Country style beef ribs, also known as beef back ribs, are a cut of beef taken from the rib section of a steer. They are meatier and fattier compared to other beef rib cuts. Country style ribs contain a good amount of connective tissue and fat, which helps keep them moist when cooking. The fat renders during cooking, basting the ribs from the inside and developing great beef flavor.
Where do country style ribs come from on the cow?
Country style ribs come from the rib primal or section of the cow. They are cut from the chuck end of the rib primal between the 3rd through 6th ribs. This gives them more meat compared to beef short ribs or back ribs.
What part of the rib do country style ribs come from?
Country style beef ribs come specifically from the chuck end of the rib primal. This is the end closest to the chuck section and shoulder area of the animal. Country style ribs contain parts of the rib bone, chine bone, and finger bones surrounded by layers of meat, fat, and connective tissue.
Appearance and Composition
What do country style ribs look like?
Country style ribs are rectangular in shape with a long bone running lengthwise through the cut. The meat has a coarse grain appearance and is covered with a thick fat cap. Country style ribs can come attached in a full slab with multiple ribs or be cut individually into shorter sections.
Structure of country style beef ribs:
– Rib bone – Provides structure and flavor
– Intermuscular fat and marbling – Adds moisture and beefy flavor
– Connective tissue – Breaks down into gelatin during cooking for tender, juicy meat
– Fat cap – Bastes the meat and keeps it tender during cooking
Flavor and Texture
How do country style ribs taste?
Country style ribs have a deep, beefy flavor from the bone and fat content. The meat has a rich taste and tender, fall-off-the-bone texture when cooked properly. The fat renders down basting the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
Are country style ribs tough?
Country style ribs contain a good amount of connective tissue, so they can be tough if undercooked. Long, slow cooking methods like braising, roasting, or smoking allow the connective tissue to break down into gelatin. This results in meat that is tender, moist, and full of flavor.
Cooking Methods
How do you cook country style beef ribs?
There are several excellent ways to cook country style ribs:
Braising: This moist heat method tenderizes the meat. Brown the ribs first in batches, then braise slowly in liquid like stock, wine, or sauce for 2-3 hours.
Roasting: Roast in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours until fork tender. Can be roasted seasoned or with sauce/glaze.
Grilling: Use indirect heat or smoke the ribs at 225-250°F for 5-6 hours with wood chips/chunks for flavor.
Smoking: Low and slow at 225°F for 6-8 hours with smoke flavor from wood. Wrap in foil at stall for tender meat.
Instant Pot: Pressure cook on manual high for 25-40 minutes until ribs are tender. Quick cooking time.
What is the best way to cook country style ribs?
The best cooking methods for optimal tenderness are braising, roasting low and slow, smoking low and slow, or pressure cooking. These methods break down connective tissue for fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Country Style Rib Recipes
Here are some excellent recipe ideas for country style beef ribs:
Braised Country Ribs
– Brown ribs in batches then braise in red wine, beef broth and aromatics for 2-3 hours
– Become fall-off-the-bone tender
– Can use chuck roast seasoning or spices
BBQ Country Style Ribs
– Season with spice rub or sauce
– Smoke at 225°F for 5-6 hours with hickory, apple, pecan
– Glaze with BBQ sauce last 30 minutes
Roasted Garlic Herb Country Ribs
– Roast seasoned ribs with loads of minced garlic
– Infuse flavor into the meat
– Toss roasted garlic cloves with pasta after
Coca Cola Country Style Ribs
– Marinade ribs in cola, soy, spices overnight
– Bake 3 hours basting with marinade
– Finger-licking sticky, tender ribs
Ranch Country Ribs
– Coat ribs with ranch seasoning and let sit overnight
– Roast at 300°F for 2-3 hours
– Toss roasted ribs with ranch dressing before serving
Variations
Can you use country style ribs for stews?
Yes, country style ribs work great in beef stews and chili. Brown them first then let them braise in the liquid for tenderness. The meat shreds easily off the bone after cooking for stews.
What other cuts are similar to country style ribs?
– Beef short ribs – More bone, less meat
– Dinosaur or Flintstone ribs – Thicker, meatier ribs
– Tomahawk ribs – Cowboy cut with long bone
– Beef back ribs – Little meat, mostly bone
Selection and Storage
What to look for when buying country style ribs:
– Meaty, thick cut ribs
– White fat cap coating on top
– Good marbling and fat distribution
– Deep red lean color
– Fresh smell not sour
– No dry or brown spots
How to store country style beef ribs:
– Refrigerate uncooked ribs 3-5 days max
– Freeze for 3-6 months at 0°F or below
– Thaw frozen ribs overnight in fridge before cooking
– Avoid cross contamination when storing raw
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition profile of country style beef ribs per 100g:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387 |
| Fat | 35g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Sodium | 74mg |
Key nutrients and benefits:
– High in protein – Builds muscle and repairs tissue
– Rich in iron – Carries oxygen and aids metabolism
– High in zinc – Supports immune function
– Source of B-vitamins – Converts food into energy
– Source of selenium – Boosts immune system and metabolism
As you can see, country style beef ribs provide an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. The marrow within the bones also contains healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients.
Cost Analysis
Country style beef ribs are one of the more budget-friendly cuts of beef. Here is a cost comparison of country style ribs versus other popular beef cuts:
| Beef Cut | Average Cost per Pound |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | $4.50 |
| Chuck Roast | $6.50 |
| Country Style Ribs | $7.50 |
| Sirloin Steak | $9.50 |
| Ribeye Steak | $13.50 |
As you can see, country style ribs cost approximately 25-50% less per pound than premium beef cuts like ribeye or sirloin steak. They provide an affordable way to enjoy delicious beef rib flavor. Consider buying country style ribs for your next backyard barbecue on a budget!
Conclusion
Country style beef ribs come from the chuck end rib section and contain a good ratio of meat, fat, and bone. They have a deep beefy flavor when prepared properly using moist heat methods like braising, roasting, smoking, or pressure cooking. With a little time, country ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender with juicy, robust beef flavor. Compared to other cuts, they also provide an affordable beef option.
The next time you are looking for a satisfying beef dinner, give country style ribs a try. Their big beefy taste and tender texture after slow cooking makes them a rib lover’s delight. With the right seasonings or sauce, country ribs can be the star of your next backyard grill-out.