Contact Us: Email | 24/7 Customer Service 1-800-381-0759
Over 3 million customers served since 1994
Same Day Shipping, $4.99* on any size order
Healthnotes Index:
Search Healthnotes:

Beef Ribs

Fast and simple no-hassle tips for ribs lovers

Best to buy
Look for beef ribs that are firm to the touch and have a clear red color. Make sure to buy it on or before the “sell by” date on the package.

Tasty tip
Beef short ribs, cut from the flank, are tough and fatty but meaty. Beef back ribs come from the prime rib and are more tender but less meaty than short ribs.

Store it safely
Refrigerate beef ribs in their original packaging for up to four days or freeze in heavy-duty aluminum foil for up to 12 months.

Quick & easy: Barbecue by the grill method
Rub ribs with a spicy “dry rub,” place in a sealable plastic bag, and refrigerate overnight. Grill ribs for up to 3 hours on a low-heat barbecue (250°F and 130°C) with the lid closed until they are fork-tender. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and baste with barbecue sauce, turning several times.


Also indexed as: Back Ribs, Short Ribs

Find Great Recipes

Preparation, uses, and tips

Barbecue by the grill method

Rub ribs with a spicy “dry rub,” place in a sealable plastic bag, and refrigerate overnight. Prepare a low-heat barbecue (250°F and 130°C), place beef ribs on greased rack, and close the lid. Grill ribs until they are fork-tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and baste with barbecue sauce, turning several times.

Barbecue by the grill method

Heat oven to 350°F (180°C), place beef ribs in a shallow baking pan, and bake beef ribs until they are tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, drain, and place on a heated barbecue directly over the heat source. Cook 15 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce and turning frequently.

Barbecue by the braise/broil method

Place beef ribs in heavy pot on the stove, cover with water (add spices if desired), and simmer until tender, about 2 hours. Drain and place ribs on a broiler pan. Broil for 10 to 15 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce and turning often.

Braise

To braise, heat a skillet and brown ribs on both sides over medium-high heat. Add cooking liquid and onions or spices if desired. Cook over low heat until the meat is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Save the stock to use for soup or broth.

Buying and storing tips

Look for beef ribs with a clear red color. Beef is normally a purplish-red color, but when exposed to oxygen it takes on a cherry-red hue known as the “bloom.” While the exterior is bright red, the interior of the meat will retain the darker color. Vacuum-packed beef ribs also show this purplish color.

Packaged beef ribs should be cold and the package should show no punctures or tears; vacuum-packed beef should have its seal intact. The beef should be firm to the touch. Check the “sell-by” date and buy on or before that date.

Leave beef ribs in their original packaging and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, where they will keep three to four days. To freeze, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper, or freezer bags. Beef ribs will keep 6 to 12 months in the freezer. Defrost in the refrigerator, allowing 12 to 24 hours depending on number of ribs. Cook as soon as possible after defrosting.

Varieties

Beef short ribs, cut from the flank, are tough and fatty but meaty.

Beef back ribs come from the prime rib and usually consist of seven ribs with the meat attached. They are more tender but less meaty than short ribs.

Nutrition Highlights

Beef ribs, whole (fat trimmed to 1/4 inches [0.6cm]) broiled, 3 oz. (85g)
Calories: 291
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrate: 0g
Total Fat: 23g
Fiber: 0g
*Excellent source of: Selenium (18.19mcg), Vitamin B12 (2.44mcg), and Zinc (4.44mg)
*Good source of: Iron (1.84mg), Phosphorus (150.45mg), Niacin (2.76mg), and Vitamin B6 (0.23mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.




*The information in this newsletter is for educational use only. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you believe you may have any of the signs or symptoms discussed above before using any of the nutrients discussed.

You should also consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
1-800-381-0759
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. 5 Star Guarantee Internet Retailer Top 500 E-Retailer Inc. 500 Award Winner & Hall of Fame Member
Copyright © 2008 Vitacost.com. All rights reserved • Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by Vitacost.com or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Prices and promotions are subject to change without notice.
Atl8