There’s nothing like a good rack of ribs smothered in BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection. But, if you have ever tried to make them at home, you know that it’s not always as easy as it looks.
In this informative blog, I’ll share with you my tips and tricks for making the best BBQ ribs. How ever you are cooking them on the grill, in the oven, or smoker, this guide will show you how to make ribs that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. So let’s get started!
What Are The Different Types Of Ribs?
For the goals of this blog, I will be talking about three different types of ribs: baby back ribs, spareribs, and St. Louis-style ribs.
1. Baby Back Ribs:
Baby back ribs are the most familiar type of rib and what most people think of when they think of ribs. They’re also the most expensive. Baby back ribs arrive from the loin area of the hog and are shorter and more curved than spareribs.
They’re also leaner, which makes them less fatty and tenderer. Some people find them to be too lean, and prefer the flavor of spareribs.
2. Spareribs:
Spareribs arrive from the belly area of the hog and are longer, flatter, and fattier than baby back ribs. They’re also less expensive. While they may not be as tender as baby back ribs, they’re full of flavor. You can often find them on sale, so they’re a great option if you’re looking to save money.
3. St. Louis-Style Ribs:
St. Louis-style ribs are a type of sparerib that has been trimmed of the skirt meat and cartilage. This leaves you with a nice, neat, rectangular slab of ribs that are easy to cook and eat. It’s the most common type of rib sold in supermarkets.
Now that you know the different types of ribs let’s talk about how to cook them.
How To Make Perfect BBQ Ribs?
Did you know that there are three main methods for cooking ribs: grilling, smoking, and oven-roasting? If you’re not sure which method to utilize, don’t worry. I’m going to walk you through each one so that you can decide for yourself.
1. Grilling:
Grilling is the most familiar way to cook ribs. It’s also the quickest method, so it’s great if you’re short on time. The key to grilling ribs is to cook them slowly over indirect heat so that they don’t dry out or burn. I like to start by preheating my grill to medium-low and then placing the ribs on the cooler side of the grill.
I’ll cook them for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size, before flipping them over and brush with BBQ sauce. Also, I’ll cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender.
2. Smoking:
Smoking ribs is a bit more time-consuming than grilling, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for that authentic BBQ flavor. The key to smoking ribs is to cook them low and slow so that they have time to absorb all of the smoke flavors.
I like to smoke my ribs at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours. I’ll preheat my smoker and then placing the ribs on the racks. I’ll cook for 3-4 hours to let the smoke flavor permeate the meat. If you want to know how to smoke ribs, you can check out this blog.
3. Oven-Roasting:
Oven-roasting is a great option if you want to make ribs ahead of time or if it’s too cold to grill or smoke outside. The key to oven-roasting ribs is to cook them low and slow so that they don’t dry out. I like to roast my ribs at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours. The ribs will be tender and juicy when they’re done.
No matter which method you choose, the key to perfect ribs is to cook them low and slow. It will give them time to tenderize and absorb the entire flavor from the BBQ sauce. Believe me; your patience can be rewarded with some of the best ribs you’ve ever had!
The Best BBQ Sauce Recipes!
Now you know how to cook ribs, but what about the sauce? The sauce is what really makes or breaks a good BBQ rib. You will want to find a sauce that has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. And, of course, it should be easy to make! Here are five of my favorite BBQ sauce recipes:
1. Basic BBQ Sauce:
This sauce is perfect if you’re looking for a straightforward BBQ sauce that is both sweet and tangy. It is also easy to make, so it is perfect if you’re short on time. When it comes to grilling or smoking, this sauce is versatile and can be used on chicken(check out our best sauces for grilled chicken), pork, or beef. I wrote a blog on what is the best way to store BBQ sauce, you can read this too.
2. Spicy BBQ Sauce:
Spicy BBQ Sauce is awesome if you like your ribs with a little bit of a kick. It’s made with cayenne pepper, so it has a nice amount of heat. The addition of brown sugar helps to balance out the spice and gives the sauce a nice depth of flavor.
3. Sweet BBQ Sauce:
Sweet BBQ Sauce is the best if you have a sweet tooth. For this sauce, I like to use honey or molasses to really give it that sweetness. The addition of vinegar helps to balance out the sweetness and gives the sauce a nice tang.
4. Smoky BBQ Sauce:
It’s made with smoked paprika, so it has a deep, rich flavor. In addition to the paprika, I like to use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to really give it a smoky kick. On the grill or smoker, this sauce will really stand up to the bold flavors of chicken and pork.
5. Tangy BBQ Sauce:
The key to this sauce is the vinegar. I like to use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The acidity from the vinegar really helps to balance out the sweetness of the honey. You can also add in some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to really give it a tangy kick.
These are just five of my favorite BBQ sauce recipes. Experiment and find the one that you like best. Do not be afraid to change it up depending on what you’re in the mood for.
The best part about BBQ sauce is that it’s easy to make, and you can really customize it to your own taste. As I’m talking about sauce, I think it will be perfect if you read this blog on what is the difference between BBQ sauce and steak sauce.
Tips On Serving And Eating The Ribs!
While you can technically eat ribs any time of day, they are typically served as a main course. There are a few items you should consider when serving ribs.
1. Slather Them In Sauce:
The sauce is what really makes BBQ ribs stand out. Be generous with the sauce, and make sure to cover the ribs completely. It is also a good thinking to have extra sauce on the side for people to use as they eat.
2. Let The Sauce Sit:
Once you’ve slathered the ribs in sauce, let them sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can meld together. On the grill, it will also give the sauce time to caramelize and form a nice crust.
3. Serve With Sides:
BBQ ribs are typically served with sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. The nice green salad is also a good option. Also, don’t forget the rolls!
4. Eat With Your Hands:
Ribs are suggested to be eaten with your hands. Use a knife and cutter if you must, but know that you’re missing out on the true rib experience if you do. By eating them with your hands, you can really get in there and savor all the flavors.
5. Be Messy:
Don’t be afraid to get messy when eating ribs. The sauce will get all over your hands and face, but that’s half the fun! Most importantly, it’s the only way to enjoy ribs.
6. Lick Your Fingers:
This one goes hand-in-hand with being messy. Once you’re done eating, make sure to lick your fingers clean. It’s the only proper way to eat ribs! You can also use a wet napkin to clean your hands if you’re not into licking them.
7. Burp Proudly:
Eating ribs is a very intense experience. Your stomach will expand, and you may even find yourself burping afterward. Don’t be embarrassed; it’s perfectly normal. In fact, burping is considered a sign of a good meal!
Conclusion
The next time you want to make perfect BBQ ribs, I hope you will give the above-mentioned tips a try. With the proper instruments and a little practice, anyone can be a master of the grill!
What are your favorite grilled recipes? Share them on social media or in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out GrillCharms.com for all your grilling needs – from accessories to recipes, I’ve got you covered.
In fact, my grilling experience stems from even before that, when I used to watch my father grill outdoors. Some of my favorite memories growing up were surrounding the grill in the backyard, or a portable grill on the beach or in the park.
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