Having properly prepared meat means the difference between an average barbecue and an unforgettable one where guests are left sucking the meat off of the bone. One of the most important elements of barbecuing is the sauce that is used and the method of cooking the food. Ribs, both beef and pork are popular choices for barbecue. There are several ways to prepare ribs, and each method of cooking results in a distinct flavor and texture.
Charcoal
One reason to choose charcoal is because of the distinct flavor resonating from the smoke of the fire and the charcoal. Place charcoal briquettes in the bottom of a charcoal grill on a grate just above the base of the grill box. Use between 15 and 30 briquettes to start the fire. Hardwood lump charcoal tends to burn faster than briquettes. Choose a match-light charcoal that doesn't require lighter fluid, or use plain briquettes that require a fire starter to ignite. For barbecuing ribs, place a grate 2 to 4 inches above the hot coals to create a cooking surface. Make sure the coals are not flaming but still hot before you place the rib slab on top. Maintain an even temperature between 225 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 2 hours to assure the smoke gets into the ribs.
Wood
Cooking directly over a wood fire is another way to give ribs a tender and smoky flavor. You can set up a tripod grill over a maintained fire to get your ribs started. Make sure you have an adjustable tripod grill so you can regulate temperatures and avoid burning areas of the meat. Stick to cured hardwoods such as maple, oak and cherry. Decide on what type of rub you would like to put on your ribs -- either wet or dry. A wet rub is a way to season and add flavor to your ribs while they are barbecuing. It may be vinegar based with added seasonings such as garlic powder and dry mustard. A dry rub may consist of your choice of seasonings such as garlic powder, pepper, salt, cumin and red pepper flakes.
Gas
If you have a gas grill, you have a nice place to barbecue your ribs year round. Gas is not a flavor enhancer in itself but allows your ribs to use its own juices for flavoring the meat. Gas allows for easy temperature control and makes it convenient to season and baste your ribs with barbecue sauce as needed. Barbecue sauce can be added sparingly to start with honey, chipotle and spicy tomato based sauce being used. You can mix and match flavors or stick with one flavor and continue to baste the ribs as you turn them so they get a crispy, saucy and flavorful texture on the outside while remaining moist and juicy on the inside.
Oven
With any type of oven -- indoor or outdoor, electric or gas -- you can easily to cook up your favorite slab of barbecue pork baby back ribs or beef spare ribs. Remove the white membrane on the underside. Season meat heavily with a dry rub of selected seasonings such as garlic, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cayenne and basil. Place your ribs, meat side up, in a large pan. Seal tightly with aluminum foil. Cook on a low heat of 250 degrees for 2 hours. Remove and add your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook uncovered for 30 more minutes.
Member Comments