When it comes to cooking pork ribs, everyone has their own preference. St Louis style and spareribs are two of the most popular types, but how do they compare? This blog post will explore the differences between St Louis ribs vs spare ribs in terms of taste, texture, preparation methods, etc.
Here we’ll go over exactly what each type is made of and why one might be better than the other depending on your specific needs. So fire up the smoker or preheat the oven because you’re about to get schooled on one delectable topic BBQ Rib Comparison: Which Is Better?
What Is St Louis Ribs?
St Louis ribs are cut from the lower section of the ribcage and include part of the breastbone and cartilage. This cut is considered to be extra flavorful because it includes more fat than other cuts. They can be cooked either in a smoker or oven, but take longer to cook through than spareribs because of their thickness. St Louis ribs are known for having a nice bark on them, making them especially delicious when finished on the grill with some barbecue sauce.
St Louis Ribs Nutrition Fact
St Louis ribs are high in fat and calories, but they are also an excellent source of protein. Each serving contains roughly 33 grams of protein and 15-20 grams of fat. They also contain calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
What Is Spareribs?
Spareribs come from the pork belly and they have less fat than St Louis ribs. The meat is usually tender, moist and fairly easy to cook. To prepare these types of ribs you can slow cook them in the oven or braise them on the stovetop. Spareribs can also be cooked over direct heat like St Louis ribs, but they need to be monitored more closely because of their lower fat content.
Spare Ribs Nutrition Fact
Spareribs are a good source of protein and contain roughly 25 grams of protein per serving. They’re also high in calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. As far as fat content goes, they provide about 10-15 grams per serving.
What Is The Difference Between St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs?
St. Louis ribs and spare ribs are both types of pork ribs, but there are a few key differences between the two. The main difference is in their shape. St. Louis cut ribs have been trimmed to remove the sternum bone, cartilage, and rib tips, making them neater and easier to eat than spare ribs. This makes them ideal for grilling or smoking because they cook more evenly and quickly compared to spareribs. They also cost more than spareribs due to the extra time taken to trim them.
The taste of each type of rib is slightly different as well; St. Louis style ribs tend to be basted with sweet sauces while spareribs are often smoked using a dry rub or a vinegar-based sauce. This can vary depending on the type of cooking and preparation method used.
In terms of nutritional value, St. Louis ribs are generally considered to be leaner than spareribs since they have had some fat trimmed off them during the cutting process. However, both types still contain high levels of protein and other essential nutrients such as calcium and iron.
Ultimately, deciding which type of rib to use will come down to personal preference and what you plan on cooking. If you’re looking for a quick, easy meal that’s ready in no time then St Louis cut ribs might be your best bet but if you have more time to spend then spareribs may offer more flavor and nutrients.
Similarities of St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs
Both St Louis ribs and spareribs are excellent sources of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They’re both also great additions to any barbecue meal and will give you that classic smoky flavor that everyone loves.
St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs Which Is Better?
The answer to this question is largely subjective and depends on what you are looking for in terms of flavor, texture, and preparation time. St Louis ribs are generally easier to prepare and cook more quickly than spareribs due to their uniform shape that has been trimmed down for convenience. The taste also differs slightly as St Louis style ribs tend to be basted with sweet sauces while spareribs are often smoked using a dry rub or a vinegar-based sauce.
Nutritionally speaking, St Louis ribs are leaner than spareribs since they have had some fat trimmed off them during the cutting process. However, both types still contain high levels of protein and other essential nutrients such as calcium and iron. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, what you’re planning to cook, and the time you have available. Both types of rib make for a delicious meal so it’s really up to you!
How To Choose St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs
When choosing between St Louis ribs and spareribs, it’s important to consider the type of meal you are making and the time available for preparation. If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s ready in no time then St Louis cut ribs might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you have more time to spend then spareribs may offer more flavor and nutrients.
It’s also important to consider how you plan on cooking them; St Louis style ribs tend to work better over direct heat while spareribs can be slow cooked in the oven or braised on the stovetop. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what type of flavor profile suits your taste. Both types of rib make for a delicious meal so it’s really up to you!
In conclusion, St Louis ribs and spareribs both offer their own unique flavor and texture depending on how they are cooked and prepared. Consider the type of meal you’re making, the time available for preparation, as well as your personal preference when choosing between the two. Whichever one you choose will be sure to make an excellent addition to any barbecue spread!
