Discover Rib Inspiration
Ribs are a fun and delicious meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Anyone studying in culinary arts institutes can appreciate the preparation and technique that goes into making tender meat smothered in tangy sauce. However, there are several different methods you can use to accomplish a fantastic slab of ribs. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas you can try out:
On the grill
Preparing ribs on the barbecue is a great way to spend a warm spring or summer afternoon. Before you place the meat over the fire, you should add some seasoning. This can be a simple rub of kosher salt and black pepper, but you might also put together a more complex mix of spices. Southern Living advised balancing salt and sugar with heat from peppers. Throw in transition spices like paprika or chili powder, and finish the rub off with a distinctive flavor like garlic, mustard or onion powder.
“Today” discussed the best grilling methods with barbecue expert and author Rick Browne. He recommended setting the rack of ribs, meat side down, over direct heat for up to 15 minutes. Then, move the rack over to indirect heat to cook slowly until the meat pulls away from the bone. This will take at least an hour, so don’t rush it, and don’t brush on the barbecue sauce until the last 15 minutes or so of cooking.
In the oven
If the weather isn’t right for grilling, you can also make an excellent slab without stepping outside. The Kitchn suggested first lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil and placing a cooling rack on top. This will allow heat to circulate around the pork during cooking. Broil the seasoned ribs for five minutes, and then slowly roast them in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to Bon Appetit, Vine Street Cafe in Shelter Island, New York, takes a different approach to oven-cooked ribs, resulting in a pastrami-inspired flavor. It begins with brushing white vinegar onto the meat before rubbing it with salt, black and cayenne pepper, coriander, brown sugar, mustard powder and paprika.
After chilling for an hour, the ribs go into a roasting pan with half a cup of water. They cook in an oven set to 325 degrees for two hours or so, until the tender meat falls from the bone. The directions then call for adding a sauce made with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey and soy sauce. Finally, the ribs go into the broiler for three minutes, contributing a bit of char and crispness.
There are many different approaches to cooking great ribs. Finding your favorite can be an enjoyable part of your culinary academy education.
