The Rib Racks
Success Guide
Cook Time & Temps
grill
First, on direct heat for 2–3 minutes a side to sear
Then, 8–12 additional minutes on indirect heat
Head Straight to our Favorite Rib Rack Recipes.
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Read on for all the details...
A beautiful cut for when you are feeling fancy! With its elegant shape and inviting rib bone, the venison rack will surely make an impressive presentation. While lean in nature, it boasts a rich flavor and delectable tenderness and can be cooked whole or easily sliced into bone-in chops.
Prep
Serving Size: 1 pack of 4 bone-in Ribs serves 2-3.
Getting Started: To prepare this cut for cooking, start by carefully removing any visible silver skin. (see more on Trimming Silver Skin). You may also notice a flap of meat that runs along the ribs to which the silver skin is attached. While you can leave this flap on, it's best to remove it because it can be a bit tough and chewy once cooked.
Flavoring Techniques - These rib racks need nothing more than a simple rub of oil, salt, and pepper to make them shine! But if you need more zing, reach for your favorite BBQ dry rub or explore our recipes for delicious inspiration. For best results every time, ensure that any excess moisture is wiped away before applying the dry rub- then generously season, pressing into the meat until all sides are coated, and apply right before cooking or marinating it overnight.
Choosing a Fat - When grilling or roasting, use either avocado or olive oil. For pan-searing sliced bone-in chops, use something with a high smoking point, like ghee butter or rendered fats such as lard, tallow, or even avocado oil.
Preferred Method
When it comes to cooking venison rib racks, grilling is not only the easiest but also the best method to unlock their delicious flavors. While there is no one-size-fits-all method for grilling, setting up a two-zone fire allows you to create an intensely flavorful, golden-brown crust on one side, while using the indirect heat on the other side for gentle cooking until just the right tenderness is achieved.
- To start, give that rib rack a good rubdown with some oil and lightly oil the grill grates. Then, place it bone side up onto the hot side of the grill.
- When grilling, temperatures can fluctuate. To ensure even cooking of the rib racks, flip them around every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. This will also create delicious char marks from contact with different hot spots on the grates. Be cautious of flare-ups, and keep a spray bottle of water nearby to spritz any flare-ups you don't want.
- Once your rib rack has turned golden brown, move it over to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking. Cooking time will vary between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your rib rack. For accurate temperature readings, use an instant-read thermometer or meat probe. Remember that your meat will continue to cook even after it is removed from the grill.
- Transfer it to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it up.
- When it's time to serve, simply cut the rack into individual chops and enjoy.
*Extra Tips
Adding a delicious sauce can be the perfect complement to your venison rib racks. Some options to consider include chimichurri, balsamic glaze, and BBQ sauce, or find more inspiration in our collection of recipes available here.
Gauging Doneness
The most reliable way to check the doneness of meat is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and aim to remove it from heat at an internal temperature of around 125°-130°F for medium-rare to medium doneness (The Right Temperature). If you are slicing into chops before cooking, take a look at the Rib Chop Cut Guide.