Who can resist the tantalizing aroma of succulent ribs sizzling on the grill? But before we embark on this mouthwatering journey, let’s clear up any confusion about the different types of ribs. Pork ribs come in various cuts, but today, we’re focusing on spare ribs, specifically St. Louis-style ribs.
Spare Ribs…or St. Louis-Style Ribs?
Now, what sets St. Louis-style ribs apart from the rest? Well, full spare ribs can weigh upwards of 5 pounds and contain the brisket bone and surrounding meat. They’re massive, to say the least. St. Louis-style spare ribs, on the other hand, have the brisket bone and surrounding meat trimmed off, making them more manageable at around 3 pounds. For our cooking adventure, we opted for St. Louis-style ribs, which still fall under the spare-rib category. Trust me, they’re much easier to handle.
Various methods for cooking ribs
When it comes to cooking ribs, the options are endless. Pitmasters across the globe have their own secret techniques and flavors. You could go for Asian sticky ribs, aim for competition-style perfection, or even try the renowned 3-2-1 method of cooking and wrapping. The beauty of ribs lies in the fact that all these methods are valid and offer unique and delectable results.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the art of cooking ribs in a barrel smoker. Don’t worry; the thermal applications we discuss can be applied to other rib-cooking methods too. Are you ready to embark on this smoky and savory journey?
Cooking ribs in a barrel
There’s something magical about cooking ribs in a barrel smoker. The process is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Picture this: the ribs, perfectly hung in the smoker, gently cooking over the flames. The aroma wafts through the air as you anxiously await the moment of gastronomic joy when those glistening, smoky racks are ready to be devoured.
Now, let’s unravel the secret behind the magic. Hanging ribs in a barrel creates a fascinating case study in applied thermodynamics. As the entire rack of ribs cooks, juices naturally start to escape from the surface. The higher up you go on the rack, the less juice runs over the surface. But as you descend towards the bottom, the juices become more plentiful. What happens next is mesmerizing.
The heat acts on those juices, resulting in evaporative cooling. It’s like having a built-in water cooling system for the lower ribs. Incredible, right? This phenomenon ensures that all the ribs cook evenly, from end to end, creating a tantalizing bark and a serious smoke ring. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors!
Thermal considerations for cooking ribs in a drum smoker
Some barrel cookers tend to run hotter than others. However, fear not, for we can use this knowledge to our advantage. Cooking ribs a little hotter and faster can produce exceptional results. To ensure the perfect temperature, use a Smoke™ X4 to monitor the air temperature, keeping it between 275°F and 300°F (135°C and 149°C). And if you have a Billows™ BBQ Control Fan, consider yourself lucky and make the most of it!
Given the high-temp cooking approach and the integral role of juice evaporation in barrel cookers, there’s no need to wrap these ribs. Instead, generously rub them with your favorite BBQ blend and hang them, probed with a leave-in probe thermometer, of course. The ideal pull temperature for these ribs is 195°F (91°C). Although you can go a little higher if you prefer fall-off-the-bone tenderness, remember that these ribs are suspended by their bones, so exercise caution.
Revel in the aromatic results
As you wait for the high-temp alarm on your Smoke X4 to sound, take a moment to appreciate the symphony of flavors about to unfold. When the time comes, use an instant-read thermometer like the Thermapen® ONE to verify the temperature at different spots on each rack. You’ll be amazed at how evenly cooked they are!
Cooking ribs with this method is effortless, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Juicy, delectable, and visually stunning. Best of all, it doesn’t require any wrapping or saucing. In a mere six hours or so (feel free to give yourself extra time), you’ll have a masterpiece fit for a feast. So why not give it a try? I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the mouthwatering results.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to create ribs that will leave everyone begging for more, it’s time to fire up the grill and elevate your BBQ game. To explore top-notch products for your culinary adventures, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
