How Much Does One Beef Short Rib Weigh? A Complete Breakdown

Beef short ribs are a boneless cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib sections of a cow. They are a flavorful, tender, and versatile cut of meat that can be used in everything from soups to stews to barbecues. But when meal planning, an important factor to consider is how much each short rib weighs. The weight can vary significantly depending on the specific cut and type of short rib. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the average weights for different cuts of short ribs so you know exactly how much to purchase.

Average Weight of Bone-In Short Ribs

The most common cut of short ribs is bone-in. Bone-in short ribs contain a long rib bone and are cut either parallel or perpendicular to the bone. On average, a single bone-in beef short rib weighs 1 to 2 pounds. This can fluctuate slightly based on the size of the rib and the amount of meat attached.

As a general rule of thumb when meal planning, plan for approximately 1 bone-in short rib per person. The bone and fat can add significant weight, so even though the portion of actual meat may seem small a single rib is quite satisfying.

For example, if you are cooking bone-in short ribs for 4 people, plan to purchase 4 ribs that each weigh around 1.5 pounds. This will provide a plentiful portion for each diner.

Cooking Time for Bone-In Short Ribs

It’s important to note that bone-in short ribs require a longer cooking time than other cuts of beef because the bone and fat take longer to become tender Plan for at least 2-3 hours of braising, simmering, or slow cooking.

You’ll also want the ribs completely submerged in liquid while cooking. This helps break down the fat and connective tissue. Add about 30 minutes of oven time if cooking bone-in short ribs in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the center has reached 195°F when fully cooked.

Average Weight of Boneless Short Ribs

Boneless short ribs contain no bone and are simply the cut of meat. They weigh significantly less than bone-in ribs, at approximately 1 pound per piece.

When purchasing boneless short ribs for a meal, plan for around 1-1.5 pounds per serving. Be aware that boneless ribs shrink more during cooking, so the final cooked weight will be about 2/3 of the original raw weight.

Cooking Time for Boneless Short Ribs

The cooking time for boneless short ribs is faster than bone-in. Sear the ribs on all sides to build flavor, then braise or simmer in liquid for 1 1/2 – 2 hours until fork tender.

You can also cut boneless ribs into smaller individual portions either before or after cooking. This gives you more versatility when plating.

Average Weight of Flanken Cut Short Ribs

Flanken cut short ribs are a thinner, Korean-style cut with meat cut across the bones. The ribs are sliced about 1/2 – 1 inch thick with 2-3 bones in each piece.

On average, each flanken cut rib weighs approximately:

• 8 ounces for a 1/2 inch thick slice
• 2.5 pounds for a 3 inch thick slice

Cooking Time for Flanken Cut Short Ribs

Marinating flanken style ribs for at least 24 hours helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. The thin slices allow for faster cooking than other rib cuts.

Aim for medium rare doneness, cooking for 2-3 hours at 225°F. Flanken ribs are also delicious grilled or broiled for 6-8 minutes per side. Always slice across the grain before serving.

Choosing the Best Short Ribs

When purchasing short ribs, look for meat that is bright red in color with white fat marbling throughout. The ribs should be firm and not displaying any signs of dryness or blood pooling. Avoid ribs with an excess of surface fat.

For the most tender and flavorful ribs, choose those cut from the chuck primal (chest area). Ribs from the brisket and plate are also good choices. Stay away from ribs cut from the rib primal, as they tend to be less marbled and flavorful.

Examine the size of the ribs and base your meal portions off the guidelines above. Larger, meatier ribs will weigh more while thin ribs will be on the lighter side.

Accounting for Shrinkage and Bone

When calculating how many short ribs to buy, keep in mind that bone-in ribs will shrink by about 1/4 and boneless ribs shrink by about 1/3 during cooking. The bone also adds weight but is not edible meat.

As an example, if you want 4 servings of boneless short ribs, instead of buying 4 pounds, purchase 6 pounds of raw ribs. This accounts for shrinkage during cooking. For bone-in ribs, buy 5-6 pounds for 4 servings.

Always round up when purchasing short ribs to ensure you have enough for your recipe and the desired portions. Any extra can be used for boneless ribs in another meal.

Sample Short Rib Recipes

Here are a few delicious recipes to showcase short ribs:

Braised Short Ribs

• 4 bone-in short ribs (4-5 pounds total)
• Slow cook in red wine, beef broth and vegetables for 2-3 hours until tender

Korean-Style Flanken Short Ribs

• 2 pounds flanken cut short ribs
• Marinate in soy sauce, sugar, garlic and sesame overnight
• Grill for 6-8 minutes per side

Homemade Short Rib Chili

• 3 pounds boneless short ribs
• Cook with onion, peppers, beans and chili seasoning
• Simmer for 1 1/2 hours

Parmesan Crusted Short Ribs

• 2 pounds boneless short ribs
• Bread and fry the ribs, then top with Parmesan and bake

Key Takeaways

• Bone-in short ribs weigh approximately 1-2 pounds per rib
• Plan for 1 bone-in rib per person or 1-1.5 pounds of boneless ribs per serving
• Short ribs shrink by 25% (bone-in) or 33% (boneless) during cooking
• Allow for longer cook times to fully tenderize the meat
• Look for good marbling and color when selecting ribs
• Adjust portions to account for bone weight and cook shrinkage

Knowing the average short rib weights for different cuts along with general portion guidelines makes meal planning easy. With this knowledge, you can confidently shop for and cook the perfect quantity of short ribs!