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Ribs

Ribs are popular the world over, and appear in many countries' cuisine. However, the great American BBQ ribs are what this cut is most known for.

From pork spare ribs and baby backs, to beef ribs and lamb ribs, in this section of the site you will find everything we've written on this wonderful cut.

We cover comparisons of the different types of ribs, to how to select the best cuts, how to trim and prepare them, how to smoke them, and more.

Three racks of ribs in a rack, being smoked in a charcoal smoker.
Ribs

Best Woods for Smoking Ribs, What I and the Experts Use

There are about two dozen main varieties of hardwoods people use to smoke ribs. We’ve gone ahead and short-listed eight you absolutely need to try, broken them down into two categories of heavy and lighter smoke, then show what many experts choose to use.

spare ribs vs St Louis ribs, one photo each, side by side.
Ribs

Spare Ribs Vs. St. Louis Ribs — Differences and How to Smoke Them

The difference between spare and St Louis ribs is minimal. They're close to the same thing and are mostly treated the same during cooking. Learn all about these two cuts and the subtle differences between them here, where we answer all your burning questions on these two pork rib types.

Close up of nice, moist beef ribs with a smoke ring and peppery rub crust.
Recipes

Smoked Beef Ribs Recipe — BIG, Rich, Moist and Tender Short Ribs

Beef ribs are one of my all-time favorite meats to BBQ! Similar taste to brisket, easier to cook and ready in half the time, while also being cheaper to buy. What’s not to like? So here’s how I turn these ‘brisket on a stick’ behemoths into a wonderful beefy treat.

Close up of some smoked beef short ribs on a wooden chopping board.
Ribs

Types of Beef Ribs — Their Differences and What to Tell Your Butcher

Beef ribs have a real caveman element about them, are unctuous, flavor-packed, and are always real crowd-pleasers. But did you know there are different types, that are very different in size and how you would cook and present them? Learn all about these BBQ’ers favorites in this guide.

Close up of the membrane of pork ribs being removed by being pulled off gripped with paper towel.
Ribs

How to Remove the Membrane from Ribs — And Why You Should do it!

Rib membrane is tough and chewy, even after a long smoke when the meat is tender, and it spoils the presentation of the final cooked product. Some people like it, most don’t, so let’s get rid of it. Here’s how to remove rib membrane before cooking, in a few simple steps.

Close up pork ribs perfectly grilled and sticky with sauce.
Ribs

How Long to Grill Ribs — For Perfect Bite and Texture

Different types of pork ribs take different times to cook. And how hot your smoker is makes a big difference too. And so does how you like them, and the way you cook them! So there’s no simple, fits all answer. However, we have all the answers below.