Where to Buy the Best Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are a flavorful and versatile cut of meat perfect for everything from braising to barbecuing. With the right preparation, these meaty ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender with incredible rich flavor. But finding high-quality short ribs can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. As your personal guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to buy juicy, well-marbled beef short ribs so you can enjoy this cut at its finest.

What Are Beef Short Ribs?

Before diving into where to buy them, let’s start with the basics – what exactly are beef short ribs? This cut comes from the belly area of the cow, specifically the lower portion of the rib cage. Short ribs contain a good amount of fat marbling and connective tissue. They are meatier compared to back ribs or spare ribs.

The term “short” refers to the cut length; short ribs are usually between 2 to 5 inches long. You’ll find two main types of short rib cuts:

• English-style – Contains a single rib bone with the meat attached
• Flanken-style – Cut across the bones into thin strips

Both styles become meltingly tender when braised low and slow The main difference is the bone content – English style will have more bone vs, mostly meat in the flanken cut

Where to Buy Beef Short Ribs for the Best Quality

Now that you know exactly what short ribs are let’s explore some of the best places to purchase high-quality well-marbled ribs for your next recipe

Local Butcher Shop

My number one recommendation is purchasing short ribs from a local butcher shop or meat market. Ask the butcher for the following specifications:

• USDA Choice grade – This denotes higher fat marbling than Select but less than Prime. Choice offers excellent flavor and tenderness.

• Well-marbled – Look for ample white fat integrated throughout the red meat. This fat bastes the ribs during cooking.

• Thick cut – Around 1 inch is ideal. Thinner cuts can dry out faster.

• Uncut rack – For English style, ask for a full rib section then cut them yourself.

• Grass-fed – Pasture-raised beef offers superior nutrition and omega fatty acids.

Buying direct from a butcher provides you the freshest, highest quality short ribs. You can customize thickness, portions, and other specifications. Explain exactly how you plan to cook them and the butcher can assist with the perfect cut and recommendations.

Expect to pay $6-12 per pound based on the above criteria. It’s an investment – but worth it for a stand-out dish.

Online Butcher Shops

Online specialty meat shops are another excellent option if you don’t have a quality butcher nearby. Two of my personal favorites include:

Wild Fork Foods – This Florida-based company partners directly with ranchers to provide organic, pasture-raised meats with no antibiotics or hormones. Their beef short rib selection includes both English and flanken cuts in 6-8 bone portions or 16-18lb cases. You can further customize thickness. The meat is beautifully marbled and packaged to ship fresh.

Snake River Farms – This company offers premium American Wagyu-style Kurobuta pork and Black Angus beef, including short ribs. The cattle are sustainably raised in Idaho and fed a special natural diet to enhance marbling. Their short ribs come in English cut 6-packs with gorgeous fat content.

Expect to pay $15-30 per pound for these premium online cuts. While more expensive than traditional supermarkets, the exceptional flavor and tenderness are worth it for a special meal. Order 1-2 weeks in advance for best availability and freshness.

Warehouse Clubs

For excellent value on quality meat, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club are a smart choice. Here you can find:

• Bulk packages – To feed a crowd, choose a full 16-18lb case.

• USDA Choice grade – Most carry Choice versus Select grade for better marbling.

• Store butcher counter – You can custom order thickness and portions.

• Prime availability – Special Prime rib roasts are sometimes offered.

The key is checking the butcher case regularly as supply varies. Inspect the packaging – look for good marbling and thickness around 1 inch. Expect to pay $5-8 per pound for Choice grade. An 18-pound case will run you under $100 total.

Supermarkets

My last recommendation is supermarkets, which can be hit or miss for finding high-quality ribs. Ask the in-store butcher the following questions:

• What brand and distributor do the ribs come from? Local or premium suppliers tend to offer better quality.

• Are these USDA Choice or Select grade? You want the higher fat content of Choice. Select will be more lean.

• When was this shipment received? Freshness is important – older ribs lose moisture.

Then inspect the meat case yourself. Check for ample white marbling throughout. English cut with the bone is preferable over thinly sliced flanken. Aim for 1-inch thickness.

For best results, develop a good relationship with the butcher counter staff. Ask them to alert you when they receive well-marbled, fresh short rib shipments. Be ready to purchase them quickly, as the best batches go fast! Expect to pay $4-6 per pound at supermarkets.

How Much to Buy?

So how much should you purchase? Here are some general guidelines based on the type of short rib recipe:

• For braising – Figure 2 ribs per person, with bones. A typical 3-4 pound rack will feed 2-3 people.

• For grilling – Estimate 1 pound of meat per person. Flanken style works best since it lays flat.

• For stews or soup – You’ll need around 1 pound of meat per 3-4 servings. Opt for 1 inch chunks.

• For a crowd – Buy a full case to get the best bulk value. Approximate 1-1.5 pounds per person.

Keep in mind that short ribs contain a good amount of bone. For every 1 pound of ribs, plan on getting around 0.75 pound of edible meat after cooking. The bone adds tons of flavor!

Time for Delicious Short Ribs!

With this complete guide to sourcing high-quality short ribs, you’re ready to braise, grill, or slow cook this flavorful cut into tender perfection. Seek out well-marbled English or flanken cuts, ideally 1 inch thick. Local butchers, online meat shops, warehouse clubs, and sometimes supermarkets offer quality ribs if you know what to look for. Spend a few extra dollars per pound for the best rich taste and fall-off-the-bone texture. Your patience will be rewarded with unforgettable short ribs!