Are you a fan of juicy, tender pork back ribs? Do you want to learn how to cook them to perfection?
Look no further! In this article, we will explore different methods and techniques for cooking pork back ribs, from smoking to baking to grilling.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Back Ribs?
There are several ways to cook pork back ribs, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are three popular methods:
Choosing The Right Ribs
When it comes to buying pork back ribs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best quality meat for your meal. First and foremost, look for slabs that have good fat marbling, but not too much fat. You want the meat to be flavorful and tender, but not overly greasy.
Additionally, it’s important to choose slabs with good meat coverage over the bones and no large areas of surface fat. Avoid “shiners” – slabs where the meat has been cut too close to the bone – as these exposed bones may fall out during cooking.
For best quality, try to avoid buying ribs that are frozen or have been previously frozen. While this may not always be possible, fresh ribs tend to have a better texture and flavor than those that have been frozen. Cryovac packages containing 1-3 slabs of ribs have usually not been frozen, but there are exceptions and they do sometimes turn up frozen in grocery stores. Ribs sold in loose slabs by the case (not in Cryovac) are commonly sold frozen.
When selecting the size and weight of your ribs, experiment to find out what you like best. Some people prefer smaller slabs, around 2 pounds each, believing that there’s a higher ratio of meat to bone in smaller slabs. Others prefer larger slabs. Try different sizes and make your own judgment, keeping in mind that every slab is unique and may vary in tenderness even when cooked the same way.
It’s also important to check the label when purchasing ribs and avoid those that have been “enhanced”, meaning they have been pumped up with an added solution (mostly water and salt). This can affect the texture and flavor of the meat.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the best pork back ribs for your next meal and set yourself up for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
Preparing The Ribs
Before cooking your pork back ribs, it is important to properly prepare them. This involves trimming the excess fat, removing the membrane, and seasoning the meat.
To begin, place the slab of ribs on a cutting board with the bone side facing up. Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Next, locate the membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Using a paper towel or a corner of the membrane, grip it firmly and peel it off in one piece. This will help your seasonings penetrate the meat and prevent the ribs from becoming tough.
Once you have trimmed and removed the membrane, it’s time to season your ribs. There are many dry rubs available on the market, or you can make your own by combining spices such as paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Apply a generous amount of seasoning to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat to ensure even coverage. For added flavor and tenderness, you can also brush a light coat of mustard onto the meat before applying your dry rub.
After seasoning your ribs, let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help your ribs develop a flavorful crust when cooked. Once your ribs have marinated, they are ready to be cooked using your preferred method.
By properly preparing your pork back ribs, you can ensure that they are flavorful and tender every time you cook them. Whether you choose to smoke them low and slow or grill them over high heat, taking the time to trim and season your ribs will result in a delicious meal that is sure to impress.
Smoking Pork Back Ribs
Smoking pork back ribs is a popular method for achieving a tender, juicy, and flavorful result. The 3-2-1 method is a widely used technique that involves smoking the ribs at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
To start, fire up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s directions and set it to 185°F. Remove the silver skin from the bone side of the ribs by sliding a butter knife underneath the membrane and pulling it off. Next, apply your desired rub or seasoning to the meat side of the ribs.
Place the ribs on the smoker meat side down and smoke at 185°F for three hours. After three hours, flip the ribs meat side up and increase the smoker temperature to 225°F. Cook for an additional hour before basting with your favorite BBQ sauce, and cook for another hour at 225°F.
Finally, turn up your smoker to 325°F, flip the ribs one last time, and sauce the bone side. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the sugars in your BBQ sauce. Once done, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into them.
If you encounter a temperature stall during smoking, wrapping the ribs in foil can help get them over the hump and continue cooking until they reach their desired internal temperature of 180°F.
When it comes to wood chips, hickory, oak, mesquite, grapevine, apple, cherry, and pecan all make for great smoke for pork ribs. And while some BBQ competition cooks may argue that fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are overcooked, most people prefer their ribs to be soft and juicy with meat that easily falls off the bone.
