Quick Answer
Mustard can be a great addition to beef ribs, adding flavor and helping create a tasty crust on the outside. Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard both work well. Brush a layer of mustard on the ribs before applying your favorite dry rub. The mustard helps the rub stick and develop caramelization when cooking. The tangy, zesty flavor complements the rich beefiness of the ribs. Mustard doesn’t overpower but instead enhances other seasonings.
What is the Purpose of Using Mustard?
There are a few reasons why mustard can be useful when making beef ribs:
- Adherence – The sticky texture of mustard helps dry rubs and seasonings adhere to the meat better before cooking. This allows more flavor to permeate into the ribs.
- Browning – Mustard aids in achieving a nice brown crust on the exterior of the ribs. The sugars and acids in mustard facilitate caramelization and Maillard reactions.
- Flavor – Mustard provides its own flavor notes, adding a tangy, zesty component that complements bold beef ribs.
- Bind – The mucilage in mustard helps bind ingredients together to form a bark or crust.
So in summary, mustard acts as a “glue” for the rub, an extra flavor boost, and browning agent when making beef ribs. The properties of mustard enhance the cooking process and end result.
What Type of Mustard Works Best?
Here are some of the most popular types of mustard to use with beef ribs:
Yellow Mustard
This classic American yellow mustard has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower. It contains turmeric for color and vinegar for tang. Yellow mustard is a versatile option that works well as a base for rubs on beef ribs, letting other seasonings shine. Some popular yellow mustard brands are French’s and Plochman’s.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard hails from France and has a bit more punch than yellow mustard. It is made with brown mustard seeds and white wine. The flavor is robust, spicy, and tangy. Dijon makes a great accompaniment to the deep flavor of beef ribs, adding zest and enhancing the crust.
Whole Grain Mustard
Whole grain mustard contains visible mustard seeds and has a coarser texture. It delivers a strong, spicy flavor. The hearty texture means it adheres well to meat. Whole grain mustard pairs nicely with beef’s richness. Try brands like Grey Poupon or Inglehoffer.
Honey Mustard
This sweet and tangy mustard contains honey for mildness. It has a smooth, spreadable texture. The touch of sweetness balances nicely with salty, spice rubs on beef ribs. Honey mustard adds both flavor and improved browning.
How Much Mustard Should be Used?
A thin layer of mustard is ideal for preparing beef ribs. You want enough to provide tackiness for the rub to adhere, but not so much that it completely coats the meat in a wet mustard layer.
As a general guideline, use about:
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard per rack of ribs
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup mustard per 3-5 pounds of ribs
It’s better to apply too little at first and add more as needed. Start with a very light brushing over all surfaces of the ribs. Pick up any dry rub that falls off and pat it back onto the meat. If needed, add a bit more mustard to spots that are still tacky.
What Does Mustard do to Beef Ribs?
Here is a breakdown of how mustard affects cooked beef ribs:
Adheres Rub
The rub contains the primary flavors and seasonings for the ribs. Mustard helps the rub strongly adhere so these flavors are transferred deliciously to the meat.
Enhances Browning
The sugars in mustard undergo the Maillard reaction when cooked, forming flavor compounds and enhancing browning. This caramelized crust is full of flavor.
Seals in Juices
The mustard layer briefly seals the outside of the ribs, allowing moisture to stay trapped inside during cooking. This keeps the interior juicy.
Adds Tangy Flavor
Mustard’s vinegary tang complements the beefy richness. It provides brightness and contrast without overpowering the natural meat flavor.
Aids Tenderness
Some enzymes in mustard may help tenderize beef to a certain degree, resulting in more tender and moist ribs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for incredible beef ribs with mustard:
1. Select Ribs
Choose quality beef ribs with good marbling for flavor – short ribs or back ribs work great. Get them in racks or individual ribs. Remove any membranes for tenderness.
2. Prepare Mustard
Choose your mustard – try yellow, Dijon, whole grain, or honey. Mix in any other ingredients like brown sugar, herbs, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
3. Apply Mustard
Use a cooking brush or spoon to apply a thin layer of mustard all over the ribs. Don’t skip any areas. Get the underside and sides too.
4. Coat with Rub
Sprinkle your favorite beef rib rub all over the mustard-coated ribs. Apply rub generously to give big flavor. Pat it onto the meat.
5. Cook Ribs
Cook using your preferred method – oven, smoker, grill, slow cooker. Low and slow cooking works great for tender beef ribs. Internal temp should reach 195-205°F.
