Argentinian-Style Grilled Beef Ribs Recipe

By
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes is a freelance writer and recipe developer with a passion for South American food. She wrote a cookbook focusing on the cuisine of Brazil.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/25/21
Steak with Chimichurri

Mark Schaffer / EyeEm / Getty Images

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
945 Calories
84g Fat
1g Carbs
48g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 945
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 84g 107%
Saturated Fat 23g 114%
Cholesterol 238mg 79%
Sodium 2310mg 100%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 48g
Vitamin C 7mg 37%
Calcium 70mg 5%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 651mg 14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

When we grill beef ribs in North America, we typically use cuts that require a long, slow roast and lots of basting for tender and flavorful results. In Argentina, ribs are cut differently—crosswise across the bone—so that each piece has larger, thin portions of rib meat interspersed with smaller pieces of bone. When the rib meat is butchered this way, there is less connective tissue and the meat can cook quickly on a very hot grill without becoming tough. This cut is often called "flanken-style" in U.S. supermarkets and is popular for Korean barbecue ribs.

In Argentina, these flanken-style ribs are treated simply with only a generous seasoning of salt before they go on the grill (ideally with some hardwood smoke for flavor). The ribs cook in 10 to 12 minutes, perfect for when you need dinner quickly. They are excellent when paired with garlicky chimichurri sauce.

Ribs are one of the first foods served from the grill in a traditional asado or grilled feast, but these ribs make a great main course too, served with grilled plantain and coconut rice, for example.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds flanken-style ribs

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • Chimichurri sauce, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the ribs on a plate or platter, and sprinkle both sides generously with the kosher salt. Let ribs sit at room temperature while the grill heats to medium-high (using charcoal with some wood chips for best flavor).

  2. Grill ribs for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, to the desired doneness. Cut into a rib to test for doneness (use the handy ​gaucho knife tucked into your belt for true authenticity).

  3. Serve right off the grill with chimichurri sauce on the side.