When cooking a delicious batch of ribs becomes a regular delicacy, many choose to invest in something known as “rib racks”. What are rib racks? How do you use them and when should you give them a try?
Rib racks are a tool that is to be used directly on the grill. It holds uncooked ribs upright, increases the grill capacity, and drains excess fat from the meat. It is best used when more ribs are being cooked than a grill can supply, which is typically more than 5 ribs.
Continue reading below to learn more about using a rib rack, how to purchase one, and fan favorite techniques!
What Are Rib Racks?
As mentioned above, rib racks are an appliance you can place on your grill or smoker. It is meant to hold double the carrying capacity for ribs and large dinner parties. Rib racks come in all shapes, sizes, and portions. Some prefer the traditional method, but others who have too many ribs to count, like to use a rib rack.
Why Should I Use a Rib Rack?
Rib racks are extremely efficient to use! They are helpful for keeping the meat in the same spot for a consistent cook, texture, and flavor. Ribs racks are recommended for those who traditionally do not use the foil method, which is wrapping the ribs in tinfoil and then placing them back on the grill, but the foil method can be used anyways.
What Terminology Do I Need To Know?
This is where things get a little confusing terminology-wise. With the words “rib” and “rack” being thrown around quite often, let us get our cards straight!
Full Rack Of Ribs
A “full rack of ribs” means the entire rib of the meat itself, not a “rib rack” as we have been discussing. A full rack of ribs is 13 ribs, depending on the size and meat type. Ribs from a commercial grocery store are usually 10 to 13 bones, but if fewer than 10 bones are present, it’s known as “cheater racks”. The more you know!
Traditional Rib Racks
For rib racks, there are two different styles that will best suit your barbeque needs. The most common rack consists of 4 to 6 metal bars where you can easily place your ribs. This works great to set on your barbeque grill and is extremely efficient for large ribs and chaotic family dinners.
Circular Rib Racks
Another way the rib rack can look is in the form of a circle. This form does not hold as many ribs, so it is better used for smaller dinner parties or when you are barbequing various types of meat. For traditional barbequing ribs, we recommend the most common, rectangular rack.
Laying it Flat
Finally, “laying it flat” means that the ribs are placed directly on your grill and no rib rack is being used. This method is a favorite for long-time barbecuers because they have more control over their meat. But if you are a beginner, laying it flat might prove difficult and rib racks are your best friend.
How Do I Use A Rib Rack?
Now that we understand some general barbeque terms, how do you even use a rib rack?
Preparing the Ribs
After preparing your ribs by removing the membrane from the bottom of your meat and seasoning as desired, place the ribs on the rack in the same direction. It is recommended to do this with the larger portion of the meat facing down. If not all sections of the rib rack are being used, leave space between the meat for a more even cooking process.
It really is that simple! Place your ribs consistently and evenly on the rib rack and it will hold your meat in place. But what are some good barbeque techniques for this? What is a good recipe for beginners barbequing ribs?
3-2-1 Approach
One easy way to cook ribs on a rib rack, especially for beginners, is the 3-2-1 approach. The process goes as follows – smoke the ribs for 3 hours, cook them for 2 hours while they are tightly wrapped in tinfoil, and cook them for 1 more hour without any foil and coated in barbeque sauce. While this is traditionally used not on a rib rack, you can most definitely use one for a more consistent result. However, it is recommended by locals to do the foiling on the grill itself and not a rib rack.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Ribs On A Rack?
To understand how long you should cook your ribs on a rib rack, know what kind of meat you purchased. Halfway through the cooking, cover the ribs in barbeque sauce to prevent them from drying out and wrap them in aluminum foil.
Spareribs
Spareribs are the larger set of ribs from an animal and are cut from the belly. The ribs typically have the breastbone and cartilage cut away so they are in the shape of a rectangle. They are less expensive than their baby back rib counterpart and are flatter as well. Each slab can way on average 2 and 1/2 pounds. Spareribs can bake on a rib rack for 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours.
Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs are ribs from the bottom of an animal’s spine. They are shorter than spareribs, 3 to 6 inches long, and weigh approximately 1 and 1/2 to 2 pounds. They are tender, lean, and more expensive than spareribs. They are the delicacy of ribs!
How To Clean Rib Racks
Cleaning rib racks can be a hassle because for the best results you need to handwash them. To keep the hassle down, spray pam onto the rib racks before cooking to prevent sticking. After the rib racks are done being used, you can use oven cleaner or soaking in soapy warm water to remove any residue.
If you do not want to use rib racks, you can also use bamboo skewers to keep your meat vertical. These appliances are disposable so there is no after-cleaning process.
Isabelle Justice 