St. Louis ribs are a mouth-watering dish that is loved by all. The juicy and meaty taste is a perfect combination of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors. It is a BBQ essential dish that is perfect for any celebrations or family time events. The good news is that you can make this dish at home with ease. In this article, we will help you make finger-licking St. Louis ribs at home.
Health Benefits
Meat is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of the body’s tissues. Ribs, in particular, contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. They are also high in niacin, which is known to help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.
St. Louis ribs are usually slow-cooked over low heat, which retains most of the nutrients, ensuring that they are healthy for consumption. However, like all meats, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid the potential risk of increased cholesterol levels and heart disease.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe of finger-licking St. Louis ribs.
St. Louis Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of St. Louis Ribs
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1/2 cup of paprika
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon of onion powder
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
– 1/2 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
– 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup of BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs, this ensures that the spice rub will penetrate the meat well.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Rub the spice mix into the ribs evenly, covering all areas.
5. Place the ribs bone side down on the grill and smoke for 3 hours.
6. With a brush, baste the ribs with apple cider vinegar every hour of smoking.
7. After three hours, remove the ribs from the grill and wrap them in foil, return them to the grill and continue smoking for 2 hours.
8. After two hours, remove the ribs from the foil and place them back on the grill for the final hour, basting them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
9. To ensure that the ribs are tender and cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The temperature should read around 160°F.
10. Once ready, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between St. Louis Ribs and Baby Back Ribs?
St. Louis ribs are larger, meatier, and come from the belly area of the pig. Baby back ribs come from the loin area and are smaller, more tender and leaner.
2. How long does it take to cook St. Louis Ribs?
It takes approximately 5 – 6 hours to cook St. Louis Ribs.
3. Can I grill St. Louis ribs over high heat?
No. The best way to cook St. Louis Ribs is to smoke them over low heat.
4. Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs?
Yes, it is important to remove the silver skin membrane from the ribs. The membrane makes the ribs tough and prevents the spice rub from penetrating the meat.
Conclusion
St. Louis Ribs are a delicious and healthy dish that you can make at home. It requires a bit of patience, but the end result is finger-licking good ribs. Remember to follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll get perfectly cooked and delicious ribs every time. Try it today and impress your family and friends at your next BBQ party!