If you’re a fan of TGI Friday’s, chances are you’ve indulged in their mouth-watering ribs at least once. But have you ever wondered whether they’re made from beef or pork?
The answer may surprise you.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of TGI Friday’s ribs and explore the different cuts of meat used to create their signature dishes. From slow-cooked beef short ribs to fall-off-the-bone baby back pork ribs, we’ll uncover the secrets behind TGI Friday’s delicious and popular menu items.
So sit back, grab a napkin, and get ready to learn all about TGI Friday’s ribs.
Are TGI Friday’s Ribs Beef Or Pork?
TGI Friday’s offers a variety of rib dishes on their menu, but the type of meat used can vary depending on the dish. Some of their rib dishes are made with beef, while others are made with pork.
One popular dish that features beef ribs is the classic New York steak paired with a slow-cooked beef short rib basted in house-made BBQ sauce. This duo is sure to satisfy any meat lover’s cravings.
On the other hand, TGI Friday’s also offers fall-off-the-bone baby back pork ribs that are first cooked until they’re tender and then seasoned with Cajun spices. These ribs are then fire-grilled and glazed with TGI Friday’s signature glaze, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
It’s important to note that TGI Friday’s also offers a dish called TGI pork, which is not a rib at all. Instead, it’s made from slow-roasted pulled pork shoulder with a sweet and tangy sauce and is served on a bed of mashed potatoes or with vegetables.
The History Of TGI Friday’s Ribs
TGI Friday’s has a long history of offering delicious and satisfying rib dishes on their menu. In fact, the restaurant chain has been serving up ribs since the early 1970s, when they first introduced their famous baby back pork ribs.
Over the years, TGI Friday’s has continued to innovate and expand their rib offerings, adding new flavors and cooking techniques to keep customers coming back for more. They’ve also introduced beef ribs to their menu, giving diners even more options to choose from.
One of the most popular rib dishes at TGI Friday’s is their Jack Daniel’s Ribs, which feature a full rack of slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone tender baby back pork ribs that are fire-grilled and basted with the restaurant’s signature smoky-sweet sauce. This dish has become a staple of the TGI Friday’s menu and is beloved by customers all over the country.
In recent years, TGI Friday’s has also introduced new rib dishes like the Bourbon Barrel Mahi Mahi and Bourbon Barrel Chicken, which are both seasoned with hickory-smoked sea salt and smoked over bourbon-soaked hickory planks for a delicious smoky flavor.
The Different Types Of Ribs
When it comes to ribs, there are several different types of cuts to choose from. For beef ribs, you can find short ribs, flanken-style ribs, and baby back beef ribs. On the other hand, pork ribs come in four main types: spareribs, St. Louis-style ribs, country-style ribs, and baby back ribs.
Short ribs are excellent for stews, while baby back ribs are a classic choice for barbecue. Country-style pork ribs tend to be leaner and require marinading to bring out their flavor. Spareribs and St. Louis-style ribs are known for being the meatiest of the true rib cuts.
When selecting ribs at the store, look for fresh meat with a good meat-to-fat ratio and decent coverage of meat over the bones. The type of rib you choose will depend on your preference and how you plan on using them. Whether you’re grilling, oven baking, smoking, frying, or slow-cooking in a crock pot, there’s a rib cut that’s perfect for your dish.
At TGI Friday’s, you can enjoy both beef and pork rib dishes. Their New York steak comes with a slow-cooked beef short rib basted in BBQ sauce, while their baby back pork ribs are seasoned with Cajun spices and glazed with their signature sauce. It’s important to note that TGI pork is not a rib dish but rather slow-roasted pulled pork shoulder served with a sweet and tangy sauce.
How TGI Friday’s Cooks Their Ribs
When it comes to cooking their ribs, TGI Friday’s takes great care to ensure that each dish is made with top-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. According to a spokesperson for the restaurant, all of their dishes, including their ribs, are freshly made to order.
To prepare their fall-off-the-bone baby back pork ribs, TGI Friday’s first applies a rub made from a mixture of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. The ribs are then placed on a baking tray and cooked in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.
While the ribs are cooking, TGI Friday’s prepares their signature glaze by combining water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and roasted garlic. Once the glaze is ready, the ribs are grilled on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side before being basted with the glaze and served.
For their beef short rib dish, TGI Friday’s slow-cooks the beef until it’s tender before basting it in their house-made BBQ sauce. The beef is then paired with a New York steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Beef Ribs Vs Pork Ribs: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to deciding between beef ribs and pork ribs, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Beef ribs tend to be larger and fattier, with a stronger taste, while pork ribs are more versatile and have a milder flavor due to their lower fat content.
Beef ribs are perfect for those who enjoy a meaty and flavorful dish. They have a higher calorie count, more protein, and more iron compared to pork ribs. The marbled fat on beef ribs adds succulence and richness to the meat. However, the bones are larger individually, and there is proportionately less meat per bone than on pork ribs.
Pork ribs, on the other hand, have a lower fat content and are more tender in texture. They are also easier to buy in bulk and take less time to prepare. Pork back ribs are best suited for grilling, while spareribs are high in fat and provide a juicy and delicious taste. Baby back ribs from the lower rib cage are popular due to their tenderness and aroma.
The Best Sides To Pair With TGI Friday’s Ribs
When it comes to pairing sides with TGI Friday’s ribs, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are some of the best sides that will complement your rib dish perfectly:
1. Coleslaw – A classic side dish that pairs well with any type of rib, coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy addition to your meal. TGI Friday’s offers a creamy coleslaw that is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
2. Baked Beans – Another classic side dish that pairs well with ribs, baked beans offer a sweet and savory flavor that complements the smoky taste of the meat. TGI Friday’s offers a version of baked beans that includes ground beef and bacon for an extra punch of flavor.
3. Fries – Whether you prefer seasoned fries or sweet potato fries, this classic side dish is always a crowd-pleaser. TGI Friday’s offers both options, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste buds.
4. Mac and Cheese – If you’re looking for a more indulgent side dish, mac and cheese is always a good choice. TGI Friday’s offers a creamy and cheesy version that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
5. Grilled Vegetables – For a healthier option, consider pairing your ribs with some grilled vegetables. TGI Friday’s offers a variety of vegetable sides, including roasted asparagus, broccoli, and green beans.
No matter which side dishes you choose, they are sure to enhance the flavor of your TGI Friday’s rib dish and make for a satisfying meal.
How To Make TGI Friday’s Ribs At Home
If you’re a fan of TGI Friday’s baby back pork ribs, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
– 1 full side of baby back pork ribs
– 1/2 head of garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
2. Cut 1/2-inch off the head of garlic and remove the outer layers of papery skin.
3. Put the garlic in a small ramekin and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Let cool.
4. Meanwhile, mix all spices for the Cajun seasoning together in a small bowl.
5. Rub the Cajun seasoning mixture on both sides of the ribs.
6. Place the ribs on a baking tray and place in the oven (use the same oven that the garlic is in) for 2 1/2 hours.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and dark brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to bring it down to a simmer.
8. Squeeze 2 teaspoons of garlic out of the head of roasted garlic and add to the saucepan.
9. Brush the glaze onto both sides of the ribs and place them on a grill for a few minutes until grill marks form.
10. Serve with crispy fries and coleslaw.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy TGI Friday’s baby back pork ribs in the comfort of your own home.
