Applebee’s is one of America’s most beloved casual dining restaurant chains, with locations across the country. Their menu has plenty of classic American comfort foods, including juicy ribs glazed with tangy barbecue sauce. But a common question that many Applebee’s customers have is: are their famous baby back ribs made of beef or pork? Let’s get to the bottom of this mystery.
A Quick Overview of Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs
The baby back ribs at Applebee’s are billed as “slow-cooked, fall off the bone tender ribs” on the menu. They come either as a full rack or a half rack, doused in your choice of sweet honey BBQ sauce or spicy Texas BBQ sauce. The ribs are a customer favorite, perfect for messy finger-licking eating. But the actual meat of the ribs is not always apparent.
The Straight Answer: Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs are Pork
The simple answer is that the baby back ribs served at Applebee’s are pork ribs, not beef ribs. Baby back ribs come from the top part of the rib cage of the hog, near the spine. They are called “baby” back ribs because they are smaller and more tender than spare ribs which come from lower down on the pig. Applebee’s takes these small flavorful pork ribs and slow cooks them until tender.
Why There May Be Confusion
Some diners may be confused about whether the ribs are pork or beef for a few reasons First, “baby back ribs” is sometimes used as a generic term, not always specifying the meat. Also, beef ribs have become more common in recent years, served at various barbecue restaurants. And since Applebee’s has a diverse menu with both pork and beef options, it’s understandable why some guests may not be sure what their ribs are made of The large slabs of ribs doused in sauce can make it hard to visually distinguish pork from beef. But rest assured, traditional baby back ribs like those at Applebee’s are pork.
Nutrition Facts: How Pork Compares to Beef Ribs
Understanding if your ribs come from pork or beef is useful knowledge for diners watching their nutritional intake. Here’s a quick compare and contrast:
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Fat content: Pork ribs tend to have slightly less overall fat and saturated fat than beef ribs.
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Calories Pork baby back ribs have about 275-300 calories for 210g serving Beef ribs have around 325 calories for the same serving size.
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Protein: Beef ribs have more protein than pork ribs – about 35g compared to 20g.
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Iron content: Beef ribs provide more iron than pork ribs.
So in terms of nutrition profile, beef ribs are slightly higher in calories, protein and iron compared to pork back ribs. Both types of ribs are considered high-calorie menu options.
Tips for Enjoying Applebee’s Ribs More Healthfully
Applebee’s baby back ribs make for delicious indulgence. But the high calorie, fat, sodium, and sugar content mean they aren’t the healthiest menu choice. Here are some tips for enjoying ribs more healthfully:
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Choose a half rack instead of a full rack to control portions. Or share a full rack with the table.
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Opt for the honey BBQ sauce which has less sodium and sugar than the Texas BBQ sauce. Or get sauce on the side.
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Pair with lighter sides like a house salad instead of fries for better balance.
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Watch your alcohol intake which piles on additional empty calories.
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Drink water instead of sugary cocktails or soda to cut calories.
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Take half the ribs home for leftovers to spread out your intake versus eating the whole rack in one sitting.
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Balance with plenty of fruits and veggies at other meals throughout the day.
Pork vs Beef Ribs: Flavor and Texture Differences
Beyond just nutrition, understanding whether ribs come from pork or beef impacts the flavor and texture you can expect:
Pork
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More tender, fall-off-the bone texture
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Milder, sweeter pork flavor
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More focus on barbecue sauce flavors
Beef
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Denser, chewier texture
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Heartier beefy flavor
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Robust meaty flavor stands up to sauces
So pork baby back ribs like those at Applebee’s tend to be more delicate and tender compared to beef ribs. Their mild taste lets the barbecue sauce shine. Keep these textural and flavor differences in mind to help identify types of ribs when dining out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applebee’s Ribs
Here are answers to some other common questions about dining on ribs at Applebee’s:
Are the ribs gluten-free? Applebee’s cannot guarantee their ribs or barbecue sauce are 100% gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid.
Can I order ribs for takeout? Yes, Applebee’s accommodates takeout and delivery orders for their baby back ribs. They travel well for enjoying Applebee’s ribs in the comfort of home.
What are the best sides to pair with the ribs? Classic favorites like french fries, coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread compliment the ribs well with contrasting flavors and textures.
Do the ribs contain pork allergens? Yes, since the ribs contain pork they are not suitable for those with pork allergies. Beef ribs would be a better alternative.
Are the ribs spicy? Applebee’s ribs are not generally considered spicy. Those who prefer heat can opt for the Spicy Texas BBQ sauce which provides a mild kick.
The Verdict: Pork Baby Back Ribs Deliver Tender, Saucy Indulgence
To summarize, the baby back ribs served at Applebee’s restaurants are pork ribs, not beef ribs. These tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are an American classic that makes for delicious finger-licking eating when drenched in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. While high in calories and fat, they can be enjoyed healthfully in moderation. Now that this pork vs beef rib mystery at Applebee’s is solved, dig in and savor their signature baby back ribs!
