When it comes to buying meat, Costco has earned a solid reputation for offering high-quality cuts at prices that are hard to beat. From juicy ribeyes to tenderloin, the warehouse giant is often the go-to spot for stocking up on premium beef. But not every steak in their coolers is a winner. One popular cut, the New York strip, has a surprising downside that could leave your next barbecue or dinner less than perfect. Here’s why this beloved steak might not be the best choice for your grill or skillet.
The New York strip is a favorite for many steak lovers. It’s got a lot in common with the ribeye, boasting rich marbling that delivers bold flavor and a tender bite. At Costco, the New York strips look tempting, with their well-marbled texture and affordable price per pound. But there’s a catch that makes this cut less ideal: thickness. Costco’s New York strip steaks are often much thicker than what you’d find at other grocery stores or a local butcher. While a thick steak might sound like a dream, it can turn into a cooking nightmare if you’re aiming for anything beyond rare or medium-rare.
The issue with thickness comes down to how steaks cook. A steak that’s too thick makes it tricky to get that perfect balance of a crispy, seared crust and a warm, pink center. Costco’s New York strips, which tend to be about 0.2 pounds heavier than the average strip steak, can leave you with a tough choice: either you get a great sear but the inside stays too raw, or you cook it longer and risk burning the outside while the center still isn’t done. For most home cooks, this can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to impress guests or just want a reliable dinner.
Thicker steaks aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, many chefs swear by them because thinner cuts can overcook quickly, leaving you with a tough, dry piece of meat. A thin steak often cooks so fast that it’s hard to get a good crust without turning it into something closer to shoe leather. But there’s a sweet spot, and Costco’s New York strips overshoot it. The extra heft means you’re wrestling with uneven cooking, and unless you’ve got a professional-grade setup or a lot of patience, the results might not live up to your expectations.
Another factor to consider is cost. While Costco’s New York strips are priced competitively per pound, the thicker cuts mean you’re often buying more meat per package than you might need. If you’re feeding a crowd or love leftovers, this might not be a dealbreaker. You can slice up the extra for sandwiches or stir-fries the next day. But if you’re just cooking for a small group, you could end up spending more than you would on a smaller, better-proportioned cut from another store. A local butcher, for example, can trim a New York strip to your preferred thickness, giving you more control over both the cooking process and your budget.
For those who like their steaks medium or well-done, the thickness of Costco’s New York strip can be an even bigger headache. Getting the center to your desired doneness without charring the outside is a challenge. You might find yourself resorting to the oven to finish cooking, which adds extra steps and time to what should be a straightforward meal. Even if you’re a fan of rare or medium-rare, the sheer size of these steaks can make it hard to nail that perfect sear without undercooking the middle.
So, what’s the alternative? If you’re set on a New York strip, consider checking out a nearby butcher shop or another grocery store where you can find cuts that are slightly thinner. A butcher can customize the thickness to suit your cooking style, whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. If you’re still shopping at Costco, you might want to explore other cuts like their ribeye or top sirloin, which tend to have more consistent sizing and are easier to cook to perfection. These options still deliver on flavor and quality without the hassle of wrestling with an overly thick slab of beef.
It’s worth noting that Costco’s meat department is still a powerhouse for quality and value. Their prime cuts are often a steal compared to other retailers, and the marbling on their steaks is hard to beat for the price. But the New York strip’s thickness issue is a real drawback that can trip up even experienced cooks. If you do decide to grab one of these steaks, be prepared for some extra effort. You might need to adjust your cooking method, like searing the steak briefly on high heat and then finishing it in a low oven to ensure even cooking. A meat thermometer can also be a lifesaver to avoid guesswork.
At the end of the day, a great steak dinner is about enjoying the process as much as the meal itself. Costco’s New York strip might look like a bargain, but its size can make it more trouble than it’s worth. By opting for a better-proportioned cut elsewhere or choosing a different steak from Costco’s lineup, you’ll set yourself up for a meal that’s easier to cook and just as delicious. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or searing a steak for a quiet night in, the right cut makes all the difference.
