The home butcher’s guide to cutting short ribs: easy instructions for perfect results
What To Know
- To do this, hold the short rib upright on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut along the bone, separating the meat from the bone.
- If you want to tenderize the short ribs, you can use a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer.
- The best way to cut short ribs is to use a sharp chef‘s knife and cut the meat against the grain.
Cutting short ribs at home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about how to cut short ribs at home, from choosing the right cut to slicing them perfectly.
Choosing the Right Cut
The first step in cutting short ribs is choosing the right cut. There are three main types of short ribs:
- Flanken-style short ribs: These are cut from the lower part of the rib cage and are typically boneless and flat.
- English-style short ribs: These are cut from the upper part of the rib cage and have a small bone attached.
- Rib tips: These are cut from the ends of the ribs and are often used for soups and stews.
For most home cooks, English-style short ribs are the best choice as they have a good balance of meat and bone.
Tools You’ll Need
To cut short ribs at home, you will need the following tools:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat cleaver (optional)
- Meat mallet (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove the Bones
If you are using English-style short ribs, the first step is to remove the bones. To do this, hold the short rib upright on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut along the bone, separating the meat from the bone.
2. Cut the Meat into Strips
Once the bones are removed, cut the meat into strips. The thickness of the strips will depend on how you plan to cook them. For grilling or roasting, cut the strips into 1-inch thick pieces. For braising or stewing, cut the strips into 2-inch thick pieces.
3. Tenderize the Meat (Optional)
If you want to tenderize the short ribs, you can use a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer. To use a meat mallet, place the meat strips between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with the mallet until they are about 1/2-inch thick. To use a meat tenderizer, follow the instructions on the package.
4. Marinate the Meat (Optional)
Marinating the short ribs will help to enhance their flavor. To marinate the meat, combine the short ribs with your favorite marinade in a large bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
5. Cook the Short Ribs
Once the short ribs are cut and marinated, you can cook them using your preferred method. Short ribs can be grilled, roasted, braised, or stewed.
Tips for Cutting Short Ribs
- Always use a sharp knife to cut short ribs. A dull knife will make the task more difficult and may result in uneven cuts.
- Cut the meat against the grain. This will help to make the meat more tender.
- If you are having trouble separating the meat from the bones, use a meat cleaver to cut through the bones.
- If you want to tenderize the meat, use a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer.
- Marinate the short ribs before cooking to enhance their flavor.
Final Note
Cutting short ribs at home is a simple and rewarding process that can be mastered with a little practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to cut short ribs?
The best way to cut short ribs is to use a sharp chef‘s knife and cut the meat against the grain.
2. How thick should I cut short ribs?
The thickness of the short ribs will depend on how you plan to cook them. For grilling or roasting, cut the strips into 1-inch thick pieces. For braising or stewing, cut the strips into 2-inch thick pieces.
3. Do I need to tenderize short ribs?
Tenderizing short ribs is optional, but it will help to make the meat more tender. You can use a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer to tenderize the meat.
4. How long should I marinate short ribs?
You should marinate short ribs for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This will give the marinade time to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
5. What is the best way to cook short ribs?
Short ribs can be grilled, roasted, braised, or stewed. The best way to cook short ribs will depend on your personal preferences.