Beef is what’s for dinner. It is a versatile and delicious source of protein and can be prepared in numerous different ways. There are dozens of different cuts of beef, including rump roasts, rib-eye roasts and steaks, T-bone and, of course, beef ribs. Ribs are the type of beef cut preferred for barbecues and other outdoor cooking. They are certainly great for cooking on the grill, but can be prepared in several other standard ways as well. For how easy beef ribs are to prepare, they are a wonderful, high-impact dish for company or parties.
Baked Ribs
Beef ribs are most commonly served with a barbecue sauce of some sort. You can use a bottled barbecue sauce or prepare your own recipe. When preparing barbecued baked ribs, the sauce shouldn’t be added until the final thirty minutes of cooking. This will prevent the sugars from burning. Whether you are using a barbecue glaze or not, the following steps should result in succulent baked ribs.
1. Apply a dry rub to the beef ribs. You can use an already prepared commercial rub or make your own. A simple rub, for example, can be created with just salt and sugar. Adding something like cayenne or paprika can provide a bit of color, as well as some flavor.
2. Place beef ribs in a deep baking dish. To keep the meat tender, pour a bit of water in the bottom of the dish.
3. Bake at 250 degrees for about an hour. Turn the beef ribs for even cooking.
4. Bake for another hour.
5. If using a sauce, add at this time.
6. Finish the beef ribs by baking with the sauce for thirty minutes.
While this technique results in tender and succulent beef ribs, some people prefer other oven baking techniques. You can also boil the ribs briefly to remove some of the fat and then bake for about two hours, adding your sauce during the last half-hour.
Grilled Ribs
Grilling is the quintessential way to prepare beef, especially during the summer months. Ribs go hand-in-hand with summer holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Grilling ribs can be a challenge, but proper preparation will ensure that your beef ribs cook up tender and flavorful.
1. Marinate the beef ribs before grilling. The marinade can be left on the beef for as little as a half-hour. For the best flavor infusion, prepare the marinade the night before, letting the beef soak in the mixture.
2. Prepare your grill so that it is at a high heat. Charcoal grilling gives beef ribs a particularly nice flavor.
3. Grill the beef ribs for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, basting with marinade.
4. If you plan to serve the marinade as a sauce, boil it first. You can also use a separate barbecue sauce added during the last five minutes of grilling.
Slow-Cooked Ribs
Using a slow cooker has distinct advantages to other methods of preparing beef ribs. There is a lot less babysitting, as the ribs and the sauce can go in at the same time. In addition, it’s not necessary to monitor the cooking process as closely. For busy days or party preparations, slow-cooked ribs are a great choice.
1. Trim the fat off the beef ribs, if desired.
2. Place the beef ribs loosely in the slow cooker.
3. Cover with the sauce of your choice.
4. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 12 hours.
5. Check every few hours, adding a small amount of water, if necessary.
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