The Allure of BBQ Pork Ribs

As southern cooking is sweeping the nation, bbq pork ribs have become in high demand. The reason for this is the tenderness of the meat and all of the different possible flavors available. They are messy, fun to eat, and delicious!

It is especially important to understand the process of cooking bbq pork ribs. There are two types of ribs to consider. Spare ribs are from the underbelly of the pig and have less meat. The back ribs are larger and have more meat. Different people have their own preferences of which type of rib they prefer. Both have their merits and taste wonderful when cooked properly.

How to cook BBQ Pork Ribs Properly

When cooking back ribs, it is important to remove the membrane on the underside of the meat. This membrane keeps the flavor from seeping into the meat. All bbq pork ribs start off with a tasty rub. This rub can be almost any flavor from tangy, hot, mild, or sweet. It is all a matter of preference. The rub should be applied to the bbq pork ribs roughly two hours before cooking. It is suggested to take some of the rub and mix it with a little vinegar and water. This is to baste the ribs as they cook to keep them from drying out. The ribs should be turned every hour and basted every time.

The best way to cook bbq pork ribs is to use a smoker. Some people believe that grilling will cook the ribs just as well as a smoker, but true chefs feel that smoking is the only way to go. This cooks the ribs slowly, allowing for the fats and connective tissue to break down and tenderize the meat. It will take several hours for the meat to cook thoroughly. The bbq pork ribs should be checked with an internal meat thermometer to ensure that the meat has reached the proper temperature.

When cooking the bbq pork ribs in a smoker, it is important to choose the right type of wood. Most people choose to use mesquite, oak, or hickory to enhance the flavor of the ribs. Apple or cherry wood will add that sweet flavor to the bbq pork ribs.

The final step to cooking the perfect bbq pork ribs is adding the sauce. The sauce should be added in the final fifteen to twenty minutes of cooking. This will ensure that the flavor is just right without overpowering the natural flavor of the ribs.

Cooking great tasting bbq pork ribs is a true talent. It can take some trial and error to perfect any recipe, but the outcome will be worth it!