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How to Cook Pork Ribs Grilled, Baked, and Slow Cooker

It’s easy to cook pork ribs anyway you choose. Is there anything more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a rack of ribs that’s dripping with smoky flavor and slathered in homemade BBQ sauce?

There’s something magical about a platter of perfectly cooked pork ribs hitting the table. Whether you’re savoring tender baby back ribs, smoky St. Louis-style cuts, or hearty spare ribs, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Cooking ribs can feel intimidating, but with the right techniques, anyone can make restaurant-quality ribs at home.

How to Cook Pork Ribs Grilled, Baked, and Slow Cooker

How to Cook Pork Ribs Grilled, Baked, and Slow Cooker

From juicy oven-baked ribs to smoky barbecue masterpieces, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook ribs that look and taste amazing.

No matter which cooking method you choose, it all starts with selecting the right rack of ribs and preparing them with care. With just a little effort by removing the silver skin, seasoning with a bold dry rub, and cooking low and slow, you’ll have ribs so tender they practically fall off the bone.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a plate of juicy, tender ribs that are seasoned to perfection. Achieving bone-tender, smoky flavor is easier than you think.

No matter the cooking method used, we’ll share all the secrets for the best ribs.

Types of Pork Ribs

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to know the different types of pork ribs.

Baby Back Ribs. Lean and tender, taken from the loin section.

St. Louis-Style Ribs. A meatier option with uniform shape, great for BBQ ribs.

Rack of Spare Ribs. Larger and flavorful, though they require longer cooking times.

Country-Style Ribs. Meaty and often sold boneless, making them a versatile option for braising, baking, or slow cooking.

Slow cooker Pork Ribs

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs come from the upper portion of the pig’s ribcage, near the spine, where the ribs curve and connect to the loin.

These ribs are smaller, leaner, and more tender than other types, making them a favorite for quick cooking methods like grilling or oven-baking.

They are ideal for those who prefer a lighter bite with less fat but still want juicy ribs. Their naturally curved shape also makes them easy to handle, whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or summer BBQ.

St. Louis-Style Ribs

St. Louis-style ribs are taken from the belly section of the pig, just below the baby back ribs.

They are larger, meatier, and flatter, with a more uniform shape, making them perfect for slow cooking or smoking. This cut has a higher fat content, which renders during cooking to create incredibly flavorful and tender ribs.

Their rectangular shape makes them a go-to choice for barbecue ribs, as they’re easier to stack and coat with a generous layer of homemade BBQ sauce or spice rub.

Spare Ribs

Spare ribs come from the lower portion of the ribcage, closer to the belly. They are longer, larger, and contain more fat and connective tissue, which gives them a rich, deep flavor when cooked low and slow.

While they take longer to cook than baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, the extra time is worth it for their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Spare ribs are a great option for those who enjoy a more traditional, hearty rib experience with plenty of meat to sink their teeth into.

Country-Style Ribs

Country-style ribs are a great option if you’re looking for an economical cut that delivers plenty of meat and can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods, like slow cooking or baking.

They’re particularly well-suited to recipes with sauces, such as barbecue or braising liquids, as the meat absorbs the flavors beautifully.

Baked Pork Ribs with Glaze

How to Prepare Pork Ribs: A Key Step

Trim the Silver Skin. Use a butter knife or paring knife to loosen the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Gently pull it away with a paper towel for a better bite and tender meat.

Apply a Dry Rub. In a small bowl, mix dark brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture of dry spices forms a flavorful crust during cooking.

Allow the spice rub to sit on the ribs for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

We have a Delicious Dry Rub for Pork Ribs Recipe for you to try.

Cooking Methods for Fantastic Ribs

Here are three great options for making tender ribs every single time.

1. Oven-Baked Ribs

Prep. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Cook. Place the ribs on the baking sheet, meaty side up, and cover with foil. Bake for 2-3 hours, depending on the type of ribs and cooking time required.

Finish. Uncover the ribs, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce, and return them to the oven rack at 375°F to caramelize the sauce.

Results. These oven ribs are a simple method to achieve tender meat with a slight crust.

2. Slow Cooker Ribs

Prep. Season the ribs with your spice rub and place them in a slow cooker, meaty side against the sides of the pot. Add a bit of homemade barbecue sauce for moisture.

Cook. Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Finish. Broil the ribs for a smoky flavor.

Why It Works. The slow cooking process ensures bone-tender ribs every time.

3. Grilled BBQ Ribs (Gas Grill)

Prep. Heat the grill for indirect heat. Place the ribs, meaty side up, on the grill.

Cook. Grill for 2-3 hours at a low temperature, turning occasionally.

Finish. Brush the ribs with chili sauce or homemade BBQ sauce, letting it caramelize for the last 10 minutes.

Cooking Time and Internal Temperature

No matter the method, a meat thermometer is your best friend. The internal temperature of cooked ribs should reach 190-205°F for fall-off-the-bone goodness.

Tips for Success

Heavy-Duty Foil. Always wrap the ribs tightly to trap steam and keep them moist during the cooking process.

Key Step. Removing the silver skin ensures the spice rub can penetrate the ribs for maximum flavor.

Adjust the spice mix to suit your preference, especially for those on a medically restrictive diet.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Place leftover ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for tender ribs the next day.

What to Serve with Pork Ribs

Sides. Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Thes pork ribs recipes are a great way to step out of your comfort zone and create good ribs for any occasion.

Whether you’re making BBQ ribs for a summer cookout or slow cooker ribs for a cozy dinner, these simple methods will ensure tender, flavorful, and delicious ribs every single time.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a rack of ribs and try one of these cooking methods. You’ll be the star of the dinner table.

AboutVictoria

You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.

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