What to Do with Pork Rib Trimmings: 9 Surprisingly Simple Ideas

As a passionate home cook and griller I often find myself with extra pork rib trimmings after preparing a rack of ribs. While some may see these trimmings as mere scraps destined for the trash I view them as an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen!

In this article, I’ll share 9 delightfully simple ways to transform pork rib trimmings into tasty dishes. From sausages and stir fries, to hearty stews and satisfying snacks, these ideas will help you waste less and savor more from your ribs.

Before jumping into the recipes, let’s briefly go over what exactly pork rib trimmings are.

There are two main types of trimmings that come from pork ribs:

Flap meat (or skirt) – This refers to the thin and wide flap of meat attached to the underside of the ribs. It’s tender and cooks quickly.

Rib tips – These are the cartilage-y triangular ends that are cut off to square up a rack of ribs. They contain meat between the bones and cartilage.

While flap meat tends to be more versatile, both rib trimmings can be used to add flavor to various dishes if handled properly.

9 Clever Ways to Use Up Pork Rib Trimmings

Here are 9 delicious ways you can transform pork rib trimmings into appetizing meals and snacks:

1. Make Your Own Sausage

Ground pork pairs well with bold seasonings, making it perfect for homemade sausages. To do this, simply grind up the flap meat in a food processor then mix in spices like garlic, sage, fennel and red pepper flakes. Stuff the spiced meat mixture into casings or form into patties for quick cooking sausages.

2. Fry Up Crispy Pork Cutlets

Pork cutlets make for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. Pound flap meat thin and coat in breadcrumbs or panko, then pan fry until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with veggies and rice for a balanced meal.

3. Whip Up A Hearty Stew

Stews are a thrifty way to transform trimmings into a hearty family meal. Brown the flap meat and rib tips, then simmer with veggies like potatoes, carrots and celery in a flavorful broth. The long cooking time will make the meat tender.

4. Craft Homemade Dumplings

Ground pork mixed with spices and wrapped in a soft dumpling dough is so satisfying. To make, mix minced flap meat with ginger, soy sauce, scallions and sesame oil. Wrap spoonfuls of the filling in circle-shaped dumpling wrappers then steam or pan fry until the filling is cooked through.

5. Bake Flavorful Meatballs

Meatballs are a hit at parties and pair nicely with pasta. Simply mix ground flap meat with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan and herbs, then roll into balls and bake until browned and firm. The possibilities are endless when it comes to meatball flavors too.

6. Stuff Wontons or Egg Rolls

Wontons and egg rolls are delicious appetizers for game day or parties. Mix ground flap meat with Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and scallions. Spoon the filling into wonton wrappers or egg roll skins and cook as desired.

7. Make Bone Broth

Don’t throw away those rib tips! Simmer them in water with aromatics like onion, garlic, celery and herbs to extract nutrients and make a mineral-rich bone broth perfect for soups or stews. Let it cook for 12-24 hours to get all the flavor.

8. Grill For Snacks

Get the most flavor by tossing rib tips right on the grill. Cook over indirect heat, flipping occasionally, until nicely charred on both sides. Chop into bites and dip in your favorite BBQ sauce for finger-licking snacks.

9. Stir Fry With Veggies

A quick stir fry is an easy way to use flap meat. Slice it thinly across the grain so it cooks fast. Sauté with sliced veggies like broccoli, bell peppers and snap peas, flavored with a sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic and ginger.

Tips for Cooking with Pork Rib Trimmings

• When making sausages or dumplings, choose flap meat over rib tips since it has less sinewy membranes.

• If grinding meat, partially freeze it first for more uniform chopping in the food processor.

• Brown flap meat or rib tips first to boost flavor before braising or simmering in liquid.

• Grill rib tips over indirect heat and flip occasionally to prevent burning.

• Cut flap meat thinly against the grain if stir frying or sautéing to ensure tenderness.

• Pork rib trimmings likely require less time to cook than typical pork. Adjust recipes accordingly.

Get Creative with Your Pork Rib Trimmings

As you can see, pork rib trimmings offer ample opportunities for creativity in the kitchen. With a little imagination and some simple seasoning, these meaty scraps can be transformed into all sorts of mouthwatering dishes.

Next time you’re prepping a rack of ribs, take a moment to think about how you might be able to use those flap meat and rib tip trimmings before composting them. Try out one of these recipes or experiment with your own ideas. Your tastebuds will thank you!