Yes, the Costco Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends are absolutely worth buying. They deliver authentic BBQ flavor with incredible convenience, making them a top-tier product for anyone with an air fryer.
If you’ve ever craved the smoky, rich flavor of authentic beef brisket burnt ends but don’t have 12 hours to tend to a smoker, this might be the perfect product for you. We picked up a package to see if this “heat and eat” solution could deliver real-deal BBQ flavor.
What Are Burnt Ends at Costco?
The Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends are fully cooked, smoked, and seasoned cubes of beef brisket, found in the refrigerated deli section at Costco. They are a USDA Choice product designed to be a quick and easy meal—all you need to do is heat them up and add your favorite sauce.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Location: Found in the refrigerated section with other pre-cooked meats.
- Contents: A single vacuum-sealed plastic pouch containing about 1.5 lbs of seasoned beef brisket cubes.
- Sauce: It is important to note that this product comes unsauced, allowing you to customize it yourself.
How Much Do The Costco Burnt Ends Cost?
The Costco Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends cost $13.89 per pound. The packages are sold by weight, with most falling in the 1.5-pound range, making the average total price around $21.60.
- Product Name: Kirkland Signature Smoked Burnt Ends
- Item Number: 31300
- Price per Pound: $13.89
- Example Total Price: $21.60 for a 1.555 lb package
Considering the price of brisket and the time involved in smoking, this offers phenomenal value for high-quality, convenient burnt ends.
How to Cook Kirkland Burnt Ends (The BEST Way)
The absolute best way to cook Costco’s Burnt Ends is in the air fryer to make them crispy and caramelized on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. While the package provides oven and stovetop instructions, the air fryer method delivers a far superior texture.
Air Fryer Instructions (Recommended)
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the burnt ends from the pouch and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Once heated through with crispy edges, transfer the burnt ends to a bowl and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Official Cooking Instructions
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the meat in an oven-safe dish with one tablespoon of water and cover it with foil. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Stove Top: Place a pan on medium heat with a little butter. Add the meat and heat for 1-2 minutes, then flip for another minute. Stir in your sauce until everything is coated and warmed through.
How Do They Actually Taste?
Overall, the Kirkland Burnt Ends have a deep, savory, and authentically smoky flavor with an incredibly rich and tender texture. The beef is high quality, with a perfect fat-to-meat ratio that makes each piece melt in your mouth.
The pre-applied seasoning is a balanced blend of salt, pepper, coffee, and a hint of sweetness from molasses and sugar. This savory base makes them delicious on their own but also creates the perfect canvas for your favorite sauce. When crisped up in the air fryer, the texture is flawless—you get those caramelized, slightly crunchy edges that contrast beautifully with the moist, fatty interior.
Are Kirkland Burnt Ends Healthy? (Nutrition & Ingredients)
It’s complicated; while the burnt ends are an excellent source of protein, they are also high in calories, fat, and sodium, making them better suited as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily meal.
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a 3 oz (84g) serving:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 19g (29% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
- Sodium: 450mg (19% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients: The ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward. The main components are Beef Brisket, Water, Salt, Molasses, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Maple Syrup, Coffee, White Pepper, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Modified Rice Starch, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extracts, Citrus Extracts, and Dried Vinegar.
Serving Ideas & Sauce Pairings
Because these burnt ends come unsauced, their versatility is a key feature. For the best results, always heat the burnt ends before tossing them in sauce. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic BBQ Plate: Toss with a thick, sweet Kansas City-style sauce and serve alongside mac and cheese, cornbread, or coleslaw.
- Burnt End Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with pickled red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy crema.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Pile them onto a baked potato with cheese, sour cream, and chives for a hearty meal.
The Final Verdict: Are Costco’s Burnt Ends Worth Buying?
Yes, absolutely. The Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends are a home run and are definitely worth buying. They deliver authentic BBQ-joint quality with unmatched convenience and value. For anyone who loves flavorful, tender brisket, this is a must-try product.
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9.5/10 | Rich, smoky, and delicious. Perfectly seasoned. |
| Texture | 9/10 | Outstanding when air-fried. Tender and crispy. |
| Price | 9/10 | Excellent value for the quality and quantity. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | A fantastic meal ready in under 10 minutes. |
| Overall Score | 9.4/10 | A top-tier Costco product for meat lovers. |
- You should buy these if: You love BBQ, appreciate convenient high-protein meals, and want a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort.
- You should pass on these if: You are on a strict low-fat or low-sodium diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called ‘poor man’s burnt ends’?
The term originated because burnt ends were traditionally the fatty, undesirable point-end pieces of a brisket that pitmasters would trim off. These flavorful scraps were often given away for free or sold cheaply, making them a “poor man’s” delicacy. Today, they are highly sought after for their rich flavor and texture.
Are Kirkland Burnt Ends gluten free?
Based on a review of the ingredients list, the Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends do not contain any added gluten or wheat products. However, the package is not explicitly certified as “gluten-free,” so individuals with severe celiac disease should exercise caution regarding potential cross-contamination.