6. Finish and Serve
Glaze with barbecue sauce during the last 15-30 mins if desired. Rest 5 minutes, then slice between bones. Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some tips for maximizing flavor and texture when making mustard-coated beef ribs:
– Opt for rib cuts with good marbling for tenderness and moisture.
– Remove the membrane from the bone side for easier biting.
– Use high quality mustard with good acidity and texture.
– Apply an even and thorough mustard coating so rub adheres everywhere.
– Pat on the rub generously to give big seasoning flavor.
– Let ribs come to room temp before cooking for more even cooking.
– Cook low and slow, around 225-275°F to break down connective tissues.
– Spritz ribs with apple cider vinegar or beef broth while cooking to prevent drying.
– Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness – aim for 195-205°F.
– Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes before cutting for juicier meat.
– Slice between each rib bone before serving.
Best Rubs for Beef Ribs with Mustard
The rub provides most of the flavor for the ribs, so choose something that complements the mustard well. Here are some excellent rubs to pair with mustard:
Basic Barbecue Spice Rub
| 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar |
| 2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika |
| 1 Tbsp Chili Powder |
| 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder |
| 2 tsp Onion Powder |
| 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper |
| 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper |
| 1 tsp Salt |
Coffee-Chile Rub
| 1/4 cup Ground Coffee |
| 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar |
| 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika |
| 1 Tbsp Chili Powder |
| 1 tsp Garlic Powder |
| 1 tsp Onion Powder |
| 1 tsp Salt |
| 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper |
Steakhouse Style Rub
| 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder |
| 1 Tbsp Onion Powder |
| 2 tsp Dry Mustard |
| 1 Tbsp Salt |
| 1 Tbsp Black Pepper |
| 1 tsp Smoked Paprika |
| 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper |
Experiment to find your favorite flavors that pair deliciously with the mustard and beef.
Best Mustard-Beef Rib Recipes
Here are some stellar recipes for beef ribs with a mustard coating:
French Onion Beef Ribs
Brush with Dijon mustard, then coat with crispy fried onions and herbs. Oven roast at 300°F until tender.
Whiskey Maple Mustard Beef Ribs
Slather ribs with a sauce of maple syrup, whiskey, Dijon, Worcestershire, and spices. Smoke at low heat.
Garlic Mustard Short Ribs
Marinate short ribs in garlic, mustard, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Grill until caramelized and saucy.
Chipotle BBQ Beef Ribs
Combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with yellow mustard as a binder. Toss ribs in spice rub, mustard mixture, then grill.
Mustard and Thyme Smoked Beef Ribs
Use whole grain mustard mixed with fresh thyme as the binder for a savory rib rub. Smoke for hours until tender.
Guinness and Mustard Braised Short Ribs
Braise short ribs low and slow in a Guinness beer and mustard gravy. Perfectly fall-apart tender.
The possibilities are endless for creating signature beef rib recipes with a flavor boost from mustard!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mustard help ribs?
Yes, mustard provides several benefits when making beef ribs: it helps dry rubs and spices adhere to the meat, enhances browning and caramelization, adds tangy flavor, and aids in tenderizing the ribs when cooking.
What flavor of mustard is best on ribs?
Yellow mustard, Dijon, whole grain, and honey mustard all pair well with beef ribs. Choose based on your desired tanginess and sweetness. Yellow and Dijon are good all-purpose options.
Can you use too much mustard on ribs?
Yes, too much mustard could overpower the other flavors or create a mushy texture. Use just enough to lightly coat and help the rub stick – about 1-2 Tbsp per rack of ribs is usually sufficient.
Should mustard be added at the beginning or end?
It’s best to apply the mustard first before the dry rub, rather than after cooking. This allows the mustard to help bind the spices to the raw meat so flavors develop while cooking.
Is stone ground mustard good on ribs?
Stone ground mustard has a coarse texture and robust flavor that pairs deliciously with rich barbecued ribs. The stone ground seeds give plenty of zing.
Conclusion
Adding a thin layer of mustard when preparing beef ribs provides big benefits for both texture and flavor. The mustard helps dry rub adhere, creates a tasty crust, seals in moisture, and gives a tangy contrast to the beefy ribs.
Popular styles like yellow, Dijon, whole grain, and honey all work well. Apply about 1 Tbsp per rack before coating generously with your favorite spice rub. Pair sweet and smoky rubs with the mustard for maximum bbq flavor.
Cooking low and slow, around 225-275°F, results in fall-off-the bone tender beef ribs with a caramelized crust when using mustard. Give your ribs an extra flavor boost next time with a quick brush of mustard before cooking.