Introduction
Learn the art of cooking Costco pork belly! Costco offers three different types of pork belly: Kirkland pork belly strips, Costco whole pork belly, and sous vide sliced pork belly. In this comprehensive review, you will find delicious and easy recipes for cooking Costco pork belly slices using various cooking methods such as the air fryer, oven, grill, and stove. Whether you follow a keto, low carb, or gluten-free diet, these recipes make for a perfect appetizer idea.
Types of Costco Pork Belly
When shopping for pork belly at Costco, it’s essential to choose the right type. Costco offers the following options:
Swift Pork Belly
Costco sells whole Swift pork belly, weighing 11-12 lbs (5-5.4 kg). Depending on the store, you may find pork belly with or without the skin. For a crispy pork belly, opt for the skin-on version. If your local store doesn’t carry it, you can check online. Swift pork belly is boneless and contains no artificial ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for feeding a crowd. Before cooking, refrigerate it and ensure it reaches a minimum safe temperature of 145F (63C) with a 3-minute rest.
Sliced Pork Belly
Costco also offers boneless sliced pork belly, which comes in packages weighing approximately 6 lbs (2.7 kg). This option is suitable if the whole pork belly is too much for your family. The sliced pork belly is versatile and can be used for making pork belly bites, pork belly burnt ends, or homemade bacon.
Kirkland Signature Sous Vide Pork Belly
Kirkland sous vide pork belly is a unique product offered by Costco. It comes fully cooked, cured, sliced, and hickory-smoked. Although it resembles thick bacon slices more than traditional pork belly, it provides an incredible flavor. These pre-cooked pork belly slices can be pan-fried, grilled, baked, or air-fried. You can find a variety of recipes below, including a special one for Ninja Foodi BBQ pork belly bites.
Cooking Instructions
Costo Sous Vide Pork Belly Air Fryer
If you own a Ninja Foodi or any brand of air fryer, you can easily cook pork belly using it. Here’s how:
- Cut each pork belly slice into 5 pork belly bites, approximately 1-inch (2.54 cm) wide.
- Arrange the pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly season the top of the pork belly with BBQ seasoning. Remember, the pork belly is already salted, so go easy on the seasoning.
- Air fry the pork belly bites at 400F (200C) for 5 minutes. No preheating is required.
- Flip the pork belly pieces, season lightly, and air fry for an additional 3 minutes at 400F (200C).
- Check the pork belly’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to make sure it has reached a minimum safe temperature of 145F (63C). If it has, it’s ready to serve.
- Optional: For an extra flavorful touch, transfer the pork belly to a bowl and gently coat it with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Place the pork belly back in the air fryer in a single layer and air fry for an additional 3 minutes at 400F (200C).
- Serve these BBQ pork belly bites with toothpicks for a delightful appetizer.
Oven Cooking Method
If you prefer using your oven, follow these directions for cooking sous vide pork belly:
- Preheat your oven to 425F (218C) and place the pork belly slices in a single layer on a rimmed metal baking pan.
- Bake the pork belly until it’s browned and the internal temperature is greater than 145F (63C) for 15 seconds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe temperature.
Stove Cooking Method
For stove cooking, use the following instructions for cooking Costco pork belly:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and place the pork belly slices in a single layer in the pan.
- Optional: Add a couple of tablespoons of juices from the packaging to the pan while cooking.
- Sear the pork belly on both sides until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145F (63C) for at least 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, as it can quickly go from crisp to burnt.
Grilling Method
If you prefer grilling, try these directions for cooking pork belly on the grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the pork belly strips in a single layer on the grill.
- After about 2 minutes, once the edges start browning, flip the pork belly slices.
- Continue grilling until the pork belly is browned and the internal temperature is greater than 145F (63C) for 15 seconds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
Nutritional Information
Costco Pork Belly Calories
One slice of plain Costco pork belly (sous vide) provides approximately 320 calories. Note that there are 10 slices in the box. If you add BBQ sauce, the calorie count will vary depending on the sauce you use.
Costco Pork Belly Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional information for one slice of Costco pork belly (sous vide, without seasonings):
- Calories: 320
- Total fat: 28g
- Saturated fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 590mg
- Total carbohydrate: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net carbs: 5g
- Total sugar: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Potassium: 454mg
- Iron: 6% DV
- Calcium: 0% DV
Please note that pork belly is a high-fat, low-carb food and is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Can I Freeze Costco Pork Belly?
Yes, cooked Costco pork belly can be frozen. Store it in a freezer-safe container, a vacuum-sealed bag, or a freezer storage bag with the air pressed out.
How Long Can Pork Belly Stay in the Fridge?
Once cooked, pork belly can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Store it in a covered food-safe container and reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl for approximately 1 minute.
What to Serve with Costco Pork Belly
Costco pork belly pairs well with various dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Kale Apple Slaw
- Potatoes from a Can
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Baked Beans
- Brussels Sprouts
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
- Consider pork belly as a high-fat and high-calorie food. Treat it more as an added fat than a protein source.
- If you have a weight loss goal, view pork belly as a small side or appetizer. Make sure to incorporate other foods like lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and slow carbs as the main components of your meal.
- For those following a keto or low-carb diet, be mindful of excessive intake of high-fat foods like pork belly, as it may hinder weight loss efforts.
Conclusion
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on cooking Costco pork belly, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful meals with your family and friends. Experiment with the different cooking methods and find your favorite way to cook this versatile ingredient. Remember to indulge in moderation and pair it with other nutritious foods to create a well-balanced meal.