Are you looking for new ways to spice up your next barbecue? Look no further! From baby back ribs to St. Louis-style ribs, there’s something for everyone in this mouthwatering lineup. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect rib style for your next cookout.

Pork Cuts 6 Different Types of Ribs What You Need to Know for Perfect Barbecue — Pork pig side carcass cuts cut parts info graphics scheme sign signboard poster butchers guide back neck feet shoulder butt loin ham. Vector beautiful horizontal closeup black outline beige background

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Baby Back Ribs

Close up homemade smoked barbecue pork ribs ready to eat. top view Food recipe background.

Baby back ribs, also known as pork back ribs, are cut from the upper portion of the pig where the backbone meets the ribcage.

Despite their name, they are not taken from baby pigs. The term “baby” refers to their smaller size in comparison to spare ribs or back ribs. Baby back ribs are known for their tender, lean meat and shorter cooking time.

Cooking Methods for Baby Back Ribs

Due to their smaller size and leaner meat, baby back ribs can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, smoking, or baking in the oven.

They can also be marinated in a sauce or dry rubbed to enhance their flavor. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s essential to cook them low and slow for optimal tenderness.

Spareribs

Raw ribs with a rosemary and vegetables. on crumpled paper.

Spareribs, or back ribs, are cut from the lower portion of the pig, near the belly. They are typically wider than baby back ribs, measuring around 6 to 8 inches across. Spareribs are known for their meatier, fattier composition and are often used to make bacon or pancetta.

Cooking Methods for Spareribs

The best way to prepare spareribs is by braising, smoking, or grilling. These methods help to break down the fat and connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy ribs.

Like baby back ribs, spareribs benefit from marinating in a sauce or dry rub mixture for several hours before cooking.

St. Louis-Style Ribs

Homemade Smoked St Louis Style Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

St. Louis-style ribs are a variation of spare ribs, cut from the belly of the pig after the belly has been removed. They are trimmed down into a rectangular shape, closely resembling baby back ribs.

The name comes from the way meatpacking plants in St. Louis would cut the ribs. They are known for their uniform shape and meatier, fattier composition.

Cooking Methods for St. Louis-Style Ribs

St. Louis-style ribs are best prepared low and slow on the grill, in the smoker, or in the oven. Their uniform shape makes them easier to work with compared to regular spare ribs. As with other rib types, marinating in a sauce or dry rub mixture will help to enhance their flavor and tenderness.

Country-Style Ribs

Country ribs with barbecue sauce and basting brush over a rustic table.

Country-style ribs are cut from the shoulder end of the pig, near the loin. They are typically larger and meatier than baby back ribs, with more marbling throughout. Country-style ribs can be bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference.

Cooking Methods for Country-Style Ribs

The most popular methods for cooking country-style ribs include grilling, smoking, and baking in the oven. They can also be braised or slow-cooked in a crockpot for added tenderness. Like other rib types, marinating in a sauce or dry rub mixture will enhance their flavor and tenderness.

Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are cut from the beef rib section and are known for their rich, meaty flavor. They are larger and meatier than pork ribs, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer beef over pork.

Cooking Methods for Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are best prepared by braising, smoking, or grilling. These methods help to break down the fat and connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy ribs. As with other rib types, marinating in a sauce or dry rub mixture will enhance their flavor and tenderness.

Flanken-Style Ribs

Karubi, beef short rib with bone flanken style

Flanken-style ribs are thin, cross-cut beef ribs that are popular in Korean and Latin American cuisine. They are typically marinated in a flavorful sauce before being grilled quickly over high heat.

Cooking Methods for Flanken-Style Ribs

Due to their thin cut, flanken-style ribs are best cooked quickly on the grill or under a broiler. Marinating in a flavorful sauce, such as a Korean-style bulgogi marinade or a Latin-inspired chimichurri sauce, will greatly enhance their taste.

Baby Back Beef Ribs

Grilled spare baby back ribs with green salad and tomato.

Baby back beef ribs are similar to their pork counterparts, coming from the upper portion of the cow’s ribcage. They are smaller in size than traditional beef ribs, making them an excellent option for those who prefer a leaner cut of beef.

Cooking Methods for Baby Back Beef Ribs

Like their pork counterparts, baby back beef ribs can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, smoking, or baking in the oven. As with other rib types, marinating in a sauce or dry rub mixture will enhance their flavor and tenderness.

Quality Meat and Membrane

When selecting ribs for your next barbecue, it’s essential to choose ribs with a good balance of meat and fat. This will help ensure tender, juicy results.

Additionally, be sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking, as this will make them easier to eat and allow the marinade or rub to penetrate the meat more effectively.

