St. Louis ribs are a popular and delicious cut of pork that can be cooked to perfection on a gas grill. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or new to cooking ribs, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

First, it’s important to prepare the ribs by removing the membrane on the bone side. This can be done by gently lifting a corner of the membrane with a knife or your fingers, then pulling it off in one piece. Removing the membrane will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make for a more tender and flavorful rib.

Next, season the ribs with your favorite dry rub. A dry rub can be a simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika, or you can get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Be sure to rub the seasoning into the meat, covering both sides evenly.

Now it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your gas grill to a medium-low heat, around 275°F (135°C). For added flavor, you can soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes and place them in a smoker box or foil pouch on the grill. This will infuse the ribs with a smoky flavor as they cook.

Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and close the lid. Allow the ribs to cook for about 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone. To achieve a sticky glaze, you can baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more flavorful and tender rib. Serve the ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Pro Tip: To add even more flavor, you can try using a combination of different wood chips, such as applewood or hickory, or experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors to suit your taste.

Preparing your st louis ribs

Before you can start cooking your St Louis ribs on a gas grill, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure your ribs turn out delicious and tender:

1. Trim the excess fat: Start by trimming any excess fat from the ribs. This will help prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensure your ribs cook evenly.

2. Remove the membrane: On the bone side of the ribs, locate the thin membrane that covers the bones. Use a paper towel or a butter knife to lift and loosen the membrane. Once loosened, grip it with a paper towel and pull it off the ribs completely. Removing the membrane will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.

3. Season the ribs: Generously season the ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Make sure to coat both sides of the ribs evenly, rubbing the seasoning into the meat. Let the ribs sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

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4. Preheat the gas grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

5. Optional: Use a rib rack: If you have a rib rack, place the ribs in the rack to keep them upright during cooking. This will help ensure even heat distribution and allow the ribs to cook more evenly.

6. Indirect heat method: Set up your gas grill for indirect cooking by turning off the burners on one side and leaving the other side on. This will create a two-zone fire, with one side hot for searing and the other side cooler for slow cooking. Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat.

7. Cook the ribs: Close the lid of the grill and let the ribs cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. For added flavor, you can baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

8. Rest and serve: Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, making the ribs more tender. After resting, slice the ribs between the bones and serve them hot with your favorite sides.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare mouthwatering St Louis ribs on a gas grill that will impress your family and friends!

Choosing the right ribs

When it comes to cooking St. Louis ribs on a gas grill, choosing the right ribs is essential. There are a few different types of ribs that you can choose from, including baby back ribs and spare ribs. However, for that classic St. Louis style, you’ll want to go with St. Louis style spareribs.

St. Louis style spareribs are cut from the lower portion of the ribs, below the baby back ribs. They are meatier and have a higher fat content, which makes them perfect for grilling. The extra fat helps to keep the ribs moist and juicy, even when cooked for a longer period of time.

When selecting St. Louis style spareribs, look for racks that have a good amount of meat on them. The meat should be well-marbled and evenly distributed, without any large chunks of fat. Avoid racks that are too lean, as they can dry out easily during the cooking process.

Quality

When it comes to ribs, quality is important. Look for racks that come from reputable sources and have been properly handled and stored. Freshness is key, so make sure the ribs don’t have any off-putting odors or discoloration.

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Thickness

Rib thickness is another important factor to consider. Ideally, you want ribs that are about 1.25 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker ribs will take longer to cook and may require more attention to prevent them from burning on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.

By choosing the right ribs, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and delicious St. Louis style rib grilling experience. So take the time to find the best quality and thickness of ribs for your gas grill, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your grillmaster skills.

Trimming the excess fat

Before cooking your St. Louis ribs on a gas grill, it’s important to trim off any excess fat on the ribs. This not only improves the taste and texture of the ribs but also helps prevent flare-ups on the grill.

To trim the excess fat, start by placing the ribs on a clean cutting board. Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away any large pieces of visible fat. You can also trim off any loose pieces of meat that may be hanging from the ribs.

Next, flip the ribs over so the meat side is facing up. Run your fingers along the surface of the ribs to locate any remaining areas of excess fat.

Using the knife, trim away these remaining areas of fat, being careful not to remove too much meat in the process.

Be sure to clean your knife between each cut to prevent cross-contamination.

Once you’ve finished trimming the excess fat, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.

Now your St. Louis ribs are ready to be seasoned and grilled to perfection!

Marinating your ribs

In order to infuse your ribs with flavor and tenderness, marinating is a crucial step. Follow these steps to marinate your St. Louis ribs:

  1. Prepare a marinade of your choice. This could include a mixture of ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, brown sugar, and spices.
  2. Place your ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish that can be covered.
  3. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
  4. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate the ribs and let them marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for even more flavor.

During this marinating process, the flavors in the marinade will penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. When you’re ready to cook the ribs, remove them from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the grilling process.

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Creating a flavorful marinade

To make the most delicious St. Louis ribs on a gas grill, it’s essential to marinate them in a flavorful blend of ingredients. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering marinade:

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

For a basic marinade, you will need:

  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Step 2: Combine the ingredients.

In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until the brown sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the ribs.

Place the St. Louis ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results. Turn the ribs occasionally to ensure even marination.

Note: You can customize the marinade by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Step 4: Remove the ribs and prepare the grill.

Take the ribs out of the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Preheat your gas grill to medium heat.

Now that you’ve created a flavorful marinade, you’re ready to proceed to the next steps of cooking the St. Louis ribs on a gas grill.

FAQ

What are St. Louis ribs?

St. Louis ribs are a specific cut of pork spare ribs that have been trimmed down to a rectangular shape. They are meatier and more tender than regular spare ribs.

Can I cook St. Louis ribs on a gas grill?

Yes, you can cook St. Louis ribs on a gas grill. It’s a great option for those who don’t have a smoker or charcoal grill.

How do I prepare St. Louis ribs for grilling?

To prepare St. Louis ribs for grilling, you need to remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. Then, you can season them with your favorite rub or marinade.

What temperature should I cook St. Louis ribs at on a gas grill?

You should cook St. Louis ribs at a temperature of around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit on a gas grill. This low and slow method will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

How long does it take to cook St. Louis ribs on a gas grill?

It takes around 3-4 hours to cook St. Louis ribs on a gas grill. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ribs and the temperature of your grill. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 190-205 degrees Fahrenheit.