How To Cut Spare Ribs Into St. Louis: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wanted to impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering plate of St. Louis-style spare ribs? Well, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cutting spare ribs into the coveted St. Louis cut. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and satisfy your taste buds like never before.
What are St. Louis-style spare ribs?
St. Louis-style spare ribs are a popular barbecue delicacy known for their perfect balance of tender meat and juicy flavors. The St. Louis cut refers to a specific way of trimming spare ribs to achieve a uniform and rectangular shape, allowing for even cooking and presentation. While it may seem intricate, with a little practice and the right technique, you can execute this cut effortlessly.
Tools you’ll need:
- Sharp chef’s knife or butcher knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-step instructions:
- Place the rack of spare ribs on a cutting board, bone-side down.
- Locate the flap of meat on the back of the rack, also known as the skirt. Using your knife, remove the skirt by slicing it off completely.
- Next, flip the rack over and locate the breastbone. This bone runs along the middle of the rack. Make a shallow cut lengthwise alongside the breastbone, being careful not to cut through the meat entirely.
- Once you’ve made the initial cut along the breastbone, use your knife to loosen the meat from the bone by gently running the blade underneath the meat.
- Continue to separate the meat from the bone, working your way down the rack until the entire breastbone is exposed.
- With the breastbone exposed, use your knife to carefully cut it away from the rack, separating the rack into two halves.
- Flip each rack half bone-side up and trim the excess fat, gristle, and any overhanging meat.
- If desired, you can also trim the ribs into a more rectangular shape by neatly cutting off any uneven edges.
- Voila! You’ve successfully cut your spare ribs into the St. Louis-style cut!
Tips for grilling St. Louis-style spare ribs:
- Season your ribs generously with a dry rub or marinade of your choice.
- Allow the ribs to marinate for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 250°F to 275°F).
- Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates and cook for approximately 4-5 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions.
Now that you know how to cut spare ribs into the sought-after St. Louis style, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving some delicious ribs, this technique will surely impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. Happy grilling!
Share your tips and techniques for cutting spare ribs into St Louis style in the Cooking Techniques forum.
FAQ:
What are St. Louis-style spare ribs?
St. Louis-style spare ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs that have been trimmed in a particular way. The rib tips, sternum bone, and rib tips are all removed, resulting in a rectangular-shaped rack of ribs. This style of ribs is known for its meaty portions and even marbling, making it a popular choice among BBQ enthusiasts.
Why would someone want to cut spare ribs into St. Louis style?
Cutting spare ribs into St. Louis style allows for a more uniform cooking experience and presentation. By removing the rib tips and sternum bone, you’re left with a straight, rectangular slab of ribs that cooks evenly. This trim also helps to remove any cartilage or excess fat, resulting in a neater appearance and easier eating experience.
What tools do I need to cut spare ribs into St. Louis style?
To cut spare ribs into St. Louis style, you will need a sharp knife, preferably a boning or butcher knife, to make clean cuts through the meat and bone. Additionally, a cutting board with a groove will help catch any juices that may be released during the process. Optionally, you may use a pair of kitchen shears to make any necessary cuts.
How do I start the process of cutting spare ribs into St. Louis style?
To begin, place the slab of spare ribs on a cutting board, meat side down. Locate the membrane (silver skin) on the back of the rack and gently pry it loose using a butter knife or your fingers. Once loosened, grip the membrane with a paper towel for better grip and pull it off the ribs in one swift motion. This step is crucial for tenderizing the ribs and allowing better absorption of flavors during cooking.
How do I trim spare ribs into St. Louis style?
To trim spare ribs into St. Louis style, start by locating the flap of meat on the bone side of the rack. Lift it slightly to expose the first section of rib tips. Using your knife, make a clean cut just above this section, removing the rib tips and sternum bone entirely. Repeat this process for the remaining rib tips, ensuring the slab is now rectangular in shape. Remove any excess fat or cartilage for a cleaner presentation.
What can I do with the trimmed-off rib tips?
The rib tips that are trimmed off while converting spare ribs to St. Louis style can be used for other delicious purposes. They are excellent for making rib tips barbecue or can be added to stews, soups, or chili for added flavor and texture. Don’t let them go to waste – they can be transformed into a tasty treat!
Are there any alternative cuts or styles for spare ribs?
Yes, besides St. Louis-style, spare ribs can be cooked in other popular styles such as Kansas City-style or Texas-style. Kansas City-style spare ribs are left untrimmed, with the rib tips intact and a bit more fat left on the slab. Texas-style, on the other hand, involves leaving the slab untrimmed and cooked with a simple rub or seasoning. These different styles offer unique flavors and presentations, so feel free to explore and find your favorite!
Was this page helpful?
Read Next: How To Cut Asparagus For Pasta
Related Articles
