Discover Costco Culinary Secrets Menu

Waygu beef

At the intersection of quality and value, Costco stands as a culinary behemoth, especially revered by Chewy for its Waygu Beef. This prime selection is more than just meat; it’s a cornerstone for exquisite dishes in both bustling Detroit diners and upscale locales like the Prime + Proper Steakhouse. Executive chef Walter Apfelbaum particularly champions these buys, highlighting Costco’s pivotal role in the restaurant industry. His reliance on Costco for restaurant supplies underscores a big deal; it’s where unparalleled quality meets unmatched value. The Food & Wine community, thus, sees Costco as not just a store, but a strategic partner that marries the beautiful intricacy of Waygu Beef with the practical needs of the culinary world.

Bacon

When it comes to stocking up on kitchen essentials, Farmer John Classic Bacon and Applewood-Smoked Thick Cut Bacon stand out as top picks among chefs like Yoon and Cardoz. Both value the heft and quality of these bacon varieties, especially when bought in Costco’s generous three- or four-pack packages. Yoon appreciates the versatility of bacon, utilizing it in dishes ranging from spaghetti carbonara to grilled cheese, and often opts to freeze extra bacon for future use. Similarly, Cardoz likes the consistency and flavour profile of these selections, making them go-to ingredients in his culinary creations. Their strategy of purchasing bacon in bulk at Costco not only ensures they always have this staple on hand but also underscores the balance of quality and convenience that Costco offers to professionals in the culinary world.

Pork chops

In the culinary realm where Chef Julie Yoon shines, especially through her online cooking show Bits & Pieces, Costco’s bone-in pork chops hold a place of honour. Known for her savvy shopping and meal prep tips, Yoon often buys big packs of these chops, appreciating their quality and value. She demonstrates a practical, yet ingenious, approach by wrapping each chop individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a Ziplock bag to freeze for future use. This method not only ensures that she has high-quality pork chops at her disposal whenever needed but also highlights the versatility and foresight that cooking professionals like her bring to the table. Through this practice, Yoon exemplifies how strategic purchases from Costco can be transformed into culinary masterpieces, ready to be enjoyed at any moment.

Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil

When it comes to preparing for birthdays or casual gatherings, even professional chefs turn to Costco’s meat section for their burgers. Known for its quality and convenience, Costco offers a variety of burgers that cater to every chef’s preference, whether they’re looking for premade options that never sacrifice flavour for ease or unfrozen varieties that allow for a more personalized touch. Cardoz, a respected figure in the culinary world and a self-proclaimed fan of Costco’s offerings recommends these burgers for their consistent quality. He shares a practical tip for busy parents: using the microwave’s defrost button is a quick way to read the burgers without compromising their taste, a hack he often employs when cooking for his son. This approach highlights how even the most esteemed chefs rely on Costco for high-quality food solutions that fit seamlessly into their personal and professional lives.

Produce

Costco is celebrated for its expansive selection of produce, which chefs like Yoon and Cardoz frequently haul back to their kitchens. From crisp broccoli and baby carrots to ripe avocados and tangy Mexican limes, the variety is both impressive and indispensable for culinary creatives. Yoon, known for her meticulous ingredient selection, typically includes these fresh finds in her dishes, making the most of Costco’s quality and bulk offerings. Cardoz, on the other hand, likes to pick some up whenever they’re in stock, especially the lemons and tomatoes, which are essential yet not always available. Whether crafting a refreshing batch of margaritas or garnishing a gourmet plate, they both know the value of Costco’s produce: a treasure trove of freshness that, when found, you don’t forget to appreciate.

Burgers

When it comes to preparing for birthdays or casual gatherings, even professional chefs turn to Costco’s meat section for their burgers. Known for its quality and convenience, Costco offers a variety of burgers that cater to every chef’s preference, whether they’re looking for premade options that never sacrifice flavour for ease or unfrozen varieties that allow for a more personalized touch. Cardoz, a respected figure in the culinary world and a self-proclaimed fan of Costco’s offerings recommends these burgers for their consistent quality. He shares a practical tip for busy parents: using the microwave’s defrost button is a quick way to read the burgers without compromising their taste, a hack he often employs when cooking for his son. This approach highlights how even the most esteemed chefs rely on Costco for high-quality food solutions that fit seamlessly into their personal and professional lives.

