Where to Buy the Best Beef Ribs for Smoking

Smoking beef ribs may seem intimidating, but with the right ribs, some patience, and a few tips, you can make restaurant-quality smoked beef ribs at home. The key is finding high-quality, well-marbled ribs that are perfect for low and slow smoking. Not all beef ribs are created equal, so it pays to know where to buy the best beef ribs for smoking.

What to Look For When Buying Beef Ribs for Smoking

When buying beef ribs specifically for smoking, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Cut – Opt for meatier ribs like bone-in short ribs, back ribs, or special cuts like dino ribs. Avoid thin and bony ribs

• Marbling – Well-marbled ribs with ample fat will be more tender and flavorful after hours in the smoker. Look for good intramuscular fat.

• Thickness – Thicker ribs hold up better to long, slow smoking times Thin ribs can dry out

• Portion Size – For sharing, look for racks of ribs over individual ribs. Party-sized slabs are 4-7 pounds.

• Bone – Bone-in ribs will have more flavor than boneless. Avoid ribs that have been cut across the bone.

• Quality – Prime or high-quality choice grade ribs have richer flavor than lower grades. USDA Prime is the highest quality.

Where to Purchase Beef Ribs for Smoking

Knowing where to source quality beef ribs for smoking is key. Here are some of the best places to buy beef ribs online or in stores:

Online Mail Order Steakhouses

Online butcher shops and mail order steakhouses like Porter Road and Snake River Farms have excellent selections of USDA Prime beef ribs. Products are vacuum sealed and shipped frozen. Expect premium quality but higher prices.

Specialty Meat Shops

Independent butcher shops and meat markets focusing on high quality, custom cuts are another good option for beef ribs. Visit a local specialty shop or order from well-known premium online butchers like Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors.

Warehouse Clubs

Costco is a surprisingly good source for USDA Prime beef ribs at wholesale prices. Check for special prime rib selections in club warehouses, especially around the holidays. Availability may vary.

Steak Delivery Subscription Boxes

Companies like ButcherBox offer regular steak delivery subscriptions. Box options often include beef ribs. Ribs may not be prime quality but convenience is a plus.

Direct from Farms

Ordering direct from small farms, ranches, and cooperatives means purchasing straight from the source. Check farmers markets and sites like Crowd Cow. Beef quality depends on farm practices.

High-End Groceries

Grocery stores known for their meat counters like Whole Foods and Wegmans typically stock prime beef ribs. Call ahead to check availability and special order if needed. Prices are higher than regular supermarkets.

Restaurant Suppliers

Restaurant Depot and other restaurant/foodservice suppliers sell bulk boxes of beef ribs at wholesale pricing. You’ll need a membership or tax ID. Quality varies so inspect meat first.

How Much Does Smoking-Grade Beef Ribs Cost?

Expect to pay a premium for high-quality ribs specifically meant for smoking. Here are some average price ranges:

• Dino Ribs – $17-$20 per pound
• Plate Short Ribs – $7-$12 per pound
• Back Ribs – $9-$14 per pound
• Short Ribs – $6-$10 per pound

Buying in bulk brings down per-pound costs. Prime rib quality commands top pricing. Grass-fed, local farms, and organic can also cost more.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking Beef Ribs

Once you’ve sourced some top-notch beef ribs, proper preparation and cooking techniques are vital for mouthwatering smoked ribs:

• Generously season ribs all over. A barbecue rub adds lots of flavor.

• Smoke ribs “low and slow”, keeping temps between 225°F to 275°F for best results.

• Use indirect heat, placing ribs away from direct flame to prevent burning.

• Maintain consistent temperature inside the smoker for even cooking.

• Spritz ribs with apple juice or vinegar every hour for moisture.

• Wrap ribs in foil at the halfway point to power through “the stall”.

• Cook ribs until tender and the meat pulls back from the bones.

• Let ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

The most difficult part is tracking down high-quality beef ribs specifically cut for smoking. With flavorful, well-marbled ribs from a trusted source, your chances for incredible smoked beef ribs improve exponentially. Once you dial in your preferred prep and smoking method, you can replicate competition-worthy results in your own backyard.

Where to Buy Beef Ribs for Smoking – In Summary

For barbeque bliss, seek out specialty shops, high-end grocers, mail order steakhouses and direct farm sources to find prime beef ribs purposefully cut for maximum success when smoking low and slow. With quality ribs and the right techniques, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone smoked beef ribs to impress any backyard pitmaster.