Are you planning a dinner party and wondering how much beef short ribs to buy?
It can be tricky to estimate the right amount, especially since the size of the ribs can vary.
But fear not, we’ve done the research for you!
In this article, we’ll break down the serving sizes for boneless and bone-in short ribs, as well as provide tips on how to cook them to perfection.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to impress your guests with a delicious beef short rib feast.
How Many Pounds Of Beef Short Ribs Per Person?
When it comes to estimating how many pounds of beef short ribs per person, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, if you’re buying boneless short ribs, you can count on about one pound per person. This may seem like a lot, but keep in mind that the meat will shrink significantly while cooking, and people tend to eat generous portions.
If you can only find bone-in short ribs, they will work just as well but may take a bit longer to cook. In this case, you’ll need about three-quarters of a pound of bone-in short ribs per person.
For smaller, boneless cuts, we usually follow the rule of thumb of 1/2 pound per person. Beef ribs, on the other hand, are typically huge—and most of the time, the meat will still be attached to the bone. One pound of beef short ribs should yield about 1 to 1-1/2 servings. Depending on what type of short rib you buy (see below), each rib should weigh between 1 to 2 pounds. That makes it easy to estimate your serving sizes—just use 1 rib per person as a guideline.
Understanding Serving Sizes For Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to serving sizes for beef short ribs, there are a few things to keep in mind. The ideal serving size will depend on the weight of the short rib pieces and the style they’re cut in.
For beef back ribs, plan on serving 1-2 servings or 3-4 ribs per person. Beef short plate ribs will yield about 3 servings or 1 rib per person. Finally, for beef chuck short ribs, plan on serving 1-2 servings or 1-2 ribs per person.
It’s worth noting that there are several different variations, or styles, that short ribs can be cut. Some styles of cuts result in meatier pieces that are better for smoking or barbecuing, while others are thinner and better for braising or grilling.
The English style cut is the most common type of cut and will result in a thick piece of meat sitting on top of the bones. Plate short ribs are frequently available in English cut. The English style cut will result in a layer of fat and muscle on the top that can either be left on or removed by your butcher.
Flanken-style short ribs are thinner cut, usually about a half-inch thick, that goes across the bones. Resulting in a thinner strip of meat with four to five pieces of bone in it. Chuck short ribs are frequently cut this way and are good for Korean Kalbi style cooking.
Short rib riblets are an English style cut where the bones have been cut apart individually and then cut into shorter, approximately 1 to 2 inch long pieces with the thick meat on top. These are great for braising or in a slow cooker.
Finally, English style ribs can be cut away from the bone to result in a boneless slab of beef rib meat. Your butcher will remove the bones and the intercostal meat, resulting in a slab of meat that is about 1 to 2” thick and roughly 8” long.
Boneless Vs. Bone-In Short Ribs: How Much To Buy
When deciding between boneless and bone-in short ribs, it’s important to consider the cost, availability, and cooking time.
Boneless short ribs are easier to prepare since they don’t have any bones to work around. As mentioned earlier, you can count on about one pound per person. However, boneless short ribs tend to be more expensive than bone-in ones, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your meal.
On the other hand, bone-in short ribs are typically cheaper and can add more flavor to your dish. They take longer to cook since you have to account for the time it takes for the bones to heat through. If you’re using bone-in short ribs, plan on about three-quarters of a pound per person.
Ultimately, the choice between boneless and bone-in short ribs comes down to personal preference and availability. If you can find boneless short ribs at a reasonable price and prefer the convenience of not having to deal with bones, go for it. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that adds extra flavor to your dish, opt for bone-in short ribs. Just remember to adjust your portion sizes accordingly.
Calculating The Amount Of Beef Short Ribs Per Person
Calculating the amount of beef short ribs per person can be a bit tricky, as it depends on several factors such as the cut, weight, and whether they are boneless or bone-in.
If you’re buying boneless short ribs, you can estimate about 1 pound per person. This is because boneless short ribs are easier to serve and can be substituted for other meats in recipes. However, if you can only find bone-in short ribs, you’ll need to account for the weight of the bones and aim for about three-quarters of a pound per person.
