How to Perfectly Heat Up Costco’s Delicious Pulled Pork

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork is a tasty convenience food that makes whipping up quick weeknight dinners a breeze. The smoked pork comes fully cooked in a vacuum-sealed pouch, ready to be heated and served. While you can simply microwave or boil the package, I’ve found that taking a few extra steps results in juicier, more flavorful pulled pork every time. Follow my tips below for heating up Costco’s pulled pork perfectly.

Let It Come to Room Temperature

To ensure even heating, pull the vacuum-packed pork out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This allows it to gradually warm up closer to room temp so it will heat more gently and uniformly. If you microwave or boil it straight from the fridge, the outer portions can overheat while the middle stays cold. A short rest on the counter prevents this.

Give It a Steam

Skip the microwave or stovetop boiling directions on the package. Instead, I like to heat up Costco’s pulled pork using a steamer basket. The steam infuses moisture back into the shredded meat, reviving it from its dehydrated state

Place the unopened vacuum pack in a steamer basket. Steam over gently boiling water for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pork will heat through without drying out.

Break Up the Meat

Before steaming, and again halfway through, use your fingers to break up any large chunks of pork through the bag. Separating the shreds allows the hot steam to fully penetrate each morsel evenly. Plus, it gives you a consistency closer to traditional pulled pork once heated.

Add Moisture and Flavor

For even juicier pulled pork, you can add liquid to the bag before steaming. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut open the top of the vacuum pack. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of broth, barbecue sauce, or apple cider vinegar. Reseal the opening with tape or a clip. The added moisture bastes the pork as it heats.

Crisp It Up

If you want crispy bits of charred pork, throw the steamed pulled pork under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. The high heat crisps and caramelizes the pork’s edges while locking in the juiciness.

Another option is to quickly sear the heated pulled pork in a hot skillet with a little oil Stir and brown it for a couple minutes just until slightly charred

Serve it Southern Style

Costco’s pulled pork tastes incredible piled high on tender buns with traditional Alabama white barbecue sauce. The mayo-based sauce pairs tangy-creaminess with the smoky pork. Drizzle it on just before serving.

For an authentic meal, round it out with southern-style sides like cornbread, collard greens, baked beans, and buttermilk coleslaw. The pork takes on a wonderful homestyle flavor.

Mix Up Some Loaded Baked Potatoes

Transform basic baked potatoes into craveworthy loaded spuds using Costco’s pulled pork. Top russet potatoes with shredded cheddar, steamed pulled pork, crispy bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of sour cream.

The combo of hot melted cheese, savory pork, cool sour cream, and crunchy bacon makes for an incredible flavor experience in each bite. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Make Pulled Pork Pizza

Piled on fresh pizza dough, Costco’s pulled pork becomes the star of homemade pizza night. Top with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh cilantro.

For spicy pizza, add diced onions, jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce. The pork’s smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the classic pizza components.

Build Hearty Sandwiches

From po’ boys to paninis, Costco’s pulled pork elevates any sandwich. Layer it on crusty rolls with peppery arugula, fried onions, sharp cheddar, and mustard. Or keep it classic with soft buns, dill pickles, and cool coleslaw.

However you stack it, the tender shredded pork brings satisfaction to each hearty bite. Sandwiches make it easy to savor the meat’s sweet, savory flavor.

Whip Up Easy Tacos

For fast taco night, simply wrap Costco’s pulled pork in warm corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime wedges. The Mexican-style flavors complement the pork wonderfully.

Or go bold with Korean barbecue inspired tacos. Top the pork with kimchi, sriracha mayo, and sesame seeds. The fusion of tastes and textures is phenomenal.

Craft Unique Flatbreads

Naan, lavash, and other flatbreads make fun canvases for creative pulled pork toppings. Build a cheesy bacon flatbread with the pork, mozzarella, parmesan, bacon, and tomato sauce.

For Mediterranean flavor, try pork with feta, olives, artichokes, and hummus. The possibilities for flatbread toppings are endless.

Make Mac and Cheese More Comforting

Boxed mac and cheese gets an indulgent upgrade when you stir in shredded smoked pork. The tender meat blends perfectly with the cheesy pasta, adding even more creaminess.

For next-level comfort food, top the pork mac and cheese with crispy fried onions, chives, and hot sauce. Every creamy, porky, spicy bite says comfort.

Mix up a Unique Power Bowl

Build a hearty and healthy rice bowl featuring Costco’s pulled pork. Serve it over cauliflower rice with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, sliced avocado, and kale.

Top with a sunny side up egg for extra protein. The bowls provide a complete, balanced meal full of contrasting flavors and textures.

Toss it with Ramen

Instant ramen transforms from boring to gourmet with the addition of Costco’s pulled pork. Cook the noodles, add the seasoning packet, then mix in shredded pork, scallions, sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

The tender pork and mild heat amplify the savory ramen broth into a craveable noodle soup. It’s an easy meal mashup worth repeating.

Make Savory Breakfast Hash

Wake up to scrumptious shredded pork hash for a hearty eye-opener. Simply brown up cubed potatoes and onions, then add the heated pulled pork.

Top with fried eggs and hot sauce for a protein and flavor packed start to your day. It puts an indulgent spin on classic breakfast potatoes.

Use it for Snack Time

Beyond meals, Costco’s pulled pork makes a fantastic high-protein snack any time of day. Stuff it in lettuce wraps with ranch dressing for a fresh hand-held bite.

You can also scoop it up with tortilla chips, stuff it into celery sticks, or enjoy it on its own for a quick hunger fix full of flavor. The possibilities are endless.

With a little creativity, Costco’s excellent pulled pork can be transformed into so many quick and delicious dishes. Follow my reheating tips for optimal texture and juiciness. Then get ready to enjoy smoked pork perfection!