When shopping for ribs, look for cuts with a healthy amount of marbling, indicating a good balance of meat and fat. The ribs should have a deep red color and be free of any unpleasant odors.Speak with your butcher about their recommendations and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the quality of the meat they offer.

Flavor Profiles

Dry Rubs

Dry rubs are a combination of spices and seasonings that are applied directly to the ribs before cooking. They create a flavorful crust on the outside of the ribs while sealing in moisture. Popular dry rub ingredients include paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Sauces

Sauces can be used to marinate the ribs before cooking or as a glaze during the final stages of cooking. They add moisture and flavor to the ribs, creating a sticky, delicious exterior.

Popular sauce options include traditional barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, and Asian-inspired sauces like hoisin or teriyaki.

Cooking Techniques

Low and Slow

The key to tender, flavorful ribs is cooking them low and slow. This allows the fat and connective tissue to break down, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Most rib types should be cooked at a temperature of around 225°F for several hours.

Smoking Techniques

Smoking is a popular method for cooking ribs, as it imparts a deep, smoky flavor to the meat. Wood chips or chunks can be used to create smoke, with popular options including hickory, mesquite, and applewood. Experiment with different wood types to find the perfect flavor profile for your ribs.

Wood Selection

The type of wood used for smoking can greatly impact the flavor of your ribs. Some popular choices include hickory for a strong, smoky taste, applewood for a sweet, fruity flavor, and mesquite for a bold, earthy taste. Feel free to mix and match woods to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

Creative Recipes

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your rib recipes! Try experimenting with different rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques to discover new and exciting flavor combinations. Some ideas to get you started include Gochujang sauce, Tamarind Glaze, Dry Rub, and Chimichurri Sauce.

Favorite Restaurants To Explore Rib Styles

So where can you go to try all these different styles? Well, here are a few ideas from around the Web. Not all of them are the “best” – but all are super-accessible and a top restaurant in their own style.

Baby Back Ribs: Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a popular chain restaurant known for its delicious pork loin ribs, also known as baby back ribs. They serve tender and flavorful ribs that are perfect for those who love a classic American barbecue experience.

Spare Ribs: Waldo’s BBQ

Located in Mesa, Arizona, Waldo’s BBQ offers mouthwatering spare ribs that are cooked to perfection. With a smoky flavor and tender meat, these ribs are a must-try for any rib enthusiast.

St. Louis Style Ribs: Bogart’s Smokehouse

Bogart’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its St. Louis-style ribs. These meaty ribs are expertly trimmed and smoked, resulting in a delicious and tender dish that has earned the restaurant rave reviews from food experts.

Country-Style Ribs: 17th Street Barbecue

17th Street Barbecue, located in Murphysboro, Illinois, is renowned for its country-style ribs. These ribs are slow-cooked and smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Beef Short Ribs: Louie Mueller Barbecue

Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Texas, is famous for its beef short ribs. Seasoned with just salt and pepper, these ribs are smoked for seven to ten hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that attracts customers from all over.

Flanken-Style Ribs: Smoque BBQ

Smoque BBQ in Chicago, Illinois, offers delicious flanken-style ribs that are cooked to perfection. The unique combination of flavors and textures make these ribs a must-try for anyone seeking a different take on traditional barbecue.

Baby Back Beef Ribs: Pappy’s Smokehouse

Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its full slab of baby back beef ribs. Prepared in a hybrid St. Louis and Kansas style, these ribs are so succulent that they seem to have barbecue sauce even though they don’t. With 6,000 pounds of ribs flying off the grills every day, Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit for rib lovers.

What are the different rib styles?

The different rib styles include short ribs, flanken-style ribs, baby back beef ribs, spareribs, St. Louis-style ribs, country-style ribs, and baby back pork ribs.

What are St Louis style ribs?

St. Louis style ribs are a cut of pork ribs that are trimmed into a rectangular shape, resembling baby back ribs, and come from the belly of the hog after the belly has been removed.

What are the four types of pork ribs?

The four types of pork ribs are spareribs, St. Louis-style ribs, country-style ribs, and baby back ribs.

What style ribs are best for smoking?

St. Louis-style ribs and baby back ribs are considered the best for smoking due to their meatiness and tenderness.

What are the 3 types of beef ribs?

he three types of beef ribs are short ribs, flanken-style ribs, and baby back beef ribs.

What is the 2 2 1 rib method?

The 2 2 1 rib method is a popular technique for smoking ribs, where the ribs are smoked for 2 hours, wrapped in foil and cooked for another 2 hours, and then unwrapped and cooked for a final hour to develop a crust.

What are the most popular ribs?

The most popular ribs are baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs, known for their tenderness and flavor.

What are the meatiest ribs?

St. Louis-style ribs and country-style ribs are considered the meatiest ribs, with a high amount of fat and bone content that contributes to their flavor and tenderness.