16 Ribs Recipes That Will Transform Your Summer Barbecues (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between spare ribs and BBQ ribs? ›

The big difference between the two is how long you cook them. Baby back ribs don't need to cook as long because the cut is smaller, and the section the rack comes from features more tender meat. Spare ribs need a longer cooking time because of where the cut comes from and how large it is.

When using a slower method like the grill, smoker, or oven, you'll need about 3-5 hours. Slower methods can be ready in as little as 30 minutes - however, keep in mind that the longer you cook your pork back ribs the more tender and succulent they'll be.

Because ovens have controlled temperature you are less likely to overcook or under cook your ribs. You can also put the ribs in the oven and leave them as the heat will be even the entire time that they are inside. Ovens also have the added benefit of cooking faster than BBQ.

After conducting an internal poll, Baby Back Ribs came out on top as the clear winner. They're meatier and cook more quickly than St. Louis Style Ribs, making them a more convenient option for busy cooks. So if you're looking for tender, delicious ribs, go with baby back ribs every time!

The secret to incredibly tender ribs is baking them low and slow. Baking ribs in the oven is so easy. 95% of the cooking time is spent relaxing while your ribs transform into fall-off-the-bone perfection.

A charcoal or wood fire will give you the best flavor, but any heat will cook the ribs. Your goal is to get good color and caramelization on the outside of the ribs, but also to cook them long enough that the tough collagen breaks down and the meat becomes tender.

Anything under that temperature and your ribs will be chewy, stringy, and tough. At 195 degrees F, that tissue starts to gelatinize and turn into tasty, melty deliciousness. Most ribs hit their sweet spot for doneness around 198 degrees F, but some take until 203 degrees F to be perfectly tender.

The three types of ribs are the vertebrosternal or true ribs, vertebrochondral or false ribs, and the vertebral or floating ribs. The distinction between these types of ribs lies in the location of their articulations.

Barbecue staples like spareribs and baby back ribs are pork cuts, while soothing comfort cuts like short ribs come from beef.

Being large and meaty, with defined bones and a copious amount of delightful fat, spare ribs are widely considered to be the most flavorsome and the go-to choice for barbecues and get-togethers everywhere.

What makes St. Louis BBQ different? ›

St. Louis BBQ has its own distinct style, characterized by its love for pork ribs and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. St. Louis-style ribs are known for being meaty, tender and typically cooked with a dry rub before being slathered in sauce.