Dino beef ribs, also known as dinosaur ribs or Fred Flintstone ribs refer to meaty beef ribs cut from the plate section near the mid-section of the cow. These ribs are called “dino” ribs because of their massive size, often weighing over 1 pound per bone! Dino ribs are perfect for those who love huge meaty, flavorful ribs.
If you’re looking to cook up these monstrous beef ribs, you may be wondering where to find them. Dino ribs can be hard to come by compared to standard beef ribs. But with some searching, you can track down these behemoth ribs and cook up a mouthwatering feast.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about where to buy dino beef ribs, including:
- What Are Dino Beef Ribs?
- Benefits of Dino Beef Ribs
- Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs Online
- Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs In Grocery Stores
- Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs From Butchers & Meat Markets
- How to Choose High-Quality Dino Ribs
- Average Cost of Dino Beef Ribs
- How to Store Dino Beef Ribs
Let’s get started!
What Are Dino Beef Ribs?
Dino ribs, also referred to as plate ribs, come from the beef plate primal cut located under the rib primal and next to the brisket. This area contains lots of connective tissue, marbling, and fat, which results in incredibly flavorful ribs after the low-and-slow cooking process
Unlike standard beef ribs, dino ribs contain part of the rib bone along with pieces of spinal cord vertebrae. This gives them a unique look and texture. They can weigh over 1 pound per bone, with some giant dino ribs weighing in at 2 pounds each!
While regular beef ribs may contain 2-4 bones, dino ribs usually have at least 5 bones and sometimes up to 7 bones. So you get a lot of meat for your money!
Benefits of Dino Beef Ribs
There are several advantages that set dino ribs apart from typical beef ribs:
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Size – The massive size of dino ribs means you get impressive, drool-worthy portions that look incredibly impressive served Fred Flintstone-style on a platter. One rack can feed multiple people.
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Meat to Bone Ratio – With all that meat on huge bones, dino ribs have a higher ratio of edible meat compared to regular beef ribs.
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Flavor – The abundant marbling and fat infuses the ribs with juicy, beefy flavor. Their location near the brisket also imparts richness.
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Dramatic Presentation – A platter of huge dino ribs immediately becomes the centerpiece of any barbecue spread and sparks conversation.
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Fun to Eat – The large size makes dino ribs fun and messy to eat with your hands, especially for kids.
So if you want to serve up a rack of beefy bones that looks like a brontosaurus rib, dino ribs bring the benefits of great flavor, generous portions, and visual impact!
Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs Online
One of the best ways to source dino ribs is by ordering them online. Buying online gives you access to specialty meat purveyors that stock these harder-to-find cuts. Here are some of the best places to buy dino ribs online:
Better Beef Company
This specialty beef retailer based in Oregon offers dino rib racks ranging from 4.5 – 5.5 pounds at betterbeefcompany.com. Their ribs come from grass-fed cows with abundant marbling.
Snake River Farms
For premium Gold Grade dino ribs from American Wagyu cattle, order from snakeriverfarms.com. They sell individually cut, vacuum-sealed dino ribs.
Porter Road
This Nashville butcher shop has dino beef ribs available in packs of 4 ribs, cut from pasture-raised cows.
Crowd Cow
Search for beef rib primal cuts on Crowd Cow’s marketplace to find ranches selling whole dino rib sections to cut yourself.
Omaha Steaks
For rib racks cut into smaller sections, Omaha Steaks has Kurobuta dino bone-in beef ribs available as part of gift packages.
Rastelli’s
This online butcher has USDA Prime dinosaur bone-in ribs cut into racks.
When buying online, look for sellers who pack the ribs in vacuum-sealed packaging to maximize freshness during shipping.
Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs at Grocery Stores
For the convenience of picking up dino ribs along with your regular grocery shopping, some specialty supermarket chains carry them:
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HEB – Several cuts like whole dino ribs are stocked in the butcher case at Texas-based HEB locations.
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Wegmans – Check the butcher counter at Wegmans for dino rib plates that they can cut into racks for you.
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Gelson’s Markets – This Southern California chain sometimes stocks dino ribs, so ask the butcher counter.
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Metropolitan Market – Seattle area stores may carry dino ribs special ordered through their meat department.
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Whole Foods – Make a request at the butcher counter for dino ribs at Whole Foods, which has them at some locations.
The availability at grocery stores can vary, so call ahead to check before making a special trip. For best results, ask the butcher to special order them for you.
Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs from Butchers & Meat Markets
For the freshest dino ribs sourced locally, the best bet is stopping by a local full-service butcher shop or meat market.
Traditional butcher shops are more likely to stock or specially cut dino ribs for you than regular supermarkets. Visit a local butcher to inspect the ribs in person and request thick, evenly cut racks.
You can also check with local meat markets – especially ones focused on quality steaks and BBQ cuts – to see if they carry dino rib plates in stock or can get them shipped in.
Buying locally supports small businesses and provides an opportunity to get custom cuts to your specifications from butchers who are happy to share cooking advice!
