Difference Between Spare Ribs and 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. They're curvier and shorter than spareribs (hence, the diminutive “baby”) with lots of lean meat both between and on top of the bones.

1. Which is better spare ribs or baby back ribs?
2. Can you use spare ribs in place of baby back ribs?
3. What type of ribs are the best?
4. What are the best ribs for smoking?
5. Do spare ribs take longer to cook than baby back ribs?
6. What are the meatiest ribs?
7. Why are baby back ribs more expensive?
8. Can you overcook baby back ribs?
9. Are baby back ribs healthy?
10. What is the 2 2 1 method for ribs?
11. Which is more tender baby back ribs or St Louis ribs?
12. What is a good price for spare ribs?

Which is better spare ribs or baby back 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.

Can you use spare ribs in place 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can you overcook baby back ribs?

Can you overcook ribs? Yes, it's possible to end up with overcooked ribs. As you'll learn from our chosen techniques, the meat should separate from the bone easily when light pressure is applied. However, if the meat is literally falling off the bone, it's likely been cooked for too long.

Are baby back ribs healthy?

The calories on a typical plate of barbecue ribs can surge to more than 900 calories, and more fat grams than I can count. ... And while these aren't true smoked ribs, they are healthy and delicious.

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.

Which is more tender baby back ribs or St Louis ribs?

St Louis Ribs -

These come from the belly side of the rib cage, below the section of back ribs and above the breast bone. They contain more bone than meat, but they also have more fat content which can make them more tender then the Baby Backs.

What is a good price for spare ribs?

Pricing varies, but racks of untrimmed spare ribs can cost as little as $1.50 per pound; the average price is closer to $3.50 per pound.