What Are St. Louis Style Pork Ribs? – A Guide to the Best Cut of Ribs

Do you have a thing for savory and succulent pork ribs? If so, then let us introduce you to St. Louis Style Pork Ribs! This well-loved cut of mouthwatering BBQ is among the most sought after dishes in outdoor grilling across America – and now it’s time for you to experience its flavor too! Not only are St. Louis Style Pork Ribs deliciously meaty with an exquisite taste, they’re also very easy to prepare. So why not get your grill ready and find out what are st. louis style pork ribs? You won’t regret it.

What Are St. Louis Style Pork Ribs?

St. Louis-style pork ribs refer to the meatier ribs obtained from the hog’s belly after removing the belly. These ribs are typically trimmed by removing the breastbone and connective tissue for a more enjoyable dining experience. Compared to baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs have a flatter shape, making them ideal for achieving a perfect browning effect. They’re also known for their generous amount of meat, making them a popular choice for BBQ enthusiasts. After knowing the answer to the question what are st. louis style pork ribs. For more relevant and useful information, please refer to this new information.

Ingredients Are Used To Make St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs are usually prepared using a variety of ingredients, depending on the recipe and personal preferences. Some common ingredients used in making these ribs include:

• St. Louis style pork ribs (of course!): This is the main ingredient and the star of the show.
• Dry rub or marinade: A combination of spices and herbs is often used to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Barbecue sauce: This is typically used as a glaze or dipping sauce for the ribs.
• Wood chips: To enhance the smoky flavor of the ribs, wood chips are often added to the grill. Hickory and mesquite are popular choices.

How To Prepare St. Louis Style Pork Ribs?

Preparing St. Louis Style Pork Ribs is a relatively simple process that requires some basic grilling skills and patience. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This tough layer can prevent flavors from penetrating the meat and make it tough to chew.
2. Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue from the ribs.
3. Rub or marinate the ribs with your desired seasonings and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and add wood chips if desired.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, meat side down, for approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Step-By-Step For Making St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

If you’re new to grilling, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make St. Louis Style Pork Ribs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. While the grill is heating up, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife and paper towel.
3. Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue from the ribs.
4. Prepare your dry rub or marinade by combining your desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the ribs, making sure to cover every inch of the meat.
5. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, or refrigerate them overnight for maximum flavor.
6. Once the grill is hot and ready, add wood chips (if using) and place the ribs on the grill, meat side down.
7. Grill the ribs for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (for medium-rare), or 160 degrees for medium, or 170 degrees for well-done).
8. For the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce and let it caramelize on the ribs.
9. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

What Temperature Should St. Louis Style Pork Ribs Be Cooked To?

St. Louis style pork ribs are a trimmed-down counterpart to spare ribs, with the ideal internal temperature of 200-202 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the ribs will be tender and juicy. Instead, aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (medium-rare), 160 degrees (medium), or 170 degrees (well-done) for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

How Long Does It Take To Cook St. Louis Style Pork Ribs?

The cooking time for St. Louis Style Pork Ribs can vary depending on a few factors, such as the size and thickness of the ribs, temperature of your grill, and desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, it takes approximately 1-2 hours to cook these ribs, but be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can also use the bend test – if the ribs have a slight bend and start to crack on the surface, they are most likely done.

How Can I Tell When St. Louis Style Pork Ribs Are Done Cooking?

There are a few ways to tell when St. Louis Style Pork Ribs are done cooking:

• St. Louis style pork ribs are a trimmed-down counterpart to spare ribs, with the ideal internal temperature ranging from 200-202 degrees F. However, for a more tender and juicy result, aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (medium-rare), 160 degrees F (medium), or 170 degrees F (well-done).
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ribs without touching any bones. For accurate results, it’s best to use a leave-in thermometer that can stay in the ribs while they cook.
• Do the bend test. This involves picking up the rack of ribs with tongs and gently bouncing them. If the meat starts to crack on the surface, it’s most likely done cooking.

Tips For Making St. Louis Ribs At Home

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making St. Louis Style Pork Ribs at home:

• Make sure to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking. This tough layer can prevent flavors from penetrating the meat and make it tough to chew.
• Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue for a more enjoyable dining experience.
• Let your ribs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly and results in a juicier final product.
• Use a leave-in thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your ribs while they cook.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dry rubs, marinades, and barbecue sauces to find the perfect flavor combination for your taste preferences.
• Let your ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will result in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Serving Suggestions For St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Once your St. Louis Style Pork Ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your ribs even further:

• Serve with classic barbecue sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
• Make a sandwich with leftover rib meat by adding some barbecue sauce and pickles.
• Serve with a side of homemade mac and cheese or cheesy corn casserole for the ultimate comfort food meal.
• Pair with a cold beer or refreshing summer cocktail to complement the smoky flavors of the ribs.