Why Chuck Roast Makes A Great Alternative To Boneless Short Ribs
So you're hosting a dinner, and boneless short ribs are out of stock at both Whole Foods and Kroger. Don't panic! Chuck roast is an excellent substitute for your next short rib-centric recipe. In fact, chuck roast and boneless short ribs are birds of a feather. Well, not quite birds, but you get the idea. These cuts are both employed in a variety of hearty dishes and can often be used interchangeably, notes Cook's Illustrated, as long as you have a good marinade and cooking technique (and a bit of patience).
Chuck roast is a versatile cut of beef that has a robust flavor very similar to that of boneless short ribs. While it may be on the tough side, there are a few ways to soften the texture and create a culinary work of art your family and friends will love. Mastering the chuck roast will provide you with flexibility in the kitchen and grocery store that will make your next dinner party a much greater — not to mention cheaper — success.
The relationship between chuck roast and short ribs
Chuck roast has a similar taste and feel to that of boneless short ribs, explains Cook's Illustrated, because it's cut from the same area of the cow: the shoulder. If you're confused as to how a rib cut can come from a shoulder, remember that boneless short ribs and bone-in short ribs are still part of the same muscle — they're just cut from different areas along its length, with bone-in coming from the actual rib area. Though they come from the shoulder like chuck roast, boneless short ribs are arguably easier to prepare because they have less connective tissue. But with a little extra time, the right cooking technique will deliver a palatable chuck roast dish you can enjoy just as much.
While short ribs may tenderize more readily by comparison, you can still achieve the same taste and juiciness if you put in the effort with a chuck roast. Cook's Illustrated notes that this relatively tough cut is higher in fat and can often take longer to trim and cook, but you can ultimately prepare both using similar cooking strategies (via The Cape Gazette), plus a bit of adaptation: A good marinade and a little time can make all the difference in elevating the flavor profile and tenderness of your chuck roast.
Cooking technique and a rich marinade will make all the difference
Whatever recipe you use, most call for at least 4 to 6 hours of marinating or slow cooking. You may also opt to marinate overnight (via Livestrong) for the tastiest, most tender beef; this can be beneficial no matter the cut, but especially when you're trying to replace a more tender piece of meat like boneless short ribs with a tougher one.
Chuck roast can be prepared in a similar manner to brisket, pot roasts, and beef stew — recipes that often utilize tougher cuts and longer cooking times. Most cuts of beef do well when braised or slow-cooked in liquid, but according to The Spruce Eats, braising is perfect for a cut like chuck roast because it heightens the flavor and cooks the beef for tenderness. The marinade will enhance the taste and help break down toughness, and the addition of wine or beef stock can bring out the best in any cut — like in this beef bourguignon recipe that combines a high-quality chuck roast with both for a rich flavor profile.
Grass-fed chuck roast offers quality nutrition (via MayoClinic) and a hearty meal that's good for you and your pocket. So if you're ready to experiment with alternative beef cuts, don't skip this one at your next meal. This versatile, quality cut of beef may seem intimidating and rough around the edges, but with some TLC and the right cooking techniques, you'll be happy you gave it a try.