Where Can I Buy Delicious Beef Ribs?

Beef ribs are a barbecue lover’s delight. These meaty, flavorful cuts are perfect for smoking, grilling, braising, or any other slow cooking method But where can you find high quality beef ribs for purchase? Here are some of the best places to buy beef ribs, whether you want to stock your freezer or just grab some for tonight’s dinner

Check Your Local Butcher Shop

Your neighborhood butcher is often an excellent source for amazing beef ribs. Butchers typically work directly with farms or meat purveyors to source their beef. This gives them access to high quality cuts like beef ribs. When shopping at a butcher, you can select the exact rack of ribs you want and have them cut or trim it to your specifications. Butchers are also happy to share cooking tips and pairing suggestions.

Ask your butcher if they have USDA Prime or Choice grade beef ribs in stock. Examine the ribs for good marbling, as this fat keeps the ribs deliciously moist during cooking. Price and minimums vary, but expect to pay $7-12 per pound for quality beef back ribs. Many butchers are happy to cut just a couple racks if that’s all you need.

Order Beef Ribs Online

Shopping online opens up many more options for buying great beef ribs. Online specialty purveyors work with farms across the country to deliver spectacular beef ribs right to your door. Websites like https://www.wellborn2rbeef.com offer various cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef ribs.

Ordering online lets you buy as much or as little as you need, with no minimum order at many purveyors. Depending on the cut and grade, expect to pay $8-15 per pound. Keep costs down by ordering 2-3 racks at once to qualify for free shipping. Online ordering means you can stock up on beef ribs to enjoy all season long.

Check the Meat Counter at Your Grocery Store

Your local supermarket can also be a source for high quality beef ribs, though selection is often more limited. Talk to the butcher counter staff about what’s currently available. Look for meaty ribs with good marbling and a layer of fat on top. Avoid ribs racks that look dry or overly fatty.

Grocery store ribs are often graded USDA Choice. Price will be similar to your butcher shop, likely $8-12 per pound. You’ll usually have to buy a full rack. Inspect the ribs carefully rather than just grabbing a pre-wrapped pack. For best results, special order ahead so the store can get the right ribs from their supplier.

Find a Restaurant Supplier or Warehouse Club

Restaurants and other food businesses depend on restaurant suppliers and warehouse clubs like Costco for all their beef rib needs These businesses sell beef ribs in bulk at wholesale prices, but many are happy to sell individual cuts as well Shop their fresh or frozen options for USDA Prime or Choice short ribs, back ribs, or beef plate ribs.

Warehouse stores offer great prices per pound since they buy whole rib primals and butcher them in house. You can likely find beef back ribs for $6-9 per pound Focus on picking meaty ribs with good marbling If the price seems too good to be true, the ribs are probably lower quality. Opt for the premium Angus or organic offerings.

Order Beef Ribs from an Online Meat Delivery Service

For ultimate convenience, order juicy, competition-ready beef ribs from an online meat delivery company like Rastelli’s or Porter Road. They source beef from top ranches and do all the butchering in house. Their sites make it easy to order exactly what you need, like a 3-4 bone beef rib plate or whole brisket.

Expect to pay $12-18 per pound for Prime or Wagyu beef ribs from online delivery companies. You’ll get the best quality with none of the work of shopping. Order just what you need with no minimums. Or stock up on ribs to keep on hand for impromptu backyard barbecues all summer long.

Buy Direct from a Cattle Ranch

For the best quality and freshest ribs, buy them directly from a beef cattle ranch in your area. Many ranches sell whole, half, or quarter beef either on their website or at local farmers markets. This allows you to hand select exactly which ribs you want from their premium herd.

Buying direct means you know exactly where your beef ribs came from and how the cattle were raised. Ranchers are also great resources for cooking tips and recipes. Depending on the ranch, expect to pay $9-14 per pound for high end grass fed or Wagyu ribs. Delivery or pick-up options vary.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Ribs

To get the most delicious ribs, pay attention to the following factors when buying:

• Grade: Look for USDA Prime or Choice grade for well marbled, juicy ribs. Avoid Select which will be leaner.

• Bones: Choose racks with bones 4 inches or longer to allow the meat to cook slow and tender. Avoid chopped or bone-in short ribs for slow, moist cooking.

• Meat: Look for thick, meaty ribs with deep red lean. Avoid racks with a lot of fat and gristle.

• Marbling: Good marbling between the ribs means they’ll be infused with flavor and moisture when cooked.

• Surface Fat: Some fat on the outside helps keep ribs from drying out. Avoid racks with more than 1⁄4 inch fat cap.

• Appearance: Fresh ribs look moist and bright red. Avoid racks that are dry or brown looking.

How Much Beef Ribs Should I Buy?

Beef ribs are usually sold in full racks or slabs. A full slab contains a different number of bones depending on the cut:

• Back Ribs: 13 bones
• Short Ribs: 5 bones
• Plate Ribs: 3-4 bones

For easy math, figure you’ll get about 1 pound of trimmed, cooked meat per bone. So a 4-bone plate rib slab will yield around 4 pounds pulled meat.

Here are some buying estimates for popular uses:

• For 2 People: Order 1 rack back ribs or plate ribs

• For 4-6 People: Order 2 racks back ribs or 2 racks plate ribs

• For 6-10 People: Order 3 racks back ribs plus 1 rack plate ribs

• For BBQ Competition: Order 6-8 racks back ribs plus 4-6 racks plate ribs

• For Catering: Estimate 1⁄2 pound finished, cooked ribs per person

• For Meal Prep: Order 2-3 racks to reheat and enjoy all week

Buy extra racks to freeze for later if you find a great sale or want a stash ready anytime.

How to Store Beef Ribs

• Fresh ribs will keep 3-4 days in the fridge. Place them in a rimmed baking sheet or tray to catch any drips.

• For longer storage, wrap ribs tightly in freezer wrap, bags, or paper. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Frozen, ribs will keep 6 months to a year at 0°F or below. Avoid freezer burn by double wrapping.

• Thaw ribs 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature as this allows bacteria growth. Ribs can also be cooked frozen using a low and slow method over several hours.

• Leftover cooked ribs keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice into individual bones before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop in sauce.

Ready to Cook Amazing Beef Ribs?

With so many quality beef rib options, there’s no need to settle for tough or dry ribs ever again. Use this guide to seek out high quality, well marbled racks perfect for grilling, smoking, or braising no matter the occasion. Follow proper storage and your ribs will be ready for spectacular dinners or backyard barbecues all season long. Happy rib hunting!