Spare Ribs Vs St Louis: Delicious Debate
What To Know
- Spare ribs are typically cooked low and slow, either in the oven or on the grill.
- If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they’re tender.
- If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 1-2 hours, or until they’re tender.
When it comes to barbecue, ribs are a must-have. But with so many different types to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Two of the most popular options are spare ribs and St. Louis ribs. So, what’s the difference between spare ribs vs St. Louis? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these two delicious cuts of meat.
What Are Spare Ribs?
Spare ribs are cut from the belly of the pig. They’re wider and meatier than St. Louis ribs, and they have a lot of cartilage and connective tissue. This makes them more flavorful and juicy, but it also means they take longer to cook. Spare ribs are typically cooked low and slow, either in the oven or on the grill.
What Are St. Louis Ribs?
St. Louis ribs are cut from the loin of the pig. They’re narrower and leaner than spare ribs, and they have less cartilage and connective tissue. This makes them more tender and easier to cook, but it also means they’re less flavorful. St. Louis ribs are typically cooked quickly over high heat, either on the grill or in the oven.
Which Is Better: Spare Ribs vs St. Louis?
The best type of rib for you depends on your personal preferences. If you like flavorful, juicy ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, then spare ribs are the way to go. If you prefer ribs that are more tender and easier to cook, then St. Louis ribs are a better choice.
How to Cook Spare Ribs
To cook spare ribs, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with your favorite rub. You can cook spare ribs in the oven or on the grill. If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they’re tender. If you’re cooking them on the grill, cook the ribs over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, or until they’re tender.
How to Cook St. Louis Ribs
To cook St. Louis ribs, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with your favorite rub. You can cook St. Louis ribs in the oven or on the grill. If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 1-2 hours, or until they’re tender. If you’re cooking them on the grill, cook the ribs over direct heat for 1-2 hours, or until they’re tender.
Tips for Grilling Ribs
- Use a grill brush to clean the grill grates before grilling.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through.
- Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Oven-Cooking Ribs
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cook for 3-4 hours, or until they’re tender.
- Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Final Note
Spare ribs and St. Louis ribs are both delicious cuts of meat that are perfect for grilling or oven-cooking. The best type of rib for you depends on your personal preferences. If you like flavorful, juicy ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, then spare ribs are the way to go. If you prefer ribs that are more tender and easier to cook, then St. Louis ribs are a better choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the difference between spare ribs and St. Louis ribs?
A: Spare ribs are cut from the belly of the pig, while St. Louis ribs are cut from the loin. Spare ribs are wider and meatier, while St. Louis ribs are narrower and leaner. Spare ribs have more cartilage and connective tissue, while St. Louis ribs have less.
Q: Which is better: spare ribs or St. Louis ribs?
A: The best type of rib for you depends on your personal preferences. If you like flavorful, juicy ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, then spare ribs are the way to go. If you prefer ribs that are more tender and easier to cook, then St. Louis ribs are a better choice.
Q: How do I cook spare ribs?
A: To cook spare ribs, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with your favorite rub. You can cook spare ribs in the oven or on the grill. If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 3-4 hours, or until they’re tender. If you’re cooking them on the grill, cook the ribs over indirect heat for 2-3 hours, or until they’re tender.
Q: How do I cook St. Louis ribs?
A: To cook St. Louis ribs, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with your favorite rub. You can cook St. Louis ribs in the oven or on the grill. If you’re cooking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for 1-2 hours, or until they’re tender. If you’re cooking them on the grill, cook the ribs over direct heat for 1-2 hours, or until they’re tender.
