Are Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs Beef or Pork? Solving the Mystery Behind This Tasty Treat

Applebee’s is one of America’s favorite casual dining restaurants, with locations across the nation serving up appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, and more. But when it comes to their meat offerings, one dish often causes confusion: the baby back ribs. These tender, saucy ribs are a customer favorite, but many diners find themselves wondering, are Applebee’s baby back ribs made of beef or pork?

As a longtime Applebee’s enthusiast myself, I fully understand this uncertainty. With so many rib varieties out there from beef back ribs to short ribs, it can be tricky to discern exactly what type of rib you’re eating, especially when doused in lip-smacking barbecue sauce.

Well, after some detective work, I’m here to clear up the pork vs beef debate once and for all when it comes to Applebee’s famous ribs Keep reading for the inside scoop on what gives these ribs their signature tenderness, flavoring, and more.

A Close Look at Baby Back Ribs

Before determining whether Applebee’s baby back ribs come from beef or pork it helps to understand exactly what baby back ribs are.

Baby back ribs come from the top part of a pork ribcage, right beneath the loin. They’re called “baby” because they’re smaller and more tender than spare ribs, which come from the belly side. Baby backs have a light marbling of fat and connective tissue that keeps them juicy and flavorful when cooked.

Beef ribs, on the other hand, come from the upper rib section of a steer. They tend to be larger and tougher than pork ribs, with more fat marbling throughout. This makes them ideal for slow roasting or grilling until the fat renders and the meat gets fall-off-the-bone tender.

So from the names alone, you can start to guess that Applebee’s baby back ribs likely come from pork, not beef. The “baby back” terminology is a pork rib thing. But let’s keep exploring to seal the deal.

The Proof is in the Meat: Applebee’s Ribs are Pork

After looking over the Applebee’s menu and nutritional information online, I’m now 100% positive their baby back ribs are made of pork, not beef.

First, the menu description reads “Fall-off-the-bone tender baby back pork ribs…” so they straight up tell you it’s pork right there!

Additionally, the nutritional data shows Applebee’s baby back rib entree has a relatively low calorie and fat content compared to beef ribs. A full rack clocks in around 640 calories, 24g fat. Typical beef ribs would have nearly double the fat and caloric content!

Finally, the price point makes sense for pork. Beef ribs tend to be pricier than pork based on market value. Applebee’s charges an affordable rate for a full rack of their ribs, aligning with pork rib pricing.

So mystery solved – Applebee’s signature baby back ribs are absolutely pork-based. But what gives them that craveable taste and texture we all know and love?

How Applebee’s Prepares Their Famous Pork Ribs

Applebee’s doesn’t just take any old slab of pork ribs and plop them on your plate. They’ve perfected a special preparation method for ribs that are sweet, saucy, and fall-off-the-bone tender every time. Here’s how they do it:

Low and Slow Cooking Method

Applebee’s ribs are smoked low and slow to break down the connective tissues in the pork. This gives them tenderness ribs that come cleanly off the bone with each bite.

Parboiling

Before smoking, the ribs are parboiled to help tenderize the meat and seal in the natural juices. This prevents them from drying out.

Secret Spice Rub

A signature spice rub adds a blast of flavor and forms a savory crust on the ribs as they cook. It’s applied before smoking and helps form that crisp, caramelized outer layer.

Sweet and Savory BBQ Sauce

No rack of ribs is complete without a generous slathering of barbecue sauce. Applebee’s coats their ribs in a homemade BBQ sauce that has the perfect blend of sticky sweetness and smoky flavor.

Char-Grilling Finish

Right before serving, the parboiled, smoked, and sauced ribs are finished for a few minutes over a hot char-grill. This adds extra flavor from the fire while firming up the exterior.

With this detailed process and precise execution, it’s no wonder Applebee’s pork ribs have been a crowd-pleaser for over 30 years!

Pairing Sides and Sauces for the Ultimate Rib Experience

So now that your craving for Applebee’s baby back ribs is official, let’s talk about how to optimize your rib eating experience. Here are my pro tips:

Choose Your Sauce Wisely

Applebee’s serves their ribs with three sauce options. For ultimate flavor, I suggest:

• Classic BBQ – this original sauce packs the perfect punch of smoky, honeyed and tangy notes. An American classic!

• Spicy Texas BBQ – feeling adventurous? This zesty, chili-laced sauce will set your tastebuds on fire.

• Honey BBQ – craving something sweet? This sauce infused with honey will give your ribs a delectable caramelized flavor.

Load Up On Sides

Don’t forget to complete your ribs with some fixings! Good side pairings include:

• Cole Slaw – cool, crunchy slaw helps balance the richness.

• Corn on the Cob – the sweetness of corn complements the ribs.

• Baked Potato – potato, bacon and cheese is a hearty complement.

• French Fries – crunchy, salty fries are a no-brainer pairing.

Enjoy Over Multiple Rounds

Applebee’s serves their ribs in both half-rack and full-rack portions. If you can’t decide between sides, order a half-rack first along with two sides. You can always order more ribs later if you have room left!