Beef Ribs Explained, From Cuts To Cooking Methods

Beef ribs are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat from a cow's rib section. The rib cage is a large, flat bone structure that supports the weight of the body and protects internal organs. Beef ribs consist of 26 ribs, 13 on each side, with cartilage between them to help them move smoothly when we breathe or chew food. They are known for their tenderness and rich flavor, with marbling throughout the meat that adds depth and complexity.

 There are a variety of cuts and cooking methods for beef ribs, making them a versatile and popular choice for any meal. Let's go through each of them!

How to Buy Beef Ribs

When buying beef ribs, there are a few things to consider. 

1. First, it's important to understand that beef ribs are typically taken from the cow's rib section and can come in various styles, such as ribeye or short ribs.
2. Next, finding a reputable butcher who can provide high-quality beef ribs is important. Look for a butcher who can explain the difference between various cuts and can advise you on which ones will work best for your recipe.
3. When selecting beef ribs, paying attention to the amount of connective tissue present is important. While some connective tissue is necessary for flavor and texture, too much can make the meat tough and difficult to eat.
4. Choosing generously sized beef ribs is also important, as they tend to have more meat and flavor. When cooking beef ribs, it's important to take your time and cook them low and slow to ensure that they become tender and juicy.

Different Cuts of Beef Ribs

1. Short Ribs

Short ribs are a popular and flavorful cut of beef ribs from the lower portion of the rib cage. This cut is typically larger and meatier than beef ribs, making it perfect for slow cooking or braising. Short ribs can be bone-in or boneless and are often used in dishes like stews, soups, and barbecued beef.

2. Chuck Ribs

Chuck short ribs come from the shoulder area of the cow, and they are known for their rich, beefy flavor. They are often marbled with fat, which helps to keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking. Chuck short ribs are typically cut into thick, meaty slices and are perfect for barbecuing or slow cooking.

3. Plate Ribs

Plate short ribs come from the lower portion of the rib cage, and they are known for their meaty, flavorful taste. This cut is typically larger and thicker than other beef ribs, and it is often used in dishes like Korean-style barbecue or slow-cooked stews.

4. Flanken

Flanken-style ribs are a cut of beef ribs sliced thinly across the bone. They are typically cut from the plate or chuck area of the cow and often used in dishes like Korean-style barbecue or Jewish-style brisket. Flanken-style ribs are known for their rich, beefy flavor and tender, juicy texture. They are often grilled or pan-fried and served with a flavorful sauce or marinade

5. English Cut

The English cut is a type of beef rib that is cut from the center of the rib section between the 6th and 12th rib. This cut is known for its meaty texture and rich flavor, and it is often used in dishes like slow-cooked stews or roasted beef. The English cut is typically bone-in, and it can be cooked using a variety of methods, including grilling, smoking, or braising.

6. Riblets

Riblets are a smaller cut of beef ribs that are typically cut from the back ribs or the rib tips. They are known for their tender, juicy texture and their rich, beefy flavor. Riblets are perfect for grilling or smoking and are often used in dishes like barbecue ribs or spicy beef stir-fry.

7. Back Ribs

Back ribs are a type of beef rib that are cut from the upper portion of the rib cage, near the spine. They are known for their tender, meaty texture and rich, beefy flavor. Back ribs are typically bone-in and can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, smoking, or slow cooking. They are often used in dishes like barbecue ribs or hearty beef stews.

Beef Rib Recipes to Try

1. Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Ribs

When you bake beef ribs in the oven, you must ensure you don't over-cook them. Otherwise, the meat will dry out and become tough. This recipe takes about four hours to prepare and cook, so you may want to make it on the weekend when you have more time. Here's how you can get started with your oven-baked beef ribs.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef ribs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2. Place the beef ribs on a wooden cutting board and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. Season the ribs with paprika, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Place the ribs in a baking dish and cover them with barbecue sauce.
5. Bake the ribs in the oven for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
6. Baste the ribs with additional barbecue sauce every 30 minutes to moisten and caramelize them.
7. Serve the succulent beef ribs with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

2. Slow Cooker Beef Ribs

A must-add to your cookbook, slow cooker beef ribs are slow-cooked in a delicious sauce until they're fall-off-the-bone tender and full of rich, aromatic flavor. It's super easy to do, and you can't go wrong with this recipe. To make beef ribs in a slow cooker, here's what you need to have:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef ribs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp dry rub seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Season the beef ribs with dry rub seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to coat both sides.
2. Place the ribs in a slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce over them.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the tender meat falls off the bone.
4. Baste the ribs with additional barbecue sauce to keep them moist and caramelized.
5. Serve and enjoy!

3. Smoked Beef Ribs

If you're a fan of smoky flavor and tender meat, then smoked beef ribs are a must-try. This recipe requires a smoker and a few hours of patience, but the end result is well worth it.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of beef ribs
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
2. Sprinkle both sides of the ribs with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
4. Place the ribs in the smoker and smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
5. Baste the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
6. Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: If you want to achieve smoky and tender smoked ribs, add another 30 minutes to your smoking time.

4. Asian Braised Short Ribs

For a flavorful twist on beef ribs, try this Asian braised short ribs recipe. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a savory and delicious dish that's perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the short ribs in a large baking dish and pour the sauce over them.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
5. Remove the foil and broil the short ribs for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
6. Sprinkle the green onions on top of the ribs before serving.

5. Grilled Beef Short Ribs

For a summertime BBQ favorite, try this recipe for grilled beef short ribs. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the ribs are tender and flavorful, while the grill adds a smoky char to the meat.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
2. Sprinkle both sides of the ribs with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Preheat a grill to medium-low heat.
4. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2-3 hours, turning occasionally, or until the ribs are done to your liking.
5. Baste the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling.
6. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, beef ribs are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. From oven beef back ribs to cooking on a pellet grill, there are numerous options available to suit any taste preference. It's important to understand the difference between beef rib cuts, such as beef chuck or ribeye, and to choose the right one for your desired cooking method.

Coating the ribs in a dry rub or marinade can help enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat. Additionally, paying attention to the amount of meat on these ribs and taking the time to cook them low and slow can result in a delicious and juicy final product.

Overall, beef ribs are a perfect addition to any barbecue or dinner party and can be enjoyed by meat-lovers of all kinds. So, whether you prefer oven beef back ribs or cooking on a pellet grill, there's a beef rib recipe out there for everyone.