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to four months. And if you need to break up the cook time due to a busy schedule or unforeseen circumstances, you can successfully smoke for three hours and then wrap for two hours all in one day, saving the final hour for the next day or completing both steps inside in your oven if necessary.
Baking Pork Back Ribs
Baking pork back ribs is a simple and convenient method that can be done in the comfort of your own kitchen. To begin, preheat your oven to 275°F and prepare your ribs by rinsing and patting them dry with a paper towel. Remove any silver skin on the top side of the ribs and the thin membrane from the underside of the ribs.
Next, split the racks in half and place them on a baking sheet. This makes them easier to handle and gives you four good portions. Wrap each half rack of ribs in foil, making sure to seal the edges of the foil to make sealed packets.
Place the foil-wrapped ribs in the preheated oven on a rack in the center of the oven. Cook the ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the rack of ribs. A smaller rack will likely take around 2 hours, while a larger rack will take up to 3 hours.
It’s important to cover the ribs when cooking in the oven to keep them from drying out. Making a packet out of tin foil and cooking the ribs in the packet will produce perfect ribs every time. You will know they’re done when the meat has pulled back significantly from the bone and the bone easily pulls free from the meat when tugged.
Once they’re cooked, remove them from the oven and discard the foil and drippings. Place the ribs directly on a wire rack and brush with your favorite barbecue sauce. Return to the oven and bake at 275°F until tender and meat is pulling away from bones, for about 45 minutes to an hour.
To finish, brush slabs evenly with remaining barbecue sauce, increase oven temperature to broil, and return ribs to middle rack. Broil until sauce bubbles and starts to caramelize for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Baking pork back ribs is an easy way to achieve tender, juicy ribs that are perfect for any occasion. With a little time and patience, you can create restaurant-worthy baby back ribs right in your own kitchen.
Grilling Pork Back Ribs
Grilling pork back ribs is a popular method that yields delicious and flavorful results. To prepare the ribs, remove them from the packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. Spray an aluminum pan with nonstick cooking spray or rub it with oil, and place the ribs into the pan. Remove the silver skin from the back side of the ribs, which is optional but recommended for a more enjoyable eating experience. Sprinkle some pork rub seasoning onto both sides of the ribs, making sure to really rub and press it in.
Pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the fridge until your grill is ready. Preheat your grill to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure to maintain this temperature throughout the cooking process. Clean the grill grates and carefully wipe them down with a bit of oil to ensure they are clean and nonstick.
Place the pan of ribs onto the grill, cover it, and cook for about an hour, or up to two hours depending on how well done you prefer your ribs. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the meat reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, by cooking it low and slow for a longer amount of time, the ribs will end up reaching a temperature closer to 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in more tender meat.
Carefully remove the ribs from the pan and place them directly on the grill, ensuring that heat stays on low. In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together marmalade and vinegar until well combined. Baste the cooked ribs with this sauce, making sure to coat them well. Cover the grill and cook for an additional 5 minutes before repeating this process one more time.
Finally, remove the ribs from the grill and place them on a large cutting board to rest and cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut between each rib bone and serve either as individual portions or as a whole rack. Grilled pork back ribs are a delicious and easy meal that can be enjoyed by all!
Sauces And Rubs For Pork Back Ribs
Sauces and rubs are essential components when it comes to cooking pork back ribs. They add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meat. Here are some popular sauces and rubs that you can use for your pork back ribs:
1. Dry Rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices that is rubbed onto the meat before cooking. It adds flavor and texture to the meat. To make a dry rub for pork back ribs, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the ribs and let it sit for at least an hour before cooking.
2. BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is a classic sauce that pairs well with pork back ribs. You can make your own BBQ sauce or use store-bought sauce. To make a simple BBQ sauce, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce. Brush the sauce onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that is perfect for pork back ribs. To make teriyaki sauce, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Brush the sauce onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Plum Sauce: Plum sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with pork back ribs. To make plum sauce, mix together plums, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a blender until smooth. Brush the sauce onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Remember to experiment with different sauces and rubs to find your favorite flavor combination for your pork back ribs. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook delicious and flavorful pork back ribs every time!