Difference Between Ribs and Spare Ribs

Baby back ribs are more tender and leaner than spare ribs, and are typically more expensive. Each rack is around 2 pounds, around half of which is bone, and one rack feeds around one hungry adult. Spare ribs are cut from the ends of baby back ribs and run along to the pig's breast bone.

1. What type of ribs are the best?
2. Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
3. What are the best ribs for smoking?
4. Why do they call them spare ribs?
5. What is the 2 2 1 method for ribs?
6. What are the meatiest ribs?
7. Do spare ribs take longer to cook than baby back ribs?
8. What's better St Louis ribs or baby back?
9. Why are baby back ribs more expensive?
10. What temp do I cook ribs on?
11. How do you keep ribs moist when smoking?
12. When should I wrap my ribs?

What type of ribs are the best?

Spareribs. Spareribs (aka side ribs) are the long cuts from the belly behind the shoulder. Racks typically have 11-13 bones and have meat on top of and between the bones. While they have the least amount of meat, a lot of folks think they're the tastiest.

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Baby back ribs can be substituted for St. Louis-style spareribs, but since they are smaller, you will need about 1 1/2 times the amount of baby backs as St. Louis-style ribs.

What are the best ribs for smoking?

Baby back ribs are arguably the most popular ribs sold in grocery stores. Spare ribs come from the belly of the pig, after the actual belly meat is cut away. That means they are typically flatter, and well marbled with a nice high fat content and are quite meaty.

Why do they call them spare ribs?

The term "spare ribs" is a Middle English corruption (via "sparrib") of "rippspeer", a Low German term that referred to racks of meat being roasted on a turning spit. St. Louis style ribs (or St. Louis cut spare ribs) have had the sternum bone, cartilage, and rib tips (see below) removed.

What is the 2 2 1 method for ribs?

So why are they called 2-2-1 ribs? Because you smoke them uncovered for 2 hours, then smoke them wrapped in foil for another 2 hours, and finally finish them off uncovered for another hour.

What are the meatiest ribs?

Louis Cut Ribs are the meatiest and most flavorful ribs. They are spareribs with the tips removed so they form a nice rectangular rack. I sometimes call the "center cut ribs". You can use Baby Back Ribs for this recipe if you prefer.

Do spare ribs take longer to cook than baby back ribs?

Whereas spare ribs come from the belly area, baby back ribs are taken from around loin, the muscle that runs along the pig's back on either side of the spine. ... Because they're smaller than spare ribs, they'll take less time to cook. They also come with a higher price tag.

What's better St Louis ribs or baby back?

Louis-style spare ribs are the meatier ribs cut from the belly of thehog after the belly is removed. ... Louis-style ribs are flatter than baby back ribs, which makes them easier to brown. There is a lot of bone but also a higher amount of fat, making them very flavorful.

Why are baby back ribs more expensive?

Back ribs are cut from where the rib meets the spine after the loin is removed. ... Baby back ribs are more tender and leaner than spare ribs, and are typically more expensive. Each rack is around 2 pounds, around half of which is bone, and one rack feeds around one hungry adult.

What temp do I cook ribs on?

Preheat your smoker, charcoal grill, or gas grill to 225°F - the ideal temperature for cooking ribs. Smoke/slow cook for 3 hours using indirect heat. Wrap the ribs in foil with some liquid and continue cooking for 2 hours.

How do you keep ribs moist when smoking?

During the three hours I also like to keep adding moisture to the pork with a spritz. A spritz is simply a spray bottle with liquid. In our case, it's equal parts apple cider vinegar and water (you can also add equal parts apple cider vinegar and apple juice for a little more sweetness).

When should I wrap my ribs?

Wrapping should be done about half way through the cooking process or when internal meat temp is 150-160 degrees. Use two layers of heavy duty foil to wrap the meat. We recommend the following process for wrapping ribs, pork shoulder and brisket.