Learn How to Cook Ribs

Barbequeing, Braising, Baking and Boiling – Which Method is Best 

 



Learning how to cook ribs is easy and it does not take days to learn.  In a few simple steps, anyone can cook ribs and be the hit of the party.

There is nothing better than a plate full of barbecued ribs and cole slaw. Add in a side plate of steak fries, a feast fit for "Kings." Cooking ribs takes a bit of time, but it is well worth the effort. Here are some real easy tips on how to choose the perfect rib, with easy ways to cook them.

Ribs are considered southern comfort food, but they are also one of the top requested picnic foods. Knowing exactly how to cook them, where they are falling of the bone and "finger-licking good" is the trick. The first thing that needs to be known is which ribs are the best.

 

Different Kinds of Ribs

 

1. Beef Ribs

*Beef back ribs - These ribs are very tender and suitable for grilling. They have less meat on them, but very delicious and the most requested of the two.

*Beef spare ribs - Beef spare ribs have much more meat and come in large racks (Manly Portions). They are very inexpensive and are easily cooked in the oven and then barbecued on the grill.

 

2. Pork Ribs

*Baby back ribs - The ultimate favorite is baby back ribs. They are tender and delicious. They are full of meat and enough to feed any hungry crew.
*Spare ribs - The spare rib has more meat than the baby backs and is very delicious also. They are the favorite of many, as they are less expensive than the traditional back back ribs.

 

Different Ways of Cooking

1. Braising

Braising is where the ribs are cooked in some hot oil, such as virgin olive oil and brown them first. Then the ribs are placed in a crock pot, oven or boiled on top of the stove for tenderness.

 

2. Grilling

When ribs are grilled they are marinated with olive oil and some spices, such as garlic, salt, pepper, some of Emeril's Cajun Spice or some delicious Asian spices, first for two hours or more. Then place the marinated ribs on a grill to finish cooking. Try some of Bobby Flay's Asian spiced rubbed ribs.

3. Barbecuing

Barbecuing is merely ribs that have been cooked in barbecue sauce prior to grilling. They are more flavorful, if they have been slow cooked in barbecue sauce first. Afterwards, place them on a hot grill for 15 minutes to make them slightly crusty on both sides.

 

4. Baking Method

The ribs are seasoned and then placed in a large baking dish with some water or barbecue sauce, covered with some foil and then cooked on very slow heat for several hours. Cook them till they are almost done and then grill them. Place them under the broiler for a few minutes, instead of using an outdoor grill.
Rachel Ray's rib recipes with beer, look here. She places the ribs in the oven first for 15 minutes and cooks them slightly and then places them in a crock pot.

Cooking ribs has been a family treat for years and years and now it can be one that is enjoyed by the entire family. Whether it is braising, boiling, baking or the family favorite barbequeing, ribs are easy and simple to make.