Plate ribs, also known as beef plate short ribs or simply "plate short ribs," are a delectable cut of beef sourced from the lower portion of the ribcage, specifically from the belly side of the cow. This particular cut is renowned for its rich marbling, which translates into exceptional tenderness and flavor when cooked to perfection.
What are Plate Ribs and What Makes Them Stand Out?
One of the standout features of plate ribs is their impressive meat-to-bone ratio. Unlike other cuts where you may find yourself navigating around bones, plate ribs offer generous portions of meat, making them a favorite among steak enthusiasts. Whether grilled, smoked, or braised, plate ribs are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and strong flavor profile.
What Exactly are Plate Ribs and What Makes Them Special?
As we already know, plate ribs come from the short plate primal, located beneath the rib cage. This area contains more fat marbling compared to other cuts, which contributes to their intense beefy flavor and moistness during cooking. Plate ribs are a cut of beef with a dedicated following due to their unique qualities. Boasting higher fat marbling compared to other cuts, this marbling translates into a deep, rich beef flavor and exceptional tenderness when cooked properly. Their versatility shines in slow-cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking. These low and slow techniques allow the fat to render and the meat to become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. Compared to brisket, another cut known for its intense flavor, plate ribs are smaller, thicker, and have shorter bones. This makes them well-suited for those seeking similar qualities in a more manageable size. Finally, their ability to hold up well to smoking and grilling has made them a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts, offering both delicious flavor and juicy texture. In short, plate ribs are a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that deliver a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Are Plate Ribs Regular Ribs and Why Do They Call it Plate Ribs?
While both share the name "ribs," the answer to “Are plate ribs pork ribs?”, is No. Plate ribs are not considered regular ribs. Unlike the most common ribs, which come from the back of the pig and are known for being thinner and leaner, plate ribs originate from the cow's short plate, located beneath the rib cage.This difference in origin gives plate ribs their distinctive characteristics: thicker cut, richer marbling due to higher fat content, and a bolder flavor.
The name "plate ribs" isn't just a fancy term for deliciousness, it actually reveals where they come from and how they're butchered. These flavorful ribs hail from the short plate, a specific section nestled under the cow's rib cage. This particular area is then cut into sections, often containing three to four ribs still connected, or sometimes individually, with meat attached. This distinctive presentation, resembling a flat plate holding the ribs together, is what earned them the name "plate ribs." This helps distinguish them from other rib cuts, like individual back ribs or the bone-in roast known as prime rib.
At Little Cattle Co., we take great pride in offering top-quality plate ribs sourced from our very own Black Angus cattle on our multi generational family cattle operation. Our beef is grass-fed, grain-finished, and raised in rich Texas Grasslands that promote healthy, nutrient-rich beef. We then grain-finish them to maximize their flavor and ensure every bite of our beef plate ribs is better than the last. Order our Premium Plate Ribs now and experience the Little Cattle Co. difference!