Back ribs are one of three sections of ribs that can come from the animal. They are best cooked using low and slow methods, such as smoking or braising.
Primal Cut
- Rib Primal
Back Ribs Cooking Methods and Tips
Typical Cooking Methods
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Smoking
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Braising
General Cooking Recommendations
Beef back ribs have plenty of flavor, so the best methods are the simplest. The meat will be most tender if cooked low and slow to allow all the connective tissue to break down.
To smoke, you can simply apply your favorite rub and cook low and slow for 6 to 10 hours. Braising in liquid will take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the ribs.
How to Cook Back Ribs on Your Traeger
We recommend seasoning the ribs with Traeger beef rub, then smoking directly on the grill grate at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 205 degrees, approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Back Ribs FAQs
Are Back Ribs a Good Cut?
Back ribs are a terrific cut for low and slow cooking on the barbecue. The final product will be tender, flavorful meat.
How Much Do Back Ribs Cost?
Back ribs can cost between $5 to $15 per pound. Specialty products like Wagyu beef may be $20 per pound or more.
How Do You Know When Back Ribs Are Done?
Back ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls easily away from the bone with a fork. The internal temperature of the meat will be approximately 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Are Back Ribs Best For?
Back ribs are best for seasoning with your favorite rub, or putting in a flavorful braising liquid, and cooking low and slow until they are tender.
Can Back Ribs Be Cooked From Frozen?
We would not recommend cooking beef back ribs from frozen. Because beef ribs are so large, cooking from frozen could take a long time and allow dangerous bacteria to form.
Interesting Facts About Back Ribs
Smoking whole beef ribs is a very American thing to do. In most international cuisines, ribs are cut into smaller pieces, or the meat is cut off the bone.
Often ribs are sliced across the bone to create short ribs, which can be marinated and grilled over direct heat.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies back ribs with UPC number 1180. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.
Back Ribs Nutritional Facts
According to the USDA, one beef back rib contains 3,470 calories, 329 grams of protein, and 239 grams of fat.