Are you a fan of pulled pork but don’t have the time or equipment to smoke it yourself? Look no further than Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork, available at Costco.
This pre-cooked pork is slow-smoked for over 10 hours using real hickory wood, giving it a deep, smoky flavor. It’s also hand-pulled to maintain its tender texture.
But how do you cook it to perfection? In this article, we’ll explore different methods for heating up this convenient and tasty product, as well as some tips for adding your own personal touch with BBQ sauce and other toppings.
Whether you’re on the Keto diet or just looking for an easy meal option, Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork is worth a try. So, let’s dive in and learn how to cook it like a pro!
How To Cook Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork?
There are a few different ways to cook Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork, depending on your preferences and equipment. Here are some options:
1. Microwave: This is the quickest and easiest method. Simply poke a few holes in the plastic bag and microwave for about 7 minutes. Once heated through, pour the pork into a tray and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce.
2. Stovetop: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can heat the pork on the stovetop. Place the bag in a pot of simmering water for 12-15 minutes, then remove and pour into a tray. Again, mix in BBQ sauce to taste.
3. Oven: For a crispy finish, you can heat the pork in the oven. Preheat to 350°F, pour the pork into a baking dish, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly browned on top. Add BBQ sauce before or after baking, depending on your preference.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to pull the pork apart with two forks for that classic “pulled” texture. And if you’re feeling creative, try adding some extra toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or hot sauce.
Preparing Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork For Cooking
Before cooking Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork, it’s important to prepare it properly. The pork comes in a plastic bag that should be punctured with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape during cooking. You can also remove the pork from the bag and place it in a steamer basket for a quick steam to reduce the greasiness.
Once heated, pour the pork into a tray or baking dish and use two forks to pull it apart into the desired texture. If you prefer a saucier pulled pork, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce before or after cooking. Remember that the pork is already seasoned and quite salty, so be mindful of adding additional seasoning.
Whether you choose to microwave, stovetop, or oven cook the pork, always follow the instructions on the packaging for best results. And don’t forget to have fun experimenting with different toppings and serving suggestions!
Heating Methods For Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork
If you have leftovers of Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork, there are several ways to reheat it so that it stays moist and flavorful. Here are some options:
1. Oven: To reheat the pulled pork in the oven, preheat your oven to 225°F. Pour the pork into a baking dish and add a splash of leftover BBQ sauce, broth, apple juice, or any other flavorful liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 165°F, which should take about 30 minutes. Once heated through, remove the foil and give the pork a stir before serving.
2. Instant Pot: If you have a large amount of pulled pork to reheat and it’s still in its juices, you can reheat it directly in the insert pot of your Instant Pot. You can choose to use the Keep Warm function for a slower reheating process or select a 0 minute cook time at high pressure for a quicker option. Just be sure that the meat is still in the liquid since it is required to achieve high pressure.
3. Sous Vide: Sous vide is an excellent method to cook or reheat your pulled pork. First, bring either your sous vide machine or a large stove-top pot of water up to 165°F. Then place the vacuum-sealed bags filled with pork into the machine/pot and let them sit in the hot water bath for 45 minutes per inch of thickness of the contents. If you are reheating your stored pork from frozen, leave it in there for an additional 30 minutes. Since sous vide uses indirect heat, you don’t need to worry about adding additional moisture because the bag is sealed.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to check the internal temperature of the pork before serving to ensure that it has been heated through properly. Enjoy your delicious Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or any other creative way you can think of!
Adding Your Own Flavor To Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork
While Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork is already seasoned with a subtle smokiness, some people may want to add their own flavors to enhance the taste. One option is to mix in your favorite BBQ sauce, as mentioned before. However, there are other ways to customize the flavor of the pork.
One idea is to add some apple cider vinegar after pulling the pork. This can give it a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the smokiness. Another option is to add dry seasoning to the pork, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder. This can give it a more complex and spicy flavor profile.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can mix in some brown sugar or honey with the BBQ sauce. This can create a sticky and caramelized glaze that pairs well with the pork. Alternatively, you can add some fruit jam or jelly, such as apricot or peach, for a fruity twist.
Finally, if you want to make the pork less greasy, you can strain it after heating it to remove as much of the grease as possible. This can make it lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor. Overall, there are many ways to add your own flavor to Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork and make it your own.
Serving Suggestions For Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork
Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork can be a versatile and convenient ingredient for a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: This is a classic way to enjoy pulled pork. Toast some buns, add a generous helping of pulled pork, and top with coleslaw or pickles for some extra crunch.
2. Pulled Pork Tacos: For a Mexican-inspired twist, serve the pulled pork in tortillas with toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
3. Pulled Pork Pizza: Use the pulled pork as a topping on your favorite pizza crust, along with BBQ sauce, cheese, and any other toppings you like.
4. Pulled Pork Salad: For a lighter option, add the pulled pork to a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a vinaigrette dressing.
5. Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings of your choice for a tasty snack or appetizer.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Kirkland Smoked Pulled Pork can be a flavorful and convenient addition to your mealtime repertoire.