Spinalis Steak

Costco is a treasure trove for culinary professionals, offering lots of high-end meat options that even seasoned butchers might find surprising. Among these, the Spinalis Steak stands out for its juicy texture and rich flavour—a special-order cut that many didn’t know could be sourced from a mainstream retailer. Cardoz, a notable chef with an eye for quality, often finds himself surprised by the bizarre yet delightful things Costco sells, especially within its meat section. Highlighting Costco as a go-to for spinalis steak, he appreciates the convenience and quality typically reserved for high-end butcheries. This insight, shared with outlets like Kitchn, underscores Costco’s unique position in providing usually hard-to-find cuts, making it a cherished resource for those in the know within the culinary industry.

Kirkland Raw, Tail-On Shrimp

For culinary experts like Yoon, Kirkland Raw, Tail-On Shrimp from Costco is a staple for its easy defrosting method and low calories. Appreciating the convenience of having premium shrimp ready at a moment’s notice, Yoon likes to keep a bag in the freezer for quick and healthy meals. She shares a simple trick for defrosting: placing the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for just ten minutes. This technique not only ensures the shrimp are ready to cook in no time but also maintains their fresh taste and texture, making them a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes.

Wine

Costco has become a secret haven for wine enthusiasts, including chefs like Cardoz who likes to stock his cellar with unique varietals that one doesn’t find just anywhere. He’s particularly fond of the Italian rosés and gewürztraminers available at the warehouse, emphasizing that in terms of quality and diversity, Costco should get more recognition. Cardoz notes that these selections like the nuanced gewürztraminers and refreshing rosés are essential for anyone looking to explore the world of wine by now. His appreciation for Costco’s wine section highlights the unexpected gems that can be discovered within its vast aisles, offering both novices and connoisseurs the chance to know and enjoy high-quality wines at compelling prices.

Rotisserie chicken

Rotisserie Chicken from Costco not only makes the list of many chefs’ and home cooks’ favourites but also holds plenty of secrets that shoppers probably don’t know. Yoon, a celebrated chef known for her inventive use of grocery staples, counts this succulent chicken among her kitchen staples, leveraging its versatility and flavour to create a myriad of dishes. What makes it a standout for her and others in the know is not just the convenience and affordability but the quality and taste that rival homemade. This Costco finds behind its humble appearance and, thus, becomes a culinary asset, underscoring the value of rethinking how we see and utilize readymade foods in creative, delicious ways.

Kirkland Signature Super Extra Large Peanuts

Kirkland Signature Super Extra Large Peanuts embody the perfect blend of good taste, affordability, and health, earning them a spot as a pantry staple for culinary professionals like Cardoz. Praised for their organic quality and satisfying crunch, these peanuts are not just another snack; they’re a versatile ingredient that Cardoz always buys. Whether incorporated into dishes for added texture or enjoyed straight from the jar, they offer a nutritional punch that lasts a long time, ensuring chefs can rely on them for both immediate use and future culinary creations. Costco’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality items shines through in products like these, making it a go-to source for chefs seeking to stock their kitchens with the best pantry staples without breaking the bank.

Organic Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Cardoz highly values Costco’s big pack of organic boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their versatility and flavour. They’re easy to cook and find a long-lasting home in the fridge, ready for use in curries or any dish needing good chicken.

Tellicherry Peppercorns

Tellicherry Peppercorns from Costco are a chef’s favourite for their bold flavour and versatility in dishes. These peppercorns are always on the buy list for their exceptional quality and affordability.

Deli meat

Yoon finds value in Costco’s deli meat, like Honey Ham and Turkey Breast, often buying packs to accompany Provolone cheese for lunches. Her husband’s favourite, Oven-Roasted Turkey, goes well with Belgiorno and Hillshire Farm packs, saving more money every day.

Agave syrup

Yoon likes to keep Organic Blue Agave syrup from Costco on hand as a reasonably priced sweetener, a favourite among shoppers for its versatility. She often uses it in recipes for a sweet touch or to balance lime in shrimp dishes, sharing tips with plenty of frequent Costco visitors and also their Dq cakes.

Frosted Mini-Wheats

Yoon won’t necessarily get the inside scoop on gourmet picks like Frosted Mini-Wheats from Costco employees, but she knows where to find the secrets of the warehouse. With plenty of items to choose from, she relies on her next store visit to uncover the beauty of new cereal finds.