Should I Buy English or Flanken Short Ribs?

This flavorful cut of beef is easy to cook and fairly inexpensive. Here's how to tell the difference between the two types you'll find in the market.

Illo: short ribs
Photo: The Ellaphant in the Room

English style: The ribs are cut parallel to the bone, with one bone per piece. They tend to hold their shape even after a long braise and make an impressive presentation.

Flanken style: The ribs are cut across the bone. Each piece has three to four short sections of bone with a generous portion of meat around them. The cooked ribs should fall off the bone in tender pieces.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles