BBQ ribs

bbq_ribs

Southern BBQ ribs are an iconic dish that is known around the world, specifically for its finger-licking-smoky flavor that lingers on the tongue. The dish is a classic that originated in the Southern States of America and has evolved over the years to gain a unique regional twist. The recipe utilizes the most fragile cut of pork ribs, which are slowly cooked at low temperatures to produce succulent, juicy, and tender meat that falls off the bones with a delicate breeze. This style of cooking is commonly known as “smoking,” which produces a distinct flavor that is unmistakable.

The origin of BBQ ribs is entrenched in southern American history. The deep South of America in the 18th century saw a rise in meat production and a need for preserving it. Curing and smoking became the go-to methods to ensure that the meat remained fresh for long periods. It was during the Great Depression in the 1930s that the BBQ ribs became a popular dish. To this day, the taste and texture of the ribs remain a testament to the stellar job Southern chefs perfected over the years.

The Southern Style BBQ ribs can be differentiated from other styles by the type of flavors used to season the meat. The dish has a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor that is synonymous with barbeque sauce. Creating this flavor profile requires the use of dry rubs and sauces. The dry rub comprises a mixture of salt, brown sugar, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The wet sauce, on the other hand, includes vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.

In the South, BBQ ribs are cooked using two methods; smoking and grilling. Smoking involves the use of a smoker, which can be charcoal, electric, or gas-powered. The smoker maintains low heat and a consistent temperature for hours, allowing the ribs to slow-cook to perfection. It is this process that creates the unique flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Grilling, on the other hand, involves cooking the ribs over an open flame. The grill can be heated with charcoal or gas, and the ribs are cooked for a shorter time than smoking. The resulting ribs are usually crispy and well-browned on the outside while remaining succulent and tender on the inside.

Preparing Southern Style BBQ ribs is not a walk in the park. It takes time, patience, and a precise attention to detail to achieve perfection. The first step is to prepare the dry rub by mixing the ingredients in a bowl. Once the mixture is complete, generously apply the rub to the pork ribs and let it sit for about an hour to allow the flavors to seep into the meat.

The next step is to prepare the smoker or grill. Heat the smoker or grill to a consistent temperature of 225°F using the recommended fuel source. Once the temperature is stable, place the ribs in the smoker or on the grill, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Maintain the temperature and add wood chips for smoking if necessary.

Allow the ribs to cook for about four to six hours, consistently basting them with the BBQ sauce mixture. Once the meat starts to pull back from the bones, then you know the ribs are almost done. It is crucial to check that the temperature of the meat is at least 145°F to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and free from bacteria.

In conclusion, Southern Style BBQ Ribs is a dish that is beloved by many around the world. The unique flavor profile, coupled with the tenderness of the meat, has made it a classic that continues to stand the test of time. Whether cooked through the smoking or grilling method, the preparation process remains the same. With a little patience and precision, anyone can recreate this iconic dish in the comfort of their own home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of pork ribs (St. Louis style)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Olive oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. To prepare the dry rub, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

  3. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs.

  4. Rub the dry rub onto the ribs, making sure that both sides are coated.

  5. Brush both sides of the rack with olive oil.

  6. Place the racks on the grill over indirect heat.

  7. Close the lid and let the ribs cook for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  8. Brush barbecue sauce onto the ribs every 20 minutes, and continue cooking with the lid closed for another 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

  9. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Southern BBQ ribs!