How to Choose High-Quality Dino Ribs
Once you find a supplier for dino ribs, look for these signs of quality when selecting your rack:
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Meat – Choose ribs with deep red meat and abundant marbling for flavor and tenderness.
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Bone – The ribs should have a thick cap of meat covering most of the bones. Avoid skinny bones.
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Weight – Look for heavy, meaty ribs weighing around 1 pound each, at a minimum.
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Cut – Ribs should be evenly cut in a long continuous rack, not chopped up.
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Size – Opt for big ribs, around 18 inches long, if you want impressive “dinosaur” ribs.
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Smell – Fresh dino ribs have a mild beefy smell. Pass on any with an off-putting odor.
Examine the ribs carefully and select a rack with quality marrowy bones, adequate fat, and thick meat to get the most out of these special ribs.
Average Cost of Dino Beef Ribs
Due to their large size and relatively rare availability, dino ribs are pricier than regular beef ribs. You can expect to pay:
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$6 – $12 per pound – A typical price range at most retailers.
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$70 – $150 per rack – Approximate total cost of a full dino rib rack weighing 10-15 pounds.
While not cheap, keep in mind you’re getting a dramatic showstopper meal and lots of portions out of a rack. The memorable eating experience makes it worth the splurge for special occasions.
How to Store Dino Beef Ribs
Raw dino ribs have a decent shelf life but require proper storage methods. Handle them carefully:
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Keep dino ribs well chilled at a temperature of 34-40°F.
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Store in the coldest section of your refrigerator, not the door.
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Place the ribs in a tray or pan to catch any drippings.
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If vacuum sealed, keep the packaging intact. Once opened, wrap tightly in butcher paper or plastic wrap.
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Use within 5 days of purchase for maximum freshness.
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For longer storage up to 2-3 months, freeze the ribs. Wrap first in plastic then foil.
Proper handling will keep your dino ribs fresh until you’re ready for an epic barbecue session!
Dig Into Delicious Dino Ribs
Dino beef ribs offer an exceptionally meaty, mouthwatering alternative to standard ribs. Getting your hands on these huge, Fred Flintstone-worthy ribs may take some searching, but is well worth it for a special treat.
From ordering online to checking with local butchers, use this guide to track down high-quality dino ribs for your next cookout. Then fire up the smoker or grill and barbecue these bones to juicy, tender perfection. Just be ready for big appetites once you unveil the giant ribs!
What Are Dino Beef Ribs?
Dino beef ribs, often referred to as plate ribs, are a specific cut taken from the lower rib section of the cow. They are known for their impressive size, tender meat, and rich flavor. Unlike traditional short ribs, Dino ribs are larger and meatier, making them a favorite choice for barbecue enthusiasts and chefs alike. The meat is well-marbled, which contributes to its juiciness and flavor when cooked properly.
Top Local Hotspots to Buy Dino Beef Ribs
Finding high-quality Dino beef ribs is essential for ensuring a delicious meal. Here are some of the best places to consider:
- Capital Farms: Located in Wickenburg, AZ, Capital Farms is renowned for its premium quality Corriente cattle. Their Dino beef ribs are sourced from grass-fed cattle and are shipped frozen with ice packs to guarantee freshness. Capital Farms prides itself on customer satisfaction and offers a replacement or full refund if youre not happy with your purchase.
- Local Butcher Shops: Many neighborhood butcher shops specialize in high-quality cuts of meat. They often have relationships with local farms, ensuring you get fresh, ethically sourced Dino ribs. Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for recommendations on the best way to prepare them.
- Farmers Markets: Check out your local farmers market for vendors selling specialty meat. You might find organic or grass-fed Dino ribs that not only taste better but are also better for your health and the environment.
- Online Meat Suppliers: Websites like Crowd Cow and ButcherBox offer online ordering for premium cuts of meat, including Dino beef ribs. These suppliers often provide detailed information about the sourcing and quality of their products, making it easy to choose the best option for your needs.
- Specialty Grocery Stores: Stores that focus on high-quality and gourmet foods often carry specialty cuts. Check the meat section of your local Whole Foods or similar specialty grocery store for Dino ribs.
Dino ribs vs Short ribs. Are these beef ribs worth twice the price
FAQ
What are dino beef ribs called?
Plate short ribs come from the lower portion of the 6th – 10th ribs that sit between the brisket in front and the flank steak behind it. These ribs are long and meaty, at about 12 inches in length (some people refer to these as ‘dinosaur ribs’ or ‘dinosaur beef ribs’).
Does Heb sell dino ribs?
H-E-B Bone-In Whole Beef Dino Ribs – USDA Choice – Shop Beef at H-E-B.
How many beef dino ribs per person?
Each dino rib will weigh about 2-3 pounds, including the bone. One bone will feed 2-3 people, so an entire 3-bone rack serves 6-9 people.Jul 16, 2017
Does Trader Joes sell beef ribs?
That’s why fully cooked, heat-and-serve entrée options like Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glazed Bone-In Beef Short Ribs are such a life-saver.