Veal ribs are an underrated cut of meat that deserve more attention. When cooked properly oven-baked veal ribs become ultratender and flavorful, with meat that literally falls off the bone. The milder taste of veal is perfect for showcasing herbs, spices and sauces.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to bake veal ribs in the oven for finger-licking results every time. We’ll cover tips on choosing the best ribs prep tricks seasoning suggestions, cooking times and temps, and even delicious sauce ideas to complement the veal.
Benefits of Baking Veal Ribs
There are several advantages to cooking ribs in the oven rather than barbecuing or other methods:
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Convenience – no need to babysit a grill or smoker. Just pop in oven and set a timer.
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Versatility – oven-baking works for all styles of ribs from dry-rubbed to sauced and sticky.
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Moisture – the enclosed oven environment locks in moisture for tender ribs.
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Flavor enhancement – juice and seasoning permeates the meat deeply when baked.
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Easy cleanup – contains mess to just the baking sheet instead of grill grates.
How to Choose Veal Ribs for Baking
Look for quality veal rib racks or portioned slabs with good marbling and meaty ribs. The ribs should have a nice ratio of meat to bone.
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Rack ribs are attached in a full rack with bones curved.
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Slab ribs are cut into rectangular sections of 2-4 bones.
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Boneless ribs slices are also available.
Choose thicker ribs with at least 1/2 inch of meat or more for the best results. Thinner ribs can dry out in the oven.
Veal Rib Prep
Proper prep is key to baked ribs with great texture:
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Remove membrane – Trim off the thin silverskin membrane from the back of the racks for tender ribs. Use a knife to loosen it first.
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Season generously – Coat both sides with a dry rub or wet marinade. Veal takes well to lots of garlic, pepper, herbs and spice.
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Chill beforehand – Let ribs marinate in the fridge for 1-4 hours before baking so seasoning permeates meat.
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Let sit out while oven preheats – Don’t bake ribs straight from the fridge. Let them sit out for 20-30 minutes to take the chill off.
How to Bake Veal Ribs – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for baked veal ribs that are juicy, tender and full of flavor:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs veal rib racks or slabs
- Dry rub or wet marinade/sauce
- Optional glaze or bbq sauce
Supplies:
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Instant read thermometer
Instructions:
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Prepare veal ribs by removing membrane and seasoning as desired. Refrigerate 1-4 hours.
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Let ribs sit at room temp 20-30 minutes before baking.
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Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd ribs too close together.
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Bake for 2-3 hours until ribs reach 195°F internally and meat is very tender. Time varies based on thickness.
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Carefully flip and rotate ribs halfway through for even cooking. Re-cover pan with foil.
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Uncover for last 15-30 mins if you want to glaze or char ribs.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions.
Cooking Times for Veal Ribs
These general guidelines help ensure tender baked veal ribs:
- 225°F oven – Cook for 4-6 hours
- 250°F oven – Cook for 3-4 hours
- 275°F oven – Cook for 2-3 hours
- 300°F oven – Cook for 1.5-2.5 hours
Check for doneness after minimum recommended time. Cook longer if needed.
Veal Rib Internal Temp
Track the internal temperature of veal ribs as they bake. This ensures they are fully cooked:
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Use an instant read thermometer to monitor.
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Insert into thickest meatiest area without touching bone.
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Cook until ribs reach 195°F internally.
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If reheating, reheat to 165°F.
Seasoning Suggestions
Veal takes well to all types of herb and spice rubs. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
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Garlic Pepper – lots of garlic powder, cracked black pepper, salt
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Italian Herbs – dried basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary
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Ranch – onion powder, garlic, dill, parsley, pepper
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Southwest – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano
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Memphis Dry Rub – brown sugar, paprika, garlic, onion, chili powder
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Mediterranean – lemon, oregano, thyme, parsley, cumin
Sauces for Baked Veal Ribs
Serve veal ribs with any of these tasty sauce options:
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BBQ sauce – thick, sweet and tangy
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Steak sauce – A1 or bold mushroom based sauce
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Chimichurri – fresh herb sauce works fantastically
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Romesco – roasted red pepper and almond Spanish sauce
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Hoisin sauce – sweet Asian accents
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Mole – rich Mexican sauce with chocolate and spices
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Beef gravy – classic homestyle accompaniment
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Au jus – thin, savory concentrated beef drippings
Storing Leftover Veal Ribs
Save any uneaten baked ribs to enjoy later:
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Let ribs cool completely before refrigerating.
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Place in airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Can also wrap tightly in foil and freeze ribs for 3-4 months.
Reheating Veal Ribs
Reheat leftover baked veal ribs using these simple methods:
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Microwave – heat on medium power until warmed through, 1-3 minutes
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Oven – bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until hot
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Grill – quickly sear ribs on hot grill just to char
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Stovetop – simmer in sauce for 5-10 minutes to coat
Baked veal ribs are so tender and delicious, you’ll want to enjoy them immediately! But with the proper storage and reheating, they still taste fantastic as leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between veal and beef ribs?
Veal comes from younger cattle and has a milder flavor and more tender texture than beef. Veal ribs have less fat than beef ribs.
Can you cook veal ribs on the grill?
Yes, grilling over indirect heat works well for tender veal ribs too. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
What Wood is best for smoking veal ribs?
Fruit woods like apple and cherry pair nicely with mild veal. Avoid heavy mesquite smoke.
Do you need to peel the membrane off veal ribs?
It’s recommended to remove the membrane for the most tender texture, but you can leave it on if you prefer.
What sides go well with baked veal ribs?
Some delicious pairings are garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, mac and cheese or a fresh green salad.
The Takeaway
Baking veal ribs in the oven results in fall-off-the-bone tender meat in just a few simple steps:
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Prep ribs properly – remove membrane, season generously, chill 1-4 hours
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Bake low and slow – use 225-300°F oven for 1.5 – 6 hours depending on thickness
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Cook to 195°F internal temperature
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Flip and rotate halfway through baking
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Finish with glaze or sauce for added flavor
With the right cooking method, veal ribs become ultratender and juicy with incredible depth of flavor from the seasoning and sauces. Try baking veal ribs in the oven – you’ll find it yields fantastic results every time!