Sliced beef short rib refers to thin slices of beef cut from the short ribs. Short ribs come from the rib section of the cow, typically from ribs 6 through 12. They contain a lot of collagen and fat, which makes them flavorful and tender when cooked properly.
Where does sliced beef short rib come from on the cow?
As mentioned above, sliced beef short rib comes from the rib section of the cow, specifically ribs 6 through 12. This section is below the prime rib roast and ribeye steak cuts. The short ribs contain a lot of connective tissue and are well-marbled with fat.
When separating the rib into cuts, the butcher will cut across the ribs into short 2-3 inch lengths. These are the short ribs. The ribs are then sliced across the bone into thin strips to make sliced beef short rib. So each slice contains a bit of rib bone as well as meat and fat.
How is sliced beef short rib used?
Sliced beef short rib is extremely versatile and can be used in various dishes:
- Barbecue dishes – Short rib slices work great for Korean-style barbecue or slow cooked barbecue ribs.
- Stir fries – Thinly sliced short rib is ideal for quick cooking stir fry dishes.
- Stews – The collagen in short ribs makes them perfect for stews, braises, and simmering dishes.
- Salads – You can use slices of cold short rib over salad greens for an easy protein addition.
- Sandwiches – Pile sliced short ribs onto rolls or buns for tasty sandwiches.
- Appetizers – Short rib slices make great additions to appetizer skewers or platters.
The key is to slice the short rib thinly against the grain. This allows for quick cooking and a tender, easy to eat texture.
What are the benefits of sliced beef short rib?
There are several benefits that make sliced beef short rib a great choice:
- Flavor – Short ribs have an incredibly rich, beefy flavor from all the collagen and fat.
- Tenderness – When sliced thin and cooked properly, short rib meat becomes meltingly tender.
- Versatility – Sliced short rib can be used in all sorts of dishes, from Asian to American cuisine.
- Value – Short ribs are relatively inexpensive compared to premium steak cuts.
- Visual appeal – The slices of meat and bone make for an attractive presentation.
How to cook sliced beef short rib
To get the most out of sliced beef short rib, proper cooking technique is important:
- Use high heat – Sear the slices first over high heat to caramelize the exterior.
- Slow cook – Braise, stew, or barbecue at low heat to break down the collagen.
- Slice thin – Cut across the grain in 1/4 inch slices for tenderness.
- Avoid overcooking – The meat can get tough if cooked too long.
- Moisten well – Keep the short rib slices braised in sauce or broth.
Specific cooking methods like grilling, broiling, simmering in stew or bbq sauce will result in fall-apart tender sliced short ribs.
Nutrition facts for sliced beef short rib
Here are the nutrition facts for a 3 oz serving of sliced beef short rib:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 201 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Iron | 2.4mg |
As you can see, sliced beef short rib is high in protein and iron while delivering a good amount of healthy fats. The calorie count is moderate for a serving of red meat.
Substitutions for sliced beef short rib
If you can’t find sliced short rib, here are some possible substitutions:
- Flank steak – Use thinly sliced flank steak for stir fries or salads.
- Skirt steak – Skirt steak has lots of flavor for dishes like fajitas or sandwiches.
- Brisket – Sliced brisket works for barbecue dishes and sandwiches.
- Short rib chunks – Dice regular short rib chunks instead of using slices.
- Oxtail – Use sliced oxtail for rich stews or braises.
While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, these cuts can work well as replacements in various dishes.
Where to buy sliced beef short rib
You can find sliced beef short rib at:
- Butcher shops or meat markets – Ask the butcher to slice the short ribs for you.
- Specialty grocery stores – Many Asian markets will carry sliced short rib.
- Online – There are online stores that sell pre-sliced short ribs.
- Regular supermarkets – Sometimes you can find it pre-packaged in the meat section.
For the best quality and value, check with your local butcher to see if they offer sliced short rib cuts. This allows you to buy as much as you need.
Conclusion
Sliced beef short rib is a wonderfully versatile and flavorful cut of meat. The slices become meltingly tender when braised or grilled. Short rib has a distinctly beefy taste while remaining relatively inexpensive. Thin slices greatly expand the ways you can use short ribs in various dishes. With proper cooking, sliced beef short rib delivers tender, rich beef in every bite.