St. Louis pork ribs are a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in the oven to perfection. Whether you are a barbecue enthusiast or just looking to try a new recipe, cooking St. Louis pork ribs in the oven is a great way to enjoy this classic dish without the need for a grill or smoker.
To begin, you will need a rack of St. Louis pork ribs, which can typically be found at your local grocery store or butcher shop. These ribs are known for their rich marbling and meaty flavor, making them a popular choice for barbecue enthusiasts.
Before cooking, it is important to prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane on the back of the rack. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane, then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. By removing this membrane, the ribs will be able to absorb more flavor during the cooking process.
Once the ribs are prepared, it’s time to season them. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own by combining a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the seasoning, making sure to rub it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Next, it’s time to cook the ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) and place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. For extra flavor, you can also add a cup of water or apple juice to the pan before placing the ribs on top. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
Once the ribs are cooked, you can choose to finish them off with your favorite barbecue sauce. Brush a generous amount of sauce onto the ribs and broil them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Alternatively, you can serve the ribs with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Finally, allow the cooked ribs to rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual servings. This will help the meat retain its juices and ensure a tender and flavorful bite. Serve the St. Louis pork ribs with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, for a complete and satisfying meal.
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven and enjoy a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. So fire up your oven and get ready to savor these mouthwatering ribs!
Preparing St Louis Pork Ribs
To prepare St Louis pork ribs, you will need the following ingredients:
- St Louis pork ribs
- Dry rub seasoning
- Barbecue sauce
Step 1: Trimming the Ribs
Start by trimming the excess fat from the ribs. Use a sharp knife to remove any thick membranes from the bone side of the ribs.
Step 2: Applying the Dry Rub Seasoning
Generously sprinkle the dry rub seasoning all over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat.
Step 3: Letting the Ribs Marinate
Place the seasoned ribs in a large ziplock bag or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the ribs and let them marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Step 5: Baking the Ribs
Remove the marinated ribs from the refrigerator and transfer them to a baking dish or a foil-lined rimmed baking pan. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil.
Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through. They should easily pull away from the bone.
Step 6: Applying the Barbecue Sauce
Remove the ribs from the oven and uncover them. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.
Step 7: Broiling the Ribs
Set your oven to broil. Return the ribs to the oven and broil them for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly charred.
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious St Louis pork ribs!
Step-by-step guide to preparing St. Louis pork ribs in the oven
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of preparing delicious St. Louis pork ribs in the oven. Follow these simple steps to achieve tender and flavorful ribs that will leave your family and guests wanting more.
Ingredients:
Before we get started, here’s a list of ingredients you will need:
- 2 racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Your favorite barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make a dry rub.
3. Place the ribs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, meat side up.
4. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Cover the baking sheet or roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones easily.
7. Remove the foil and brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.
8. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the ribs to the oven, uncovered.
9. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce is sticky and caramelized.
10. Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving suggestion:
These St. Louis pork ribs are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with coleslaw, baked beans, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
---|---|---|---|
250 calories | 20g | 15g | 5g |
Trimming excess fat
Before cooking St. Louis pork ribs in the oven, it’s important to trim excess fat to ensure a lean and tender final product. Trimming excess fat not only improves the texture of the ribs but also reduces the overall cooking time. Follow these steps to trim the excess fat:
- Place the ribs on a clean and flat surface, bone-side up.
- Using a sharp knife, locate the thick layer of fat on the back of the ribs.
- Gently insert the knife under the layer of fat, being careful not to remove too much meat.
- Slowly slide the knife along the ribs, separating the fat from the meat. Take your time to ensure a clean cut.
- Continue to remove any excess fat from the ribs, focusing on the areas with thick layers.
- Once the excess fat has been removed, flip the ribs over and repeat the trimming process on the bone-side if necessary.
It’s important to note that while trimming excess fat is recommended, some level of fat is desirable to add flavor and juiciness to the ribs. Aim to remove only the excessive amount.
Removing excess fat from St. Louis pork ribs before cooking
Before cooking St. Louis pork ribs in the oven, it is important to remove excess fat to ensure a tender and succulent result. Here are the steps to remove excess fat:
1. Prepare the ribs
Start by rinsing the St. Louis pork ribs under cold water to remove any debris or bone fragments. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Locate the excess fat
Take a close look at the ribs to identify any areas with excess fat. Generally, the excess fat will be located on the bone side, as well as the meaty side of the ribs.
3. Trim the fat
Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away the excess fat from the ribs. Start with the bone side and work your way towards the meaty side. Take your time and be cautious not to remove too much meat along with the fat.
Tip: You can also use kitchen shears to remove the excess fat, especially if it is located in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Finish the trimming
After trimming the excess fat, closely inspect the ribs to ensure all visible fat has been removed. If you spot any remaining fatty areas, carefully remove them.
5. Clean-up
After trimming the excess fat, discard the trimmed fat and clean your work area to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
By removing the excess fat from St. Louis pork ribs before cooking, you will enhance the flavor and texture of the ribs while reducing the fat content of the final dish. Enjoy your delicious and healthier St. Louis pork ribs cooked in the oven!
Applying Dry Rub
Before cooking, it’s important to season the St. Louis pork ribs with a delicious dry rub. The dry rub helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and creates a flavorful crust on the outside. Here’s how to apply the dry rub:
1. Prepare the dry rub
In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to create the dry rub:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
2. Prepare the ribs
Remove the St. Louis pork ribs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the ribs on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.
3. Apply the dry rub
Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it gently to adhere. Use your hands to massage the dry rub into the meat, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
Allow the coated ribs to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors of the dry rub to penetrate the meat.
After applying the dry rub, you’re ready to move on to the next step in cooking the St. Louis pork ribs in the oven.
FAQ
What are St. Louis pork ribs?
St. Louis pork ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs that have been trimmed to remove the brisket bone and make the ribs more uniform in shape, resulting in a consistent cooking time and appearance.
How do I prepare St. Louis pork ribs for cooking?
To prepare St. Louis pork ribs for cooking, start by removing the membrane on the bone side of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with your desired rub or marinade, making sure to cover all sides. Let the ribs marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Can I cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven?
Yes, you can cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the ribs on a baking sheet, bone side down. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
What is the best temperature to cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven?
The best temperature to cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven is 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
How long does it take to cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven?
It takes about 2-2.5 hours to cook St. Louis pork ribs in the oven at a temperature of 300°F (150°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the desired doneness.