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October 27, 2024
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe will help you achieve tender and delicious ribs that are sure to impress. St. Louis style ribs are known for their rich flavor and juicy meat, and cooking them in the oven is a convenient and foolproof method. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare your ribs for maximum flavor. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs – this will help the seasoning penetrate and make the ribs more tender. Use a sharp knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off.
Pro tip: To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the ribs overnight in a mixture of your favorite spices and sauces. This step is optional, but it really takes the taste to the next level.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Once your ribs are prepared, it’s time to season them. You can use a pre-made rub or create your own blend of spices. Apply the seasoning generously on both sides of the ribs, making sure to rub it in for even distribution. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tasty tip: For a classic St. Louis style flavor, include spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in your rub.
Step 3: Cook the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, bone side down. To keep the moisture in, you can cover the ribs with another layer of foil. Bake the ribs for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Pro tip: For a smoky flavor, you can add wood chips or chunks to the oven. Simply soak the wood in water for 30 minutes, then place it in a smoker box or wrap it in aluminum foil poked with holes. This will infuse your ribs with an irresistible smokiness.
Now that you know the secrets to cooking St. Louis style ribs in the oven, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. This recipe is perfect for a weekend barbecue or any special occasion. So, grab your apron and let the aromatic flavors fill your kitchen!
What are St Louis Style Ribs?
St. Louis style ribs are a popular type of pork ribs that are known for their tender meat and rich flavor. They are named after their origin in St. Louis, Missouri, and have become a staple in barbecue culture.
Compared to other types of ribs, St. Louis style ribs are defined by their specific cut. They are trimmed from the spare ribs, which are the lower part of the pig’s ribcage. The rib tips and brisket bones are removed, resulting in a rectangular-shaped rack of ribs.
The meat on St. Louis style ribs is typically marbled with fat, which adds to their juicy and succulent texture when cooked. They have a higher meat-to-bone ratio compared to baby back ribs, making them a favorite among meat lovers.
St. Louis style ribs are perfect for slow cooking methods like grilling, smoking, or baking. They can be seasoned with a variety of spices and barbecue sauces to enhance their flavor profile. The cooking process slowly breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Key Features of St. Louis Style Ribs:
| 1 | Cut from the spare ribs |
| 2 | Rectangular-shaped rack of ribs |
| 3 | Higher meat-to-bone ratio |
| 4 | Marbled with fat for juicy texture |
| 5 | Perfect for slow cooking methods |
Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just love indulging in tender, flavorful meat, St. Louis style ribs are a delicious choice. Follow our recipe guide to learn how to cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven and enjoy a mouthwatering meal!
Ingredients
To make St. Louis style ribs in the oven, you will need the following ingredients:
- St. Louis style ribs: 1 rack (approximately 3-4 pounds)
- Barbecue dry rub: 2 tablespoons (paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper)
- Barbecue sauce: 1 cup
- Apple juice or apple cider vinegar: 1/2 cup
Feel free to adjust the amounts of dry rub and barbecue sauce according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can add any other seasonings or spices you prefer to enhance the flavor of the ribs.
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the cooking process. This will help you to cook the ribs efficiently and with ease.
What you’ll need:
To cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 racks of St. Louis style ribs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Preparation
Before you begin cooking your St. Louis style ribs, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure they turn out delicious.
1. Buy the Ribs
First, you’ll need to purchase your St. Louis style ribs from a trusted butcher or grocery store. Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling and meaty sections.
2. Remove the Membrane
Once you have the ribs, you’ll need to remove the tough membrane from the bone side of the rack. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and peel it away from the bones. This step will help the marinade and seasoning penetrate the meat better.
3. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together your choice of marinade ingredients. This could include ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the meat, making sure all sides are covered.
4. Let the Ribs Marinate
Once the ribs are coated in the marinade, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed bag. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.
5. Preheat the Oven
Before cooking, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow cooking method will help the ribs become tender and juicy.
6. Season the Ribs
Remove the ribs from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Season the ribs well with your choice of dry rub, making sure to cover all sides. A good dry rub could include a mixture of salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Note: You can create your own dry rub by adjusting the amounts of each ingredient based on your taste preferences.
7. Place the Ribs in the Oven
Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a baking rack. Make sure to leave some space between each rib to allow for even cooking. If using foil, crimp the edges to create a sealed packet to help trap the moisture.
8. Cook the Ribs
Put the baking sheet with the ribs into the preheated oven and cook for approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs, so it’s important to check for doneness regularly.
9. Baste the Ribs
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can baste the ribs with your choice of barbecue sauce. This will add extra flavor and help create a nice glaze on the ribs. Use a brush to evenly coat the top side of the ribs with the sauce.
Enjoy your delicious homemade St. Louis style ribs straight from the oven!
Step-by-step guide to cooking St Louis Style Ribs in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 1 rack of St Louis style ribs
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the dry rub for the ribs.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel for better grip.
- Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and generously coat them with the dry rub, making sure to cover all sides.
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, meat side up.
- Cover the baking sheet with another sheet of aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet for the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the preheated oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully open the foil packet, being cautious of the hot steam.
- Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce on all sides.
- Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and broil on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Cut the ribs into individual portions and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Enjoy your delicious homemade St Louis Style Ribs!
FAQ
What are St. Louis style ribs?
St. Louis style ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs that are trimmed in a specific way. The rib tips are removed, and the ribs are squared off to create a more uniform shape. These ribs are known for their tender meat and flavorful taste.
Can I cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven?
Yes, you can definitely cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven. It’s a great alternative to grilling, especially if you don’t have access to a grill or if the weather is not suitable for outdoor cooking.
What is the best way to season St. Louis style ribs?
There are many ways to season St. Louis style ribs, but a classic and delicious option is to use a dry rub. You can create your own dry rub using a combination of spices like paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Apply the dry rub generously on both sides of the ribs and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before cooking for best results.
How long does it take to cook St. Louis style ribs in the oven?
The cooking time for St. Louis style ribs in the oven can vary depending on the temperature and size of the ribs. Generally, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to cook the ribs at a temperature of 275°F (135°C). However, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 190°F (88°C) for tender meat.