How to Buy Beef Short Plate Online: A Complete Guide

The beef short plate is a flavorful cut of meat that offers a perfect balance between taste and tenderness. It’s often used in popular dishes such as fajitas, short ribs, or stir-fries. If you’re looking to buy beef short plate for sale online, this guide will help you navigate the options available, understand what to look for, and how to get the best deal.

What is Beef Short Plate?

Beef short plate is a cut of meat that comes from the lower part of the cow’s rib cage, located below the ribeye and in front of the flank. It includes a mix of meat and connective tissue, which gives it a rich, beefy flavor. The short plate is often used in dishes that require longer cooking times to break down the tougher fibers, such as braising or grilling.

This cut is typically sold as short ribs, which are thick slabs of meat with bones, or as skirt steaks for dishes like fajitas. The meat is highly marbled, meaning it has a good amount of fat distributed throughout, which enhances its flavor and juiciness.

Why Buy Beef Short Plate Online?

Buying beef short plate online offers several advantages:

1. Convenience: Shopping online allows you to browse different vendors, compare prices, and have your order delivered right to your doorstep.
2. Variety: Online butchers and marketplaces often offer a wider variety of cuts and options compared to local stores. This includes organic, grass-fed, or premium beef cuts.
3. Access to Specialty Vendors: Some online sellers focus on high-quality or rare cuts, making it easier to find beef short plate cuts you may not find in a traditional grocery store.

Where to Buy Beef Short Plate Online

Here are some of the best online platforms to purchase beef short plate:

1. ButcherBox
   • Overview: ButcherBox is known for its subscription service that delivers high-quality meats, including beef short plate, straight to your door. Their beef is 100% grass-fed and free of antibiotics or hormones.
   • Website: ButcherBox
   • Why Buy?: ButcherBox offers grass-fed beef and ensures the highest quality meat with traceability.
2. US Wellness Meats
   • Overview: US Wellness Meats offers a wide range of premium meats, including beef short plate. Their products are sustainably sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare.
   • Website: US Wellness Meats
   • Why Buy?: The site focuses on organic, grass-fed beef, making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
3. Crowd Cow
   • Overview: Crowd Cow connects consumers directly with independent ranches and allows you to buy specific cuts of beef, including short plate.
   • Website: Crowd Cow
   • Why Buy?: Crowd Cow offers a variety of beef options, from grass-fed to Wagyu, ensuring a premium product tailored to your preferences.
4. Porter Road
   • Overview: Porter Road is a butcher shop that delivers fresh meat, including premium cuts of beef short plate, right to your door. They pride themselves on humanely raised animals and traditional butchering practices.
   • Website: Porter Road
   • Why Buy?: Their meats are dry-aged, hormone-free, and pasture-raised, offering a high-quality option for beef enthusiasts.
5. Omaha Steaks
   • Overview: While Omaha Steaks is best known for its wide range of steak cuts, they also sell beef short plate and other specialized cuts.
   • Website: Omaha Steaks
   • Why Buy?: Omaha Steaks provides a reliable online shopping experience with excellent customer service and high-quality meat.
6. Wagyu Shop
   • Overview: If you’re looking to treat yourself to premium beef, the Wagyu Shop offers luxurious options including Wagyu beef short plate, a marbled cut that will elevate any dish.
   • Website: Wagyu Shop
   • Why Buy?: Known for offering high-end, A5-grade Wagyu beef, this is the perfect place for those wanting to indulge in the finest meats.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Short Plate Online

When buying beef short plate online, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best product:

1. Source of Beef: Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised, or hormone-free beef for better flavor and quality.
2. Quality and Grade: Pay attention to the meat grade. Higher-quality beef will be more tender, juicy, and flavorful.
3. Packaging: Ensure the beef is packed properly for shipping, with sufficient cooling materials to maintain freshness.
4. Shipping and Delivery: Check the shipping times and costs. Some sites offer free shipping with subscriptions or orders over a certain amount.
5. Customer Reviews: Reading customer feedback can give you an idea of the quality and consistency of the product you’re purchasing.

Prices for Beef Short Plate Online

The price of beef short plate varies depending on the vendor, quality, and cut. On average, you can expect to pay:

• Standard Beef Short Plate: $8 – $15 per pound
• Premium/Grass-Fed Beef Short Plate: $15 – $25 per pound
• Wagyu Beef Short Plate: $30+ per pound

Note that prices may fluctuate based on availability, shipping costs, and special offers.

Tips for Cooking Beef Short Plate

Beef short plate is a versatile cut that can be used in various recipes. Here are some ideas:

1. Grilled Short Plate: Marinate the beef short plate, then grill it over high heat for a deliciously charred and flavorful dish.
2. Braised Short Plate: Slow-cook the short plate in a braising liquid (like wine, broth, and herbs) for several hours to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Fajitas: Slice the beef thinly and grill it, then serve it in tortillas with onions, peppers, and your favorite toppings.
4. Stir-fry: Slice the short plate thin and stir-fry it with vegetables and soy sauce for a quick and tasty meal.

Conclusion

Buying beef short plate online offers convenience and access to high-quality cuts from trusted sources. Whether you prefer grass-fed beef or are seeking a more luxurious option like Wagyu, online retailers offer a wide variety of choices. Always check the product’s origin, packaging, and reviews to ensure you’re getting the best possible cut.

For a quick and easy option, explore these online retailers and start cooking your next delicious beef short plate dish.

References:

• ButcherBox
• US Wellness Meats
• Crowd Cow
• Porter Road
• Omaha Steaks
• Wagyu Shop