Can you have delicious spareribs without barbeque sauce? The answer is yes. Spareribs have been traditionally cooked covered with barbeque sauce. But these ribs are just as delicious even without a hint of sauce. The secret is to cook them in a rub consisting of different type of spices.
Buying the Pork
Look for pork that is fresh. Spareribs are longer in length and have more bones than baby back ribs. They come in a single slab or in packages of two or three. A slab should have about 11 bones. Spareribs are not expensive and usually cost $2 to $6 a pound. A slab consisting of 4 to 6 lbs. serves two to three people.
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Rib Rub
Use brown sugar that has been packed and sealed tightly. Besides the brown sugar, a basic rub consists of dry mustard, garlic, salt and onion powder. For a Memphis style rub, add cayenne pepper and for Texas style, add oregano. For Kansas City style, add chili powder. Spices should be mixed and stored in an air-tight container until ready for use.
Cooking
With meat side down, remove the leathery skin called a membrane from the ribs. This method will allow the flavors to better permeate to the meat. Though not necessary, boiling the ribs first will result in extra tenderness. Coat the front and back of the ribs evenly with the rub. Cook the ribs in the oven or on the grill. Cook slowly for best results.
Pans and Utensils
If you choose to oven cook your ribs, cook them in a large baking pan of at least 13-by-9-by-2 in size. If grilling, use tongs to turn the ribs.