Winco Foods

See if you can find a local Mexican market. WAY cheaper than the big grocery stores. Local Mexican place has short ribs this week for $3.99/lb., Mariano's $6.49/lb.

Skirt steak depends... The Mexican places weigh it first, then trim it of fat. Grocery trims it first and charges a higher price. I usually get it at the Mexican place and trim it myself.

Good thought. Never occurred to me to check on a Mexican market. Actually wasn't looking for short ribs. I was looking for the roast beef ribs which are longer. After trimming the ribs and dry rubbing them, I noticed on the cryovac bag that they were "Select", quality. Wonder if that will make a difference when smoked. We do have an Asian market locally that has short ribs and also pork belly. Really fresh and competitively priced. The pork belly has me thinking about making bacon, but a little more work than I am looking for. And, how much bacon can the two of us eat? Anyway, thanks for the thought.

Bob,

If you can find uncut beef short ribs, 8 - 12 inches long, aka "dino ribs" (my preference is plate rather than chuck) they will convert you from back ribs, or even brisket! Also, Andy has posted some fabulous results for smoked fresh belly. You don't need to make bacon to get delicious!

Thanks. Making the "Dino Ribs" tonite.

After rereading your note, I see you were referring to short ribs being cut long. Will check with Asian market and see if they will cut long. Local Safeway doesn't seem to cater to any special cuts as most beef already broken down at plant.

Let us know how the select short ribs turned out. Short ribs are a fatty cut of beef, so I'm wondering if select will turn out just fine.

I wonder if Smokin or RibDog might have an opinion on this.

These aren't the short ribs. These are longer ribs.

Pags, I've done plate short ribs, packer cut in the cryovac, both choice (from Sam's) and select (from RD), and except that the choice seemed a little meatier, have found essentially no difference in fattiness, tenderness, or flavor in the finished product - all really good. Just my experience.

Jay. If they're that close, why not eat healthy?

I'll give the select a try and see how they work out.

Thanks. I'm not advocating select for all cuts, just might work on the fattier items.

Actually, the ribs turned out fine. I guess with a dry rub and then basting them over the cook period, any rib would do. I think the choice would offer more meat, but at the time I really didn't inspect the cryovac bag that well. I was just happy to get any ribs at all.