Help save Christmas-Prime Rib Question

[jlh4480]

All,

For Christmas this year I'm smoking a prime rib for my family. I've smoked a few prime ribs and I usually go to my butcher and he sells me "Choice Angus Beef Bnls Ribeye Steak".

Today a different butcher, but same store, sold me a "Semi-Boneless Rib Roast Small End USDA Choice". I'm not familiar with the differences and the butcher counter was mobbed so I didn't wait around to ask.

I don't understand the differences in the two cuts (I just started smoking meat in August) and am worried about the boneless rib roast. Can anyone help me with the differences? Should I be concerned the rib roast won't taste as good as the boneless ribeye steak typically does?

Thank you for the taking the time to read/respond.

 

[sawhorseray]

Unwrap it and see what you've got, ain't gonna go bad in the fridge by now. I get semi-boneless leg-o/lambs and there's never a bone to be found, still trying to figure that out. Steaks are cut from the roast, boneless or not, so it sounds like you have a whole roast to work with. A lot of times the rib bones will be backed off of the prime and attached with string by the butcher, that's what might be they are trying to refer to as boneless. It's the Xmas season, unwrap the package! RAY

 

[jcam222]

I think you are fine. From what I read semi boneless is essentially what all bone in cuts are now. It says it means the backbone is removed leaving the rib bones which is standard. https://oureverydaylife.com/cooking-guide-semiboneless-beef-rib-roast-35919.html

 

[eddiememphis]

Always ask the meat guy when you have questions. You are spending a lot of money, ask your questions.

Small end refers to the ribs farther from the shoulder. Less work, the more tender the meat, generally speaking.

Boneless means just what it says, semi-bone in means you are paying for waste. But the bones are easy to remove. They add nothing to the flavor when cooking but sure look sweet when Frenched.

Choice is USDA grading. Choice is in the middle of select and prime.

Angus means nothing. It is a rating you can buy, much like the BBB.

 

[forktender]

Angus is the type of live beef that it is from and thats it, it has nothing to do with the grade of meat.

 

[SmokinAl]

As a general rule Angus beef is more marbled than just regular USDA Choice.
Al

 

[Bearcarver]

As a general rule Angus beef is more marbled than just regular USDA Choice.
Al

^^^Yeah That^^^, or at least as good as "Choice".

Bear