Are you tired of throwing away the trimmings from your pork ribs? Don’t let those flavorful pieces go to waste!
There are plenty of creative ways to use them in your cooking. From chili and stew to homemade sausage and meatballs, spare rib trimmings can add a delicious twist to your favorite dishes.
But before you start cooking, it’s important to know which parts of the spare rib rack are best for certain recipes. In this article, we’ll explore the different uses for skirt meat and rib tips, as well as how to properly store and freeze them.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best ways to make the most out of your pork rib trimmings!
What To Do With Pork Rib Trimmings?
Skirt meat and rib tips are two of the most common spare rib trimmings. Skirt meat is a thin, flavorful cut that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s perfect for making homemade sausage or meatballs, as well as adding to chili or stew for an extra boost of flavor.
Rib tips, on the other hand, have cartilage in them and cannot be used as a substitute for other cuts of meat. However, they can still be used in a variety of ways. One popular method is to smoke them with the ribs and freeze them for later use in tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or even tamales.
When it comes to storing spare rib trimmings, it’s important to do so properly to prevent bacterial growth. Skirt meat and rib tips can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container, or frozen for up to a month and thawed in the fridge overnight before using. It’s important to freeze the trimmed pieces of pork within two hours of cutting them to ensure their freshness.
If you’ve used hog fat trimmings to season your spare ribs, you can also store those in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your dishes and help you make the most out of your pork rib trimmings.
Understanding Pork Rib Trimmings: Skirt Meat And Rib Tips
When trimming a rack of spare ribs, it’s important to understand the different parts of the rack, including the skirt meat and rib tips. The skirt meat is a flap of meat that sits in the middle of the rack on the backside. If not trimmed away before cooking, it can burn and cause the ribs to cook unevenly. However, this flavorful cut can be used in a variety of dishes, such as homemade sausage, meatballs, chili, or stew.
Rib tips are located on the bottom edge of the rack and contain cartilage as well as part of the sternum. This makes them cook differently and carving more difficult, so they need to be trimmed off. However, they can still be used in a variety of ways. One popular method is to smoke them with the ribs and freeze them for later use in tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or even tamales.
When storing spare rib trimmings, it’s important to do so properly to prevent bacterial growth. Skirt meat and rib tips can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container or frozen for up to a month and thawed in the fridge overnight before using. It’s important to freeze the trimmed pieces of pork within two hours of cutting them to ensure their freshness.
How To Use Skirt Meat In Your Cooking
Skirt meat is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. One of the best ways to use skirt meat is to slice it thin and use it in dishes like fajitas and stir-fries. To do this, cook the whole piece of meat and let it rest before slicing it against the grain. This will help retain its juices and ensure that it is tender and flavorful.
Another great way to use skirt meat is as a main dish with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. You can also make a tangy avocado chimichurri sauce to serve with it. If you have leftovers, you can enjoy it with over-easy eggs, sliced avocados, and sautéed spinach for breakfast.
To increase tenderness, skirt steak can be marinated overnight in a sweet and savory combination of sesame, garlic, cola, and soy sauce. This will help break down the tough fibers and make it even more tender. When cooking skirt steak, it’s important to not overcook it as it can become dry and chewy. Aim for rare to medium-rare for the best results.
To cook skirt steak, start by heating a grill or grill pan over high heat. Rub the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling for about 3 minutes per side until nicely charred and medium-rare. Let it rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing it across the grain.
Creative Ways To Use Rib Tips In Your Recipes
Rib tips can be used in a variety of creative ways to add a delicious and unique flavor to your dishes. Here are some ideas:
1. Stir Fry: Since rib tips are oddball pieces that are not uniform, they are perfect for stir-fry dishes. Cut them into small pieces and add them to your favorite stir-fry recipe for an extra punch of flavor.
2. Ground Meat: If you grind your own meat, you can mix rib tips into your ground beef for some out-of-this-world burgers or meatloaf. You can also mix them with ground pork for a flavorful twist on traditional pork burgers.
3. Chinese BBQ: Marinate rib tips in a homemade Chinese BBQ sauce and bake them until they’re fall-apart tender. This will recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout ribs, only better.
4. Tacos, Nachos, and Quesadillas: Smoke rib tips with the ribs and freeze them for later use in tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or even tamales. The smoky flavor will add an extra layer of deliciousness to these dishes.
5. Slow Braise: Slow braise rib tips in the oven with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and water at about 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours. Strain it and put it in the fridge for two days, and you’ll have pure pork gelatin and really nice flavored pork lard that can be used for cooking or injecting into pork butts for competitions or to make killer Posole.
By using these creative ways to use rib tips in your recipes, you can make the most out of your pork rib trimmings and create delicious dishes that your family and friends will love.
Storing And Freezing Pork Rib Trimmings For Future Use
If you have spare pork rib trimmings that you won’t be using right away, storing and freezing them is a great way to make sure they don’t go to waste. Here are some tips for storing and freezing pork rib trimmings for future use.
First, make sure the trimmings are properly cleaned and trimmed of any excess fat or cartilage. Cut the meat into small, manageable pieces that will be easy to use later on.
Next, place the trimmed pieces of meat in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and type of meat so you can easily identify it later on.
If you plan on using the pork rib trimmings within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. If you won’t be using them for longer than that, freeze them as soon as possible. To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer and make sure it is stored at 0°F or below.
When you’re ready to use the pork rib trimmings, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing them at room temperature or in warm water as this can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. Once thawed, use the trimmings within 3-4 days.
By properly storing and freezing your spare pork rib trimmings, you can make sure they stay fresh and flavorful for future use in your favorite dishes.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking With Pork Rib Trimmings
Now that you know how to store pork rib trimmings, it’s time to learn how to cook them. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of these delicious cuts:
1. Use skirt meat in place of ground beef in your favorite recipes. It’s a great way to switch things up and add a new flavor profile to your dishes.
2. Smoke rib tips along with your ribs for added flavor. Once they’re done, chop them up and use them in tacos, nachos, or even as a topping for pizza.
3. Make homemade sausage by grinding up skirt meat and adding your favorite seasonings. You can then use the sausage in a variety of dishes, from breakfast scrambles to pasta sauces.
4. Add rib tips to your chili or stew for an extra boost of flavor and texture. They’ll add a bit of chewiness to the dish that pairs well with the other ingredients.
5. Use hog fat trimmings to season your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven before cooking. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your dishes and help prevent sticking.
6. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling or baking, to see what works best for you and your taste preferences.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the most out of your pork rib trimmings and create delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends.