It’s also important to consider the size of the short ribs. Some cuts can weigh up to 2 pounds each, while others may be smaller. For bone-in short ribs, a good estimate is to plan for 1 to 3 ribs per person depending on the size of the cut.
If you’re serving other meats and sides, you can plan for about 12 ounces of short rib per person. However, if beef short ribs are the main event, aim for about 1-1/2 pounds per person. Keep in mind that the meat will shrink during cooking, and some of the weight is inedible bone.
Ultimately, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have a bit more than not enough. Beef short ribs are a delicious and hearty dish that people tend to enjoy in generous portions. By following these guidelines and estimating based on the factors mentioned above, you should have a good idea of how many pounds of beef short ribs per person to purchase and prepare.
Tips For Cooking Beef Short Ribs To Perfection
Beef short ribs are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat, but they can be tricky to cook correctly. Here are some tips for cooking beef short ribs to perfection:
1. Seasoning: Salt and pepper the beef short ribs liberally before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Oven Cooking: If you’re cooking bone-in beef short ribs in the oven, preheat your oven to 275F and bake them for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Make sure to cover them tightly with aluminum foil and snuggle them close together in a baking dish. The ribs are done when the meat is visibly pulling away from the bone and they are fork-tender.
3. Braising: Braising is a perfect technique for cooking beef short ribs. Brown the meat in a bit of oil or butter first, then simmer it slowly in a liquid with aromatics like red wine, herbs, onions, garlic, citrus, soy sauce, porcini mushrooms, etc. This will make the meat irresistibly tender and full of flavor.
4. Searing: Don’t skip searing the meat before braising or slow-cooking it. This is an absolutely crucial step to getting the most flavor out of your short ribs and into your sauce.
5. Brining: If you’re cooking beef short ribs on the BBQ, consider brining them first. Brining will help to keep the meat juicy and season it beyond just the surface layer.
6. Meat Cuts: There are different types of beef short rib cuts available, such as Plate Flanken and English Short Ribs. Each cut requires different cooking methods and times, so make sure to choose the right cut for your recipe.
7. Resting: After cooking beef short ribs, allow them to rest for at least 20 minutes before serving. This will help to keep the meat juicy and tender.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook beef short ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!
Serving Suggestions And Pairings For Beef Short Ribs
Now that you know how much beef short ribs to buy per person, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them. Short ribs are a rich and flavorful cut of meat, so it’s important to choose sides that complement their bold taste. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings for beef short ribs:
1. Polenta: Creamy polenta is a great alternative to buttered noodles and is perfect for soaking up the juices from the short ribs. Add some chives for extra flavor.
2. Alt purees: Swap out mashed potatoes for a healthier cauliflower or white bean puree.
3. Roasted root vegetables: Roasting root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and pairs well with the earthy flavors of the short ribs.
4. Sauteed Broccolini: For a quick and easy side dish that still feels elegant, try sauteed broccolini. It cooks quickly and adds some green to your plate.
5. Bitter salads: To cut through the richness of the short ribs, serve a salad made with bitter greens like escarole or radicchio.
6. Caramelized kimchi: Feeling adventurous? Cook cabbage kimchi with some sugar until it’s browned to make a sweet-tangy-spicy relish that’s delicious with short ribs.
7. Sauteed mushrooms: If you want a side dish that won’t interfere with the flavors of your wine, saute some mushrooms. They echo the beefy flavors and pair well with most wines.
8. Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their nutty flavor and adds some texture to your plate.
9. Milk and Butter Boiled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob cooked in milk and butter is a classic side dish that pairs well with short ribs.
10. Glazed carrots: Glazed carrots add some sweetness and color to your plate and are easy to prepare.
11. Brown butter pappardelle: If you want a starchy side dish, try brown butter pappardelle. The nutty flavor of the brown butter complements the richness of the short ribs.
12. Kimchi fried rice: Another Korean-inspired side dish, kimchi fried rice adds some spice and tanginess to your plate.
13. Scallops: For a surf-and-turf twist, serve seared scallops alongside your short ribs. The sweet flavor of the scallops pairs well with the rich beef.