St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs: Cooking Tips & Suggestions
When cooking St Louis ribs and spareribs, it’s important to keep in mind that each type needs to be cooked differently. St Louis style ribs should be cooked over direct heat while spareribs can be slow cooked in the oven or braised on the stovetop.
To get that perfect flavor and texture, season them with a dry rub or your favorite marinade before cooking. For added flavor, you can also baste them with a sweet barbecue sauce such as honey-chipotle or teriyaki during the last few minutes of cooking time.
Once they are done cooking, let the ribs rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will help ensure that all of the flavors have had a chance to settle and the meat will be tender and juicy.
How to Cut St Louis Style Ribs
St Louis style ribs are cut from the pork rib rack and trimmed of excess fat to achieve a uniform shape. To prepare this cut of rib, start by cutting off the ends of each side to remove the tips.
Then, turn the rib over and cut between the bones on one side to separate them into individual ribs.
Continue doing this until all ribs have been separated. Finally, trim any further fat that may be present on each rib before cooking as desired.
How to Store St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs
St Louis ribs and spareribs can both be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, they should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before being placed in the freezer where they can keep for up to nine months.
When reheating pre-cooked ribs, it’s important to ensure they are heated through before serving. To do this, place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (176°C) for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will help to ensure that all of the flavors have been re-activated and the meat remains juicy and tender.
St Louis Ribs vs Spare Ribs Recipes:
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight meal or a slow-cooked masterpiece for your next backyard barbecue, St Louis ribs or spareribs are always sure to please.
For a simple yet delicious dinner idea, try this honey-chipotle grilled St Louis style ribs recipe. All you need is some honey, chipotle powder, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, olive oil and your favorite BBQ sauce. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until combined and then brush over both sides of the ribs before grilling them over direct heat until cooked through. Serve with sliced avocados and corn on the cob and enjoy!
If you’d prefer to go with a slow cooked method, try this slow cooker spareribs recipe. Start by seasoning the ribs with your favorite rub or marinade and then adding them to the slow cooker with some chicken broth and onion slices. Cook on low for 8 hours, then brush on your favorite BBQ sauce before serving. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an extra flavorful meal!
St Louis ribs recipe:
Ingredients
– 2 racks of St Louis ribs
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, chipotle powder, garlic, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt and pepper until combined.
3. Brush both sides of the ribs with this mixture and place on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 minutes per side (or until cooked through) brushing on extra sauce as needed.
4. Remove from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy!
2. Slow cooker spareribs recipe:
Ingredients
– 2 racks of spareribs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, sliced into rings
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
1. Season both sides of the ribs liberally with salt and pepper. Place in a slow cooker along with the onion slices and pour the chicken broth over top. Cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
2. Once cooked through, brush both sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy!
FAQs:
Q: What’s the difference between St Louis ribs and spareribs?
A: The main difference is in the cut. St Louis style ribs are taken from the area of the rib cage directly beneath the loin muscle, while spareribs come from closer to the belly.
Q: How do you store St Louis ribs and spareribs?
A: Both types of ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to nine months.
Q: Is it better to cook St Louis ribs over direct heat or indirect heat?
A: St Louis style ribs should be cooked over direct heat, while spareribs can also be slow cooked in the oven or braised on the stovetop.
Q: How do you know when St Louis ribs and spareribs are done cooking?
A: Once they’re cooked through, let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will help ensure that all of the flavors have had a chance to settle and the meat will be tender and juicy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: What recipes can I try with St Louis ribs and spareribs?
A: There are lots of delicious recipes that you can try with both types of ribs. Try a simple honey-chipotle grilled St Louis style ribs recipe or slow cooker spareribs for an easy yet flavorful meal!
Q: Why are they called St Louis style ribs?
A: St Louis style ribs get their name from the city of St Louis, Missouri, where they originated. The cut was popularized in the area by local restaurant owners and is characterized by a rectangular shape with thick layers of fat. Today, these ribs are enjoyed all over the country for their juiciness and flavor.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between St Louis ribs and spareribs the decision really depends on personal preference and what type of meal you’re making. Both types have their own unique flavor profile so don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes featuring both cuts of pork ribs. With a little bit of practice you can create delicious meals using either cut. No matter which one you choose, your dinner guests are sure to be impressed!
James Burney is the founder of Acadia House Provisions is a restaurant that with local & upscale dishes and high-quality kitchen supplies and food products. James was born and raised in Maine, and he has always been passionate about cooking. After working in a number of prestigious restaurants he started Acadiahouseprovisions.com with the goal develop into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine. His goal is to make it easy for people to cook delicious meals at home without spending a fortune.
