, they probably think of baby back ribs, which are smaller, leaner cuts that come from the upper portion of the pig's rib cage. The cut we prefer is known as St. Louis-style spare ribs. These ribs come from the lower portion of the rib cage, near the belly, and are a bit fattier for added flavor. They are trimmed into neat, rectangular racks, with the rib tips, breastbone, and cartilage removed, which makes them easier to cook and serve. St. Louis-style ribs also generally contain more fat and connective tissue than leaner cuts like baby back ribs, giving them a richer flavor and tender texture when cooked low and slow. With barbecue being a huge part of the culinary culture in St. Louis, it makes sense that the city's namesake ribs have been optimized for easy preparation.

When cooking ribs, you'll want to season them with some sort of rub. You can apply it around 30 to 60 minutes before cooking or let the seasoned ribs rest longer in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. There are plenty of chef-approved store-bought dry rubs available, depending on the flavor profile you prefer. You can also add a binder, such as mustard, before applying the rub to help it stick.

For the perfect pork ribs, you can use the 5-1-0 method, which involves using a smoker or oven to achieve juicy, tender ribs that are fantastic for a barbecue. If you're grilling them, start early, and they require low heat and a long cooking time to achieve a tender result. Once they're done, brush them with your preferred barbecue sauce, and serve. Juicy ribs are well worth the wait, and these will certainly get the job done.

For sides, there are so many great options for a backyard barbecue. From sweet grilled corn on the cob to creamy potato salad, the possibilities are endless. Barbecuing at home, especially potluck-style, is a great way to bring people together, try new recipes, and highlight your cooking skills among friends and family.