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meat smoking thread: baby backs vs spare ribs?

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NetWareHead

THAT guy
Its been a while since I've fired up my weber smoker and I'm in the mood for pork ribs as of lately. I've only done baby back ribs but lately have been intrigued by spare ribs.

Baby-backs:
-supposedly more tender
-supposedly less gristle and undesirable parts
-smaller and can fit more racks in the smoker
-ready to eat sooner
-1 rack per person

Spare ribs:
-flintstone sized meatier ribs, 1 rack feeds 2 people or 1 big hungry man
-much cheaper price per pound
-higher fat content supposedly leads to better taste

I've never smoked spare ribs but I'm sure the process is not much different than baby backs other than the increased time needed.

What does ATOT prefer/recommend?
 
Like them both. Baby backs are quicker, more tender. Spare have more flavor and texture. Spare ribs are the "authentic" BBQ rib.
 
I like babybacks. It's difficult to get spare ribs to what most people consider to be 'tender' ribs, even with foiling. I also feel like spare ribs tenderness and taste depends a LOT on the meat itself.. IE buy a rack today, cook it however and it's perfect. Buy another rack in a month, cook it the same way and it's tough.


I've had good luck with the 2-2-1 method for babybacks. Smoke for 2 hours, seal in foil with some liquid for 2 hours, and 'finish' on the grate for 1 hour.

Spare ribs are good cooked 2-3-1. I suggest testing them with you and the wifey before cooking for guests.
 
If I'm going to just smoke them I like baby back, unless you trim the spare ribs St. Louis style; then you can smoke the ribs and the tips and snack on the tips. If you're not trimming spare ribs I prefer them braised.
 
sactoking said:
If I'm going to just smoke them I like baby back, unless you trim the spare ribs St. Louis style; then you can smoke the ribs and the tips and snack on the tips. If you're not trimming spare ribs I prefer them braised.
Click to expand...

Definitely trim.

I belong to BJs and they sell STL cut for $2.99/lb
 
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