Are you planning a dinner party and wondering how many beef short ribs to buy? Or maybe you’re just curious about the serving size of this delicious cut of meat.
Either way, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the question of how many beef short ribs are in a pound.
From understanding the weight of each rib to estimating serving sizes, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make your next beef short rib meal a success.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this mouth-watering cut of meat!
How Many Beef Short Ribs In A Pound?
When it comes to beef short ribs, the number of ribs in a pound can vary depending on the size of the cut. Generally, each beef short rib should weigh between 1 to 2 pounds. This means that if you purchase a 2-pound package of beef short ribs, you can expect to have one to two ribs in the package.
It’s important to note that the weight of each rib can vary by about 10%, so it’s always a good idea to have a little extra on hand just in case.
Understanding Beef Short Ribs
Beef short ribs are a flavorful and popular cut of beef that come from various sections of the cow, including the chuck, plate, rib, or brisket. They are called “short” ribs because they contain short pieces of rib bones encased in meat. These ribs offer less meat than steak but more than other beef rib varieties. Due to their high fat content, they are perfect for slow cooking methods.
There are three different types of beef short ribs: back ribs, plate short ribs, and chuck short ribs. The most common cut is the back rib, which comes from the thick side of the prime rib. Plate short ribs are found in the plate primal, which is located below the rib primal in the animal’s forequarter. Chuck short ribs come from right under the chuck from the first to the fifth rib and can also be referred to as flanken ribs.
It’s important to note that each type of beef short rib has its own unique qualities. Plate short ribs have lots of good muscle tissue but also a significant amount of fat. Rib primal short ribs don’t have as much meat to them as the plate variety but are far more tender. Flanken ribs are tougher and less fatty.
Regardless of which variety you’re dealing with, braising does a great job of breaking down the connective tissue that holds the meat to the bone. The constant contact with liquid at a higher temperature encourages the metamorphosis of collagen tissue into gelatin, which adds flavor and moisture to the muscle.
The Weight Of Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to purchasing beef short ribs, it’s important to know how much you need to buy to feed your guests or family. For smaller, boneless cuts, a general rule of thumb is to purchase about 1/2 pound per person. However, beef short ribs are typically larger and still attached to the bone.
Each beef short rib should weigh between 1 to 2 pounds, with an average size of 2.5 pounds. This means that if you plan on serving one rib per person, you can expect to purchase a package that contains one to two ribs. It’s also important to keep in mind that the weight of each rib can vary by about 10%, so it’s always a good idea to purchase a little extra just in case.
When purchasing beef short ribs, it’s important to look for quality cuts of meat. Grand Western Reserve beef is a great option, known for its wonderful marbling and juicy flavor. Each piece is cut with precision and aged up to 4 weeks for maximum tenderness and flavor. Whether you choose to slow roast or smoke the whole plate or cut it into single ribs for dinosaur-style cooking, the result will be a tender and unique cut that creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Calculating Servings Of Beef Short Ribs
Calculating how many servings of beef short ribs you need depends on a few factors. If you’re serving beef short ribs as the main dish, plan on serving 1 to 1-1/2 ribs per person. However, if you’re serving other meats and sides, aim for around 12 ounces of uncooked short ribs per person.
It’s also important to consider the size of the short ribs you purchase. Some 1.5-pound packages may provide four ribs, while gourmet offerings may only provide two supersized ribs. To be safe, aim for a little more than 1 pound of bone-in short ribs per person.
Keep in mind that beef short ribs will shrink during cooking, so it’s best to have a little extra on hand just in case. Additionally, consider the sides you plan to serve and whether they are heavy or light. Heavy sides like beans and potato salad will decrease the amount of meat your guests eat, so plan on serving about 5-6 ounces of each side per person.
Cooking Tips For Beef Short Ribs
Cooking beef short ribs can be a delicious and satisfying experience, but it can also be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some cooking tips to help you get the most out of your beef short ribs:
1. Choose the right braising liquid: When braising beef short ribs, it’s important to choose the right braising liquid. Red wine, beef stock, and beef bone broth are all great options. If you’re using red wine, go for a moderate tannin wine like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-forward wines like Merlot can also be used if you want a sweeter sauce.
2. Season well: Whether you’re braising, roasting, or slow-cooking your beef short ribs, make sure to season them well with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
3. Sear before braising: For extra flavor and texture, consider searing your beef short ribs before braising them. This will create a caramelized crust on the meat that will add depth and complexity to the final dish.
4. Use a slow cooker: If you don’t have time to babysit your beef short ribs on the stove or in the oven, consider using a slow cooker instead. Simply season the ribs, place them in the slow cooker with your braising liquid of choice, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
5. Let them rest: After cooking your beef short ribs, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
By following these cooking tips, you can ensure that your beef short ribs turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Pairing Beef Short Ribs With Sides And Wine
Beef short ribs are a hearty and flavorful cut of meat that pairs well with a variety of sides and wines. Here are some suggestions for the perfect pairing:
Sides:
– Egg Noodles: Slow-cooked short ribs are often served with a side of noodles, and homemade egg noodles are a delicious option. The extra red wine cooking juices can be poured right over the meat and noodles, making a delicious sauce.
– French Bread: Pairing short ribs with crusty and chewy French bread is a great way to sop up some of the delicious gravy. The nutty, buttery, sweet, and savory flavors of the bread complement the richness of the meat.
– Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are a great way to balance out the richness of the short ribs. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables pair well with the bold flavors of the meat.
Wine:
– Zinfandel: This bold and fruity red wine pairs well with fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs. It has enough acidity to cut through the richness of the meat and complement its smoky flavors.
– Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium-bodied red wines with medium tannin are essential for slow-cooked beef short ribs. Cabernet Sauvignon has enough acidity to balance out the rich flavors of the meat and pairs well with ribs cooked in an acidic tomato sauce.
– Syrah: Rustic red or herbal red wines like Syrah pair well with savory braised short ribs that have lots of earthy herbs and spices. The smoky flavors of Syrah complement the bold flavors of the meat.
– Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine pairs well with pork spare ribs that are slightly sweet and require a low tannin and acidic wine. Pinot Noir also pairs well with ribs cooked in an acidic tomato sauce.
Remember to always have red wine with this dish (there’s red wine in the sauce for heaven’s sake!). As far as red wines go though, you have many options. Choose a full-bodied red that can stand up to the heartiness of the short ribs or a medium-bodied wine that complements the flavors in your sauce or spices. Pair your favorite sides with your favorite wine and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal.