Disappointing spare ribs from Costco

Simcan · June 2015

Bought some ribs from Costco yesterday with the plan to remove the membrane, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for the future. They looked great but when I opened the package, everything great/useable as ribs was on the top. Underneath was basically just meat and fat, no bones. So I trimmed it up and froze the meat (well over half the package) and the ribs I can actually use for a cook (obviously much less than half). Any thoughts on how to use the "waste" meat? I suppose I can just make them alongside the ribs and eat them myself, but I was thinking more something like burnt ends.

Nanook · June 2015

I've had the same experience with Costco spares. Never an issue with baby backs from Costco.

Legume · June 2015

Take them back, Costco is fantastic about returns. Were they the cryopacked ones or the ones they pack in the cello covered styro tray they pack there?

TexanOfTheNorth · June 2015

You can grill that meat or use it the next time you make pork sausage.

bweekes · June 2015

Simcan said:

Bought some ribs from Costco yesterday with the plan to remove the membrane, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for the future. They looked great but when I opened the package, everything great/useable as ribs was on the top. Underneath was basically just meat and fat, no bones. So I trimmed it up and froze the meat (well over half the package) and the ribs I can actually use for a cook (obviously much less than half). Any thoughts on how to use the "waste" meat? I suppose I can just make them alongside the ribs and eat them myself, but I was thinking more something like burnt ends.

That's how they package spares at Costco here in Toronto. I use the meaty piece for jerk pork. Works great every time.

Simcan · June 2015

Thanks, all. Lesson learned. @Legume they were packed in styro covered in cello. No need to return them, it was only 36 bucks and I will use it all. @bweekes how do you make the jerk pork?

Legume · June 2015

I haven't seen that with the St Louis that are cryopacked, 3 racks.

GregW · June 2015

I have problems with Costco steaks in my area.
The ribeyes are packed four to a tray. Two of the steaks will be pretty good. One will be just ok and the forth being trash.
The Costco meat cutter told me that is corporate policy to pack them that way.
That way nobody gets to cherry pick the steaks.
Kinda takes the lower prices at Costco for their meat not worth the savings.
I prefer to choose my steaks individually.

bweekes · June 2015

Simcan said:

Thanks, all. Lesson learned. @Legume they were packed in styro covered in cello. No need to return them, it was only 36 bucks and I will use it all. @bweekes how do you make the jerk pork?

Walkerswood jerk seasoning for up to two days. Also add fresh thyme, garlic, scallions, soya sauce. Raised direct at 300F.

Ladeback69 · June 2015

GregW said:

I have problems with Costco steaks in my area.
The ribeyes are packed four to a tray. Two of the steaks will be pretty good. One will be just ok and the forth being trash.
The Costco meat cutter told me that is corporate policy to pack them that way.
That way nobody gets to cherry pick the steaks.
Kinda takes the lower prices at Costco for their meat not worth the savings.
I prefer to choose my steaks individually.

I've never had that problem with steaks from Sam's. Rib eyes are usually packed 3 to a flat and you can see what you are buying. On the spares @Simcan, were they cut down to St Louis cut? If so it is probably the trimmed off meat would be my guess. I have cooked it just like my ribs and use them as appetizers. tell the real ribs are done or put it in my baked beans,

Simcan · June 2015

Thanks @bweekes. @Ladeback69, I would not describe them as St. Louis cut...too narrow, though they were square. But it was not the trimmings underneath, it was the continuation of the ribs (meaning they were all one long piece) but quickly getting smaller bones to non at all). They double them up so the useable (as ribs) portion is on top.

jaydub58 · June 2015

If you have a Walmart Neighborhood Grocery in your area, check them out.
We have one and it's my go-to for butts and spare ribs.
Always great looking SL style ribs, extremely meaty at typical Wally World prices.

Disappointing spare ribs from Costco

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