What's the Difference Between Baby Back Ribs and Spareribs?

  

Pork ribs are always a treat, whether cooked indoors or outdoors, but what kinds of ribs should you buy? Let's take a look at the two most commonly sold types of ribs: baby back ribs and St. Louis-style spareribs.

Baby back ribs

(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

Baby Back Ribs

Other names: pork loin back ribs, back ribs, or loin ribs

Back ribs are cut from where the rib meets the spine after the loin is removed. The upper ribs are called baby back ribs, but not because they come from a baby pig! They're only called baby because they are shorter in relation to the bigger spareribs.

(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

Each baby back rib rack averages 10 to 13 curved ribs that are 3 to 6 inches long and weigh about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, which feeds about 2 people.

Baby back ribs are very tender and lean but are in higher demand than St. Louis-style spareribs, so they have a higher price tag.

St. Louis-Style Spareribs

(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

St. Louis-Style Spareribs

Other names: breastbone-off pork spareribs

Spareribs are the meaty ribs cut from the belly of the animal after the belly is removed. They are usually trimmed down into the popular St. Louis-style spareribs by cutting away the hard breastbone and chewy cartilage, so the slab is more rectangular in shape.

(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

St. Louis-style spareribs are flatter than baby back ribs, which makes them easier to brown. There is a lot of bone but also a higher amount of fat, making them very flavorful if cooked properly. Each slab usually weighs 2 1/2 pounds or more and feeds about three to four people, although the meatier, the better. St. Louis-style spareribs are cheaper than baby backs ribs.

Cooking Pork Ribs

Both baby back ribs and St. Louis-style spareribs require low, slow cooking time to become nice and tender. They are great for smoking, braising, grilling, or can be cooked in the oven. The ribs also take well to spice rubs and sauces.

Underside of the ribs

(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

Can You Substitute One Type of Rib for the Other?

Baby back ribs can be substituted for St. Louis-style spareribs, but since they are smaller, you will need about 1 1/2 times the amount of baby backs as St. Louis-style ribs.

The larger size of the St. Louis-style ribs means that they take longer to cook, so note that baby back ribs take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to cook at 300°F, but St. Louis ribs will take 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

(Image credit: Emma Christensen)

How To Cook Ribs in the Oven

 www.thekitchn.com
Serves 6 to 8

What You Need

Ingredients

4 to 5 pounds pork spareribs or baby back ribs

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)

1 cup spice rub, like this one

1 cup barbecue sauce, store-bought or homemade

Equipment

Baking sheet

Aluminum foil

Wire cooling rack

Pastry brush

Knife

 Instructions

Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a cooling rack on top. Lay the ribs on top of the rack in a single layer. This arrangement allows for heat circulation on all sides of the ribs.

Season the ribs: Mix the mustard and the liquid smoke, if using, and brush the ribs on both sides. Sprinkle the ribs with the dry rub and pat gently to make sure the rub adheres to the rib meat. Note: This step can be done the day ahead for a deeper flavor. Wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Broil the ribs: Heat the broiler and place an oven rack a few inches below the heating element. Make sure the meaty side of the ribs is facing up. Broil the ribs for about 5 minutes, until the sugar in the dry rub is bubbling and the ribs are evenly browned.

Bake the ribs: Set the oven to 300°F. Move the ribs to an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours for spare ribs or 1 1/2 to 2 hours for baby back ribs. Halfway through cooking, cover the ribs with aluminum foil to protect them from drying out.

Brush with barbecue sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, re-cover with foil, and finish cooking.

Rest the ribs and serve: The ribs are done when a knife slides easily into the thickest part of the rib meat. Let them rest, covered, for about 10 minutes, and then cut between the bones to separate the individual ribs. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.