Cooking St. Louis Ribs Fast: A Comprehensive Guide

St. Louis ribs are a popular type of pork ribs that are known for their rich flavor and tender texture. However, cooking them can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re using traditional methods. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Understanding St. Louis Ribs

Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to understand what St. Louis ribs are and how they differ from other types of ribs. St. Louis ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the belly side of the pig. They are characterized by their rectangular shape and are typically meatier than other types of ribs.

St. Louis ribs are also known for their rich flavor, which is due to the high concentration of fat and connective tissue in the meat. This makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods, such as braising or BBQing. However, with the right techniques and tools, it’s possible to cook St. Louis ribs quickly and achieve the same level of flavor and tenderness.

Preparation is Key

Before you start cooking your St. Louis ribs, it’s essential to prepare them properly. This includes removing the membrane from the back of the ribs, which can be a bit tricky. To remove the membrane, follow these steps:

Removing the Membrane

• Start by flipping the ribs over and locating the membrane, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back of the ribs.
• Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece.
• If the membrane breaks, use a knife to carefully cut it away from the ribs.

Once you’ve removed the membrane, it’s time to season the ribs. You can use a dry rub or a marinade, depending on your personal preference. Some popular seasonings for St. Louis ribs include:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Brown sugar

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, including:

Oven-Broiling

Oven-broiling is a great way to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, as it allows for even heat distribution and can achieve a nice caramelized crust on the outside of the ribs. To oven-broil your St. Louis ribs, follow these steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely caramelized and cooked through.

Grilling

Grilling is another great way to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, as it allows for a nice char on the outside of the ribs. To grill your St. Louis ribs, follow these steps:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely charred and cooked through.

Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is a great way to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, as it allows for even heat distribution and can achieve tender and fall-off-the-bone results. To pressure cook your St. Louis ribs, follow these steps:

• Place the ribs in a pressure cooker and add your favorite BBQ sauce and any other desired seasonings.
• Cook the ribs for 20-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is a great way to cook St. Louis ribs quickly, as it allows for even heat distribution and can achieve a nice crust on the outside of the ribs. To pan-fry your St. Louis ribs, follow these steps:

• Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
• Place the ribs in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook St. Louis ribs quickly and achieve the best results:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the ribs to steam instead of sear. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Use a cast-iron skillet, as this can help to distribute heat evenly and achieve a nice crust on the outside of the ribs.
• Don’t press down on the ribs, as this can cause them to become dense and tough. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side.

Conclusion

Cooking St. Louis ribs quickly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or texture. By using the right techniques and tools, you can achieve tender and delicious results in no time. Whether you’re oven-broiling, grilling, pressure cooking, or pan-frying, the key is to cook the ribs over high heat and to not overcrowd the pan. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at cooking St. Louis ribs in no time.

By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to cook delicious St. Louis ribs quickly and easily. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide has everything you need to know to achieve tender and flavorful results.

What are St. Louis-style pork ribs?

St. Louis-style pork ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the belly side of the pig. They are known for their meaty, tender, and flavorful characteristics, making them a popular choice for barbecue and grilling. St. Louis-style ribs are typically cut into a rectangular shape, with the breastbone and cartilage removed, which makes them easier to cook and eat.

St. Louis-style ribs are often preferred by pitmasters and backyard grillers because of their rich flavor and tender texture. They are usually seasoned with a dry rub or marinade before being slow-cooked over low heat, which helps to break down the connective tissues and infuse the meat with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, St. Louis-style ribs are a great choice for anyone looking to cook delicious and mouth-watering ribs.

How do I prepare St. Louis-style ribs for cooking?

To prepare St. Louis-style ribs for cooking, start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the rub penetrate the meat and promote even cooking. Next, trim any excess fat or cartilage from the ribs, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You can then season the ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade, making sure to coat them evenly.

Once the ribs are seasoned, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat. This step is important, as it will help the ribs cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming tough or chewy. After the ribs have sat for 30 minutes, they’re ready to be cooked. You can cook them using a variety of methods, including grilling, smoking, or oven-roasting.

What is the best way to cook St. Louis-style ribs quickly?

One of the best ways to cook St. Louis-style ribs quickly is to use a combination of high heat and a flavorful sauce. You can start by grilling the ribs over high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice char. Then, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce and finish them off in the oven or on the grill at a lower temperature.

This method allows you to achieve a nice crust on the outside of the ribs while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can also use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook the ribs quickly, which can reduce the cooking time to under 30 minutes. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to cook the ribs to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure food safety.

Can I cook St. Louis-style ribs in the oven?

Yes, you can cook St. Louis-style ribs in the oven. In fact, oven-roasting is a great way to cook ribs, as it allows for even heat distribution and helps to prevent the ribs from becoming tough or chewy. To cook ribs in the oven, preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the ribs on the baking sheet and cover them with foil, then bake for about 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.

You can also finish the ribs off under the broiler for a few minutes to give them a nice crust. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Oven-roasting is a great way to cook ribs, especially during the winter months when grilling may not be an option. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance method that requires minimal effort and attention.

How do I know when St. Louis-style ribs are done?

There are several ways to determine when St. Louis-style ribs are done. One way is to check the internal temperature of the ribs, which should be at least 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the meat. Another way to check for doneness is to look for visual cues, such as the meat pulling away from the bone or the ribs becoming tender and flexible.

You can also perform the “bend test” to check for doneness. To do this, pick up the ribs with a pair of tongs and bend them in the middle. If the ribs are done, they should bend easily and the meat should start to crack. If the ribs are still tough or rigid, they may need more cooking time. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to cook the ribs to a safe internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness.

Can I cook St. Louis-style ribs ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook St. Louis-style ribs ahead of time. In fact, cooking the ribs ahead of time can help to make them even more tender and flavorful. One way to cook ribs ahead of time is to cook them low and slow, either in the oven or on the grill, until they are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone. Then, let the ribs cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them.

To reheat the ribs, simply wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven or on the grill until they’re hot and tender. You can also reheat the ribs in a sauce, such as barbecue sauce, to add extra flavor. Cooking the ribs ahead of time can be a great way to save time and effort, especially if you’re planning a large gathering or event.

How do I store leftover St. Louis-style ribs?

To store leftover St. Louis-style ribs, let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them. You can store the ribs in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or aluminum foil, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the ribs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat the ribs, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them straight from the freezer. You can reheat the ribs in the oven, on the grill, or in a sauce, such as barbecue sauce. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to reheat the ribs to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure food safety.