Why do chinese spare ribs have so much meat on them?

Question

When ever I buy chinese spare ribs (at about £4.50 a portion!) the bones seem quite small but the have huge amounts of meat on them, but if i buy ribs from local butchers or supermarket there is hardly any meat at all?

Answer 1

Because its not ribs from a pig!? lol I'm joking!

My dad owns a chinese restaurant and I often go there and get a free meal. From what I've seen and heard, they are picky about the quality of ribs and thinks people wouldn't like to pay money on skinny ribs. Sounds quite fair to me but I don't know how other people run their shop though.

Answer 2

Salutations,

Probably has to do with how they buy thier meat, I imagine they do all the final Butchering at the resturant. I always find myself wishing for more meat and less bone. I guess that's just me then. Cheers  

Answer 3

There are regular Spare Ribs and there are Baby Back Ribs. Baby Backs are much meatier than regular ribs. When it comes to regular ribs they come in sizes. 1--3 'n down [1 rack weighs less than 3 lbs] 2--3to5's [1 rack weighs more than 3 but less than 5 lbs.] 3--5's 'n up [1 rack weighs 5lbs and up to 7 lbs. 3 'n downs are best, less fat and more meat. 3-5's less meat and more fat. 5's come from big old fat pigs and are more fat and bone than meat. Your Chinese restaurant most likely gives you 3 'n ribs which are the usual restaurant rib. The upscale expensive restaurants will use the Baby Backs. BTW, baby backs are graded A's & B's. The A's are the smaller bone and really meatier than the B's but both are the best.  

Answer 4

It must have been a strong Alsatian.