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There are two basic kinds of pork ribs: back ribs and side ribs. Back ribs generally have more meat and are more tender than side ribs, thus they are often more expensive. Side ribs have a great flavour but are generally less tender so they need a longer cooking time.
“Country Style Ribs” are cut from the same loin portion as the back ribs but the loin meat is intact. The loin is then split open (“butterflied”) to create a thick flat piece of meat. They are great for grilling or smoking. Country style ribs have more lean meat than rib bone, so will take a bit longer to cook than back or side ribs.
“Baby Back Ribs” are identical to regular back ribs (the name likely came from a chef trying to make his or her dish sound even more enticing).
“St. Louis Style Ribs” are side ribs that have been trimmed in a certain way by the butcher. The breast bone has been removed and flank meat has been trimmed away, making them the preferred format for the barbecue.
“Sweet and Sour Ribs” are side ribs labelled “centre portion removed” and have had a narrow strip removed from the top portion of the rib rack.
“Spare Ribs” are identical in every way to regular side ribs; this term is more common in the U.S.
Allow at least one pound (500 g) raw weight of ribs per person, depending on what other food is being served at the meal. Two pork back rib racks will usually serve three while one side pork rack would serve two guests.
Preparation: Remove the thin, translucent membrane because it’s tough and will prevent any flavouring to get to the rib meat. Just insert a metal spoon handle under the membrane at one end of the rib rack and detach a corner. Then grab the detached flap and gently tear it away from the ribs. It should come off in one clean pull.
DO NOT BOIL your ribs: Instead, if you’re using a dry rub, apply to the ribs. One back rib rack will need about one tablespoon (15 mL) of rub, a side rib rack will need two tablespoons (30 mL). In a cookie sheet or shallow roasting pan, add about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of water. Add a few slices of lemon or orange to the pan. Place the ribs, meaty side up, on the pan in a single layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in oven at 325°F (160°C).
Back Ribs: Cook for between 1 and 1 and a half hours, or until meat is easily pierced with a metal skewer.
Side Ribs: Cook for between 1 and a half and 2 hours, or until meat is easily pierced with a metal skewer.
At this stage the ribs can be cooled and refrigerated for up to three days.
Ribs can be finished on the BBQ (grilled) or in the oven. To finish in the oven, remove foil and turn oven up to broil, brush ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce and broil for about 3 minutes (if ribs are hot) or until sizzling and golden. Turn ribs over and repeat with BBQ sauce and broil again. Repeat brushing sauce and watch carefully when broiling so that they do not burn. Line the cookie sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper if you are going to finish the ribs in the oven (under the broiler).
Cooking times can be reduced by adding HOT liquid to baking tray. Cooking times will vary depending on how many rib racks are being cooked at once; more ribs means a longer cooking time.
Preheat BBQ on high then reduce heat to medium. Place ribs on the grill and baste with your favourite BBQ sauce. As soon as the ribs begin to brown, turn and baste. Continue doing this for about 20 minutes. Eventually the ribs will begin to turn a beautiful mahogany colour from a build-up of cooked sauce applied in multiple layers. Ensure that the ribs are hot all the way through.
Back ribs can be grilled from raw. The best way to do this is to use the indirect cooking method. Heat barbecue to about 250°F (120°C), turn off one side and place ribs on the “off” side. If using barbecue sauce start basting after 30 minutes, and continue until ribs are cooked and tender, between 1 and a half and 2 and a half hours total. Turn ribs every 20 minutes or so. If using a rub, apply before you start grilling. If using charcoal, wait until coals have died down, bank the coals to one side, and grill on the other side. Keep the lid of the barbecue down, and try to maintain a temperature of 250°F (120°C) throughout the cooking process.
Place steamed ribs in a roasting tray and baste with your favourite BBQ sauce. Place in oven at 300° (150°C). Continue basting with sauce every five minutes or so, turning ribs each time, for a total of 30 minutes.
Pork ribs, especially side ribs, can also be done in the slow cooker with great results. Generally slow-cooked ribs are saucy and extremely tender.
Thank you to “Put Pork on Your Fork” for all the information.