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October 27, 2024
If you’re planning a barbecue and looking for a delicious and tender meat option, then St. Louis style ribs are a perfect choice. These ribs are cut from the lower belly area of the pig and have a higher fat content than other rib cuts. This makes them incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked to perfection. One popular method for cooking St. Louis style ribs is on the grill.
Grilling St. Louis style ribs allows you to achieve that sought-after smoky flavor while still maintaining a tender and juicy texture. By following a few simple steps, you can be on your way to serving up some mouthwatering ribs that will impress your friends and family.
The first step in cooking St. Louis style ribs on the grill is to prepare the ribs themselves. Start by removing the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. This will help the marinade and seasonings penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful final product. Use a blunt knife or your fingers to loosen the membrane and then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off in one piece.
St. Louis Style Ribs: A Tasty Grilling Recipe
When it comes to grilling ribs, St. Louis style is a popular choice. These ribs are known for their tender meat and rich, smoky flavor. If you want to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of St. Louis style ribs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to make the dry rub.
3. Place the ribs on a cutting board and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel.
4. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, using your hands to press the rub into the meat.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down, and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred.
6. Reduce the heat on the grill to low and move the ribs to the indirect heat side. Close the lid and let the ribs cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.
7. Every 30 minutes, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce, turning them over and brushing the other side as well.
8. Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serving
St. Louis style ribs are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with additional barbecue sauce on the side. Pair them with some coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
| Tips: |
|---|
| – To achieve a smokier flavor, you can add wood chips to the grill. |
| – Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of your grill to avoid overcooking or burning the ribs. |
| – If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dry rub. |
Preparation and Marinade
Before you start grilling your St. Louis style ribs, it’s important to properly prepare the meat and marinate it to enhance the flavor. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Trim the Ribs
Begin by trimming the excess fat from the ribs. This helps to prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensures the meat cooks evenly. Use a sharp knife to remove the membrane on the bone side of the ribs. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat and makes it more tender.
2. Create the Marinade
Next, prepare the marinade for your St. Louis style ribs. There are many marinade recipes to choose from, but a classic combination of flavors works well. In a bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Dark brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Mix all the ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves and a consistent marinade is formed.
Note: You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste preferences.
Now that your St. Louis style ribs are trimmed and marinated, they are ready to hit the grill!
Preparing the Grill
Before you start cooking St. Louis style ribs on the grill, it’s important to properly prepare your grill. Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Clean the Grill
Start by cleaning the grill grates to remove any leftover residue from previous cooking sessions. Use a grill brush to scrape off any stuck-on food particles. This will ensure that your ribs don’t stick to the grates and will help give them those desirable grill marks.
2. Preheat the Grill
Next, preheat your grill to a medium-low heat of around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). This low, indirect heat is ideal for slowly cooking the ribs and giving them that smoky flavor. If you’re using a gas grill, only light half of the burners and place the ribs on the unlit side. For a charcoal grill, evenly distribute the hot coals on one side of the grill and place the ribs on the opposite side.
3. Add Flavor
To add even more flavor to your St. Louis style ribs, consider adding wood chips or chunks to your grill. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them. Once they’re soaked, drain the excess water and place the wood chips directly on the hot coals or in a smoker box for gas grills. This will produce smoke that will infuse the ribs with a delicious smoky flavor.
Note: If you prefer a milder smoke flavor, you can use fruit or nut woods like apple or pecan. For a stronger smoky flavor, opt for hardwoods like hickory or mesquite.
Now that your grill is prepped and ready, it’s time to move on to the next steps in cooking your St. Louis style ribs.
Grilling the Ribs
Once the ribs have been marinated and prepped, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking!
1. Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Make sure to clean and oil the grates to prevent the ribs from sticking.
2. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting later on.
3. Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down. This allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring tender, juicy ribs. Close the lid and let them cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
4. Every 30 minutes, flip the ribs and baste them with the reserved marinade. This helps to keep them moist and infuses them with additional flavor.
5. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, increase the heat to medium-high and continue basting the ribs. This will give them a delicious caramelized crust.
6. The ribs are done when the meat is tender and has shrunk back from the bones. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer between the bones. If it slides in easily, the ribs are ready.
7. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for more flavorful and juicy ribs.
8. Serve the St. Louis style ribs hot with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Basting and Flipping
Once your St. Louis style ribs are on the grill and have cooked for about 30 minutes, it’s time to start basting them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Basting the ribs will help to keep them moist and add flavor throughout the cooking process.
To baste the ribs, use a basting brush or a spoon to generously coat both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce. Make sure to baste the ribs every 10-15 minutes to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
When basting the ribs, it’s important to be careful not to let the barbecue sauce drip onto the coals or flames, as this can cause flare-ups and burn the ribs. If you notice any flare-ups, simply move the ribs to a cooler part of the grill and wait for the flames to die down before continuing to cook.
In addition to basting, it’s also important to flip the ribs periodically to ensure even cooking. After basting the ribs, use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully flip them over on the grill. Be gentle to avoid tearing the meat or causing it to stick to the grill grates.
Continue to baste and flip the ribs every 10-15 minutes until they reach the desired level of doneness. This process usually takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on the thickness of the ribs and the temperature of your grill.
| Basting and Flipping Tips: |
|---|
| Use a long-handled basting brush or spoon to safely apply the barbecue sauce to the ribs. |
| Make sure to baste both sides of the ribs to ensure even flavor distribution. |
| Be careful not to let the barbecue sauce drip onto the coals or flames to avoid flare-ups. |
| Flip the ribs gently to avoid tearing the meat or causing it to stick to the grill grates. |
| Continue to baste and flip the ribs every 10-15 minutes for even cooking. |
FAQ
What are St. Louis style ribs?
St. Louis style ribs are a type of pork ribs that are cut from the spare ribs and trimmed to a rectangular shape. They are known for their meaty and flavorful taste.
Can I cook St. Louis style ribs on a gas grill?
Absolutely! St. Louis style ribs can be cooked on a gas grill. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the ribs for about 2-3 hours, or until they are tender.
What is the best way to season St. Louis style ribs?
The best way to season St. Louis style ribs is to create a dry rub using a combination of spices such as paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture onto the ribs, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Do I need to marinate St. Louis style ribs before grilling them?
While marinating St. Louis style ribs is not necessary, it can help to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. You can marinate the ribs overnight in a mixture of your choice, such as a barbecue sauce or a marinade made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
How do I know when St. Louis style ribs are done cooking?
You can tell that St. Louis style ribs are done cooking when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 145°F (63°C).
What is the St. Louis style for cooking ribs on the grill?
St. Louis style for cooking ribs on the grill refers to a specific method wherein the ribs are first seasoned with a dry rub, then slow-cooked over indirect heat until tender. This style of cooking typically involves removing the rib tips and excess cartilage to create a rectangular shape.
What is the difference between St. Louis style ribs and other rib cuts?
St. Louis style ribs are pork ribs that have been trimmed in a specific way to create a more uniform and rectangular shape. They usually have the rib tips and excess cartilage removed. Other rib cuts, such as baby back ribs, are smaller and more curved in shape. St. Louis style ribs tend to have more meat and fat than baby back ribs.