The Japan Costco Food Court Bake We Want In The States

Costco is at it again tempting Americans with its many international offerings. As if we're not cross enough that Costco has taken away some of its best items from U.S. stores, including its thrifty All-American chocolate cake and the crowd-pleasing Combo pizza — which, astonishingly is still for sale at Costco Japan's food courts. We're willing to forgive Costco if the company make plans to import some of its best food court products to the hungry American market. The jumbo bulgogi bake is especially eye-catching, a variation of the popular chicken bake, but bigger and crafted with beef and delicious Korean barbecue sauce.

At 880 Japanese yen, it'll set you back only around $4.35 in USD, admittedly pricier than the U.S. chicken bake which retails for $2.99 in most Costco stores. Yet, for the upgraded size and beef addition, Costco Japan's jumbo bulgogi bake is well worth it. And that's not all, as salmon poke rolls, milky Hokkaido soft serve, and Japanese apple smoothies are just a few of the unique and tasty offerings found at Japanese food courts.

The best American Costco stores have gotten lately is a rumor about Costco potentially offering free delivery of its iconic $1.50 hot dog. To be fair, there are plenty of great stateside Costco products worth buying, but what are the chances Costco's Japanese menu makes its way to the States anytime soon? We're sorry to report there are no plans for Costco to bring its international food court fare to the U.S. anytime soon. Despite this, many of Costco's most popular food court items are regional so perhaps they'll be open to changing their mind in the near future.

Luckily, you can attempt a copycat bulgogi bake in the comfort of your own home, while still using Costco ingredients, if desired. Pick up a package of Costco Kirkland Signature Beef Bulgogi, shredded mozzarella, and ready-made pizza dough. Optionally add in some thinly sliced onions and green bell pepper. Cook the beef before sectioning off the pizza dough and scooping the beef onto the dough into sections. Generously incorporate the mozzarella cheese before dividing up the dough and shaping it around the ingredients. After ensuring there are no open pockets, roll the dough into tube shapes then follow the pizza dough's baking instructions found on its package. And just like that, you've got a homemade jumbo bulgogi bake that should hold you over until you make your way to Japan.