Depending on your preferences, you may want to choose one of the three types of pork ribs. Each type has its own unique characteristics. All three types work well in recipes.
- Baby back ribs – These are the most popular type. These ribs are lean, tender, and have a small curvature. They are located below the muscle on the back of the pig. Baby back ribs cook faster than spare ribs. These ribs are the closest to the backbone.
- Spareribs – These have a better flavour than baby back ribs but have less meat. The bones are longer as these are cut from the bottom portion of the ribs.
- Country-style pork ribs – To some, the country-style pork rib is actually nothing more than a pork chop. These are thick cut that comes from the shoulder or loin.
Regardless of the type of ribs you choose, make sure the meat is fresh. Look for the marbling of fat and clumps of fat on the outside of the ribs.
Pork ribs should be cooked low and slow. They should be at an internal temperature of 180-195 degrees. You can use an instant-read thermometer with a needle-thin probe to check the internal temperature of the meat.
If you are cooking ribs for a crowd, you may not want to worry about trimming. However, if you are cooking ribs for competitions, you will want to make sure that you trim away any excess fatty protuberances.
The fat in pork ribs makes them more tender and flavorful. This is because it adds moisture and tenderness to the meat.
How to Cook Pork Ribs
Whether you’re preparing ribs for a party or just a lazy Saturday night, there are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure your meat is delicious. If you’re using a grill, be sure to watch the temperature closely as ribs can cook fast. You can also use your oven to cook your ribs. It’s important to make sure the meat is heated all the way through.
Before you start cooking, be sure to clean the ribs thoroughly. This includes removing the bone fragments. You should also wash the silverskin away. You can either remove the silverskin with a butter knife or by using a paper towel.
For the best results, season the pork ribs before cooking. A dry rub is best, so mix the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. You should season the bone side of the ribs first. When finished cooking, the meat should fall from the bone easily.
If you don’t have the time to prepare the ribs yourself, you can purchase premade barbecue spice rubs. These will also save you time. You can season the ribs up to 24 hours before cooking.
Once the ribs are ready, brush them with your favourite barbecue sauce. This will make the meat moist and delicious. If you prefer, you can finish the ribs by grilling or broiling them.
