7 Expert Tips for BBQ Ribs

1. Frozen is never an option unless there is no other option
Ask anyone with half a taste bud and they will all tell you that fresh meat tastes best. Always try to buy fresh meat for barbecued ribs unless you really have no other option. Let’s face it, frozen ribs are better than no ribs. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.

2. Shiners are a no-no
Shiners are “official” BBQ speak for exposed bones on ribs. You want a rack of ribs that is full with meat and covers the entire length of the bone.

3. There’s no such thing as too many ribs
People love ribs. I’m sure most people wish they could eat 5,746 ribs a day. However, until our stomachs evolve to accommodate that much food, here are some guidelines for how many ribs you should plan on cooking per person, depending on your type of meat.

Spareribs: 6 ribs or 1/2 slab-ribs
Baby back ribs: 1 to 3 ribs
Denver lamb ribs: 8 ribs or 1 slab
Country-style pork, beef, and bison ribs: 1 to 2 ribs
Mutton ribs: 1 to 2 breasts

4. When we say “lightly season” we mean “lightly season”
Don’t bury ribs under pounds of exotic and unique seasonings, marinades, rubs and sauces. Ribs taste good because they are ribs. Overpowering them with marinades will take away from their natural delicious flavors. Choose your sauces and seasonings wisely and try to enhance your meat, not ruin it.

5. You’re a griller not a butcher
So don’t try to get all fancy and cut rib slabs into individual pieces before cooking. It is super important to cook the slabs whole and then slice into individual servings.

6. Boil Shmoil
Some people swear by boiling ribs before grilling because it makes them tender. But boiling your meat also makes it lose its flavor in the water. Just remember that there are other ways you can tenderize your meat without sacrificing all its taste.

7. Foil should be reserved for alien antennas
Ribs require steam to cook. Foil blocks smoke. Therefore, we can conclude that you should never wrap your ribs in foil for cooking. Save your aluminum for keeping your ribs warm while waiting to be served or for making alien antennas.