Finding small racks of baby-backs

[PeterD]

I'm wondering where one can source true baby-backs? Costco and the other big-box stores, as well as the local butchers in Northern NJ all have the same thing, which is garden-variety back ribs, the smallest usually being about 2 to 2.5 pounds per rack. I'm looking for the really small ones that, when ordered in restaurants, are always much tastier and about 1/2 the size. I've never seen these for sale in any store. Are these ever sold retail or is the entire supply essentially bought en-masse by the restaurant trade?

What's also been a bit of a surprise this year, I've yet to see any ribs under $2.99/lb, and more often than not, they're a lot more.

 

[Dave/G]

I cannot comment on the size question. I get mine at BJ's, because I'm a member there and I like the quality I get there. I try to grab packs that weigh as close to 6 lbs as possible (3 slabs per pack). You are right on the price issue. I haven't seen bb's here lower than about $3.49 so far this season

 

[Scooter B]

Up here in Ontario Canada I tend to see A LOT of those rib... and to be honest I wish I didn't. In fact when I see 2+ lb racks I usually buy up a bunch because they are so bloody rare.

Unless you are going to cook at high heat or intend on foiling them, they dry out WAY too fast. Also the meat to bone ratio really sucks on small racks. If you worry about price then you should want bigger ribs... or else you are paying for 50% bone.

Any particular reason you favor this size?

 

[Chris Allingham]

Peter,

You need to find a wholesale meat supplier where you can buy ribs by the case. You're probably looking for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 pound slabs.

Back in 2001, I went to a wholesaler here in San Jose and bought a case of 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 lb pork loin back ribs. 21 slabs, 35 pounds, $5.70/pound, you do the math. It wasn't cheap, but it was fun and the ribs were great.

Also, I received the following e-mail from a non-registered reader of TVWBB:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I would like to respond to the person wondering where to get lighter weight baby back ribs. I buy mine at Mill Rose Country Store in South Barrington, Illinois. I have for years and have never been disappointed. I don't know if they ship or not, but the ribs are so good, it would be worth an inquiry. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Regards,
Chris

 

[ToddP]

I'm not sure I agree that the smaller ones are tastier. I buy those 2 lb/rack (x3) cryovacs at Costco and mine always come out far superior to anything I get in the restaurant.

 

[K Kruger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'm wondering where one can source true baby-backs? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
They ribs you describe are 'true' babybacks. 'Babyback' is a marketing term, nothing more. It does not denote back ribs from younger pigs.

Most commercial pork is grown to a paricular size range for efficiency which is why nearly all pork cuts fall into fairly narrow size ranges. The exception to this are cuts for restaurants, mostly chains, that order and buy cuts tailored to their needs. Small back ribs are spec'd by many chains. They occasionally slip through to retail but, as Chris notes, they are more likey available through a wholesaler/restaurant supplier. Many will sell direct to consumers with a case minimum purchase.

 

[Phil Perrin]

Peter,look around at some of the grocery stores. We had a party yesterday to break in the new pergola over our deck. A local store had BB's on sale for $2.99/lb. There were cryoed racks ranging from $6 a slab to $10 a slab. I got a couple racks there,then our party doubled,just like that. Another local store had BB's for $2.77 a lb. They had about the same size range. You just have to keep an eye out for what's on sale and pick and choose the size that's best for you. HTHG

 

[PeterD]

I'll see if I can find a wholesaler in these parts (North Jersey) that also sells retail. I'd have thought a local Pork Store (think fictional "Satriali's" here) but they're no better than Costco/BJs, which is also where I get my back ribs.

Interesting to know about restaurants spec'ing the smaller sizes. I just ate at Dallas BBQ in the City last week and the rack was both small and flavorful--and my favorite restaurant-ribs at the Corner Stable in suburban Baltimore are also of the very small (1 to 1.5 lb) variety.

The other reason I'm interested in the smaller sizes is that I'm just cooking for me and my wife for the most part, and two full racks of backs is too much food for two people who are a little weight-conscious. I've polished off a full rack in the past and regretted it the next day

Sure, we could vac-seal/re-heat but there's no fun in that! Besides, I always find the longer ribs in the slab aren't quite as good as the little ones at the other end.