Cook BBQ Ribs Like a Pro!
Lockdown is over and it’s time to start living again. With summer quickly approaching and the days getting longer, it may be time to dust the cobwebs off of your grill. Nothing says summer quite like a BBQ with all of your mates around. Whether you’re grilling up snags, burgers, or ribs, be sure you’re doing it the right way!
Want to get the best ribs for your Sunday afternoon shindig? Continue reading to get all the tips and tricks to make the very best BBQ ribs for your friends and family. We will show you how to properly cook ribs, what ribs to use, the different types and cuts of ribs, and the perfect sauce to add that finishing touch.
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Beef, Pork or Lamb Ribs - Which One Should You Use?
So, you’ve planned your Saturday arvo BBQ but are still not quite sure what ribs to go with. That’s okay, we will walk you through the different types to ensure you pick the ribs for you.
You can choose from beef, pork or lamb ribs. Depending on the dietary requirements of your guests, pork or beef ribs may not be suitable, so lamb ribs are an attractive option. If this is not an issue, there are pros and cons to each which we will explain in further detail below.
Beef and pork ribs are the most common and both have some differences that will make them more attractive to others. Beef ribs have a much bolder flavour and meatier taste. While pork ribs are much milder, making them more flavourful with whatever sauce you put on them. Pork ribs also tend to be the easiest to prepare and get the perfect consistency for the meat to fall off the bone.
Lamb rubs are less common but are great for those wanting to try something a little bit different. Rich in protein and packed with a lot of fat which helps flavour the meat, the major drawback of lamb ribs are their availability and the fact that they must cooked really slowly in order to come in properly. All ribs will need to cook slowly for the best possible result, but lamb ribs require a bit more patience and attention.
Our recommendation would be to go with pork ribs as they have a juicy and tender texture. Pork ribs are a majority favourite that have more protein and less fat than beef ribs. They also respond well to being marinated due to their mild flavour.
Types of Ribs - Which Cut is Best?
The two most common types of ribs are spare ribs and baby back ribs. Spare ribs are cut from the stomach of the pig near the breast bone. Baby back ribs are cut between the spine and spare rib, from the upper portion of the rib cage. So, which cut is best?
Spare Ribs
Many would argue that spare ribs have the best flavour. They are usually a bit tougher and fattier than other cuts which is why their flavour is so ‘porky’ and delicious. Spare ribs have more meat than their baby back counterparts in between the ribs but less meat on top of the rib bones; this usually makes them bigger and meatier. They are also easier to prepare, making them the best choice for beginners.
Baby Back Ribs
Baby backs are leaner than spare ribs due to them being smaller and having much less fat. This makes them a slightly healthier option but their leanness makes them far easier to overcook. Baby back ribs can be braised in flavoured liquid to make sure they do not dry out when being cooked and are best when slow-smoked to get the extra flavour that is usually not as potent as in spare ribs. If you are able to successfully keep the meat moist and retain a smoky flavour, baby back ribs can be a fan favourite.
It's All in the BBQ Sauce!
BBQ sauces and dry rib rubs are an essential part in cooking ribs. They add the mouth-watering flavours that really make your ribs pop. While the mild flavour of pork ribs is tasty on its own and the powerful meaty taste of beef ribs is also good, adding a marinating sauce or rub during preparation or a sweet BBQ sauce before serving will take your ribs to the next level. It is important not to oversaturate your ribs in sauce, though. Because if you do, all the flavour from the slow cooked fat will have all been for nothing.
You can elect to either use sauce or dry rub, or you can use both to flavour your ribs to your liking. Which one to use, how much to use and whether you are marinating or adding sauce as a topping at the end is something that you will learn through trial and error. It is difficult to know for sure what flavour you prefer until you try a couple different combinations. But one thing is for sure: no matter how you do it, saucing and seasoning your ribs is a must. Try Fody Foods Original BBQ Sauce to either marinate, dip or bake your ribs in.
Cooking Techniques - How Should You Cook Your Ribs?
By now you’ve picked your rib of choice, you may have come to a decision regarding how you would like to sauce and season your ribs, but how are you going to cook them? There is no right way to cook ribs – it is entirely personal preference. But this is an important step to figure out before you start preparing.
Barbecue
Barbecuing involves using live fire and smoke to cook your meat with a lid placed over. This is ideal for those summer days when you want to be a part of the party while still periodically basting and checking on your ribs as they cook at a low temperature (115 – 145 °C).
Roast then Grill
This method usually involves wrapping your ribs with aluminium foil and placing them in the oven for two (for baby back ribs) or three (for spare ribs) hours before letting them cool down to about room temperature before grilling them. Using this method can usually give you more tender meat and helps control the internal cooking temperature of the meat. Grilling, unlike barbecuing, usually uses no lid and may not result in the same smoky flavour.
Slow Roast then Grill
For this method, it is similar to roasting before grilling but at a much lower temperature and slower pace. Since the temperature is easily regulated when roasting, it is much less likely you will overcook your ribs and you can easily keep them hydrated. This method takes the longest but results in delicious ribs. Your ribs will be tender, juicy, and practically falling off the bone if cooked correctly.
Conclusion
Try something new and exciting this summer. Nothing beats fun in the sun with great tunes and a smoky grill going. Whether you’re cooking up beef, pork, or lamb ribs on the barbie, iPantry can help. We’ve got ribs, sauces, rubs and more for your barbecuing, roasting and grilling needs. Try our Australian BBQ Collection to add that finishing touch to your ribs and have your family and friends coming back for more! We offer next day delivery and have competitive pricing that you are sure to love! Make BBQing easy with iPantry.
