Baby back ribs

Baby back ribs are a type of pork cut that comes from the pig's rib cage near the backbone. They are called "baby" because they are shorter than the larger spare ribs. Baby back ribs are a popular dish in various cuisines around the world, particularly in American and Chinese cooking.

Description

Baby back ribs, also known as loin ribs, back ribs, or pork loin back ribs, are taken from the top of the rib cage between the spine and the spare ribs, below the loin muscle. They have meat between the bones and on top of the bones, and are shorter, curved, and sometimes meatier than spare ribs. The rack is shorter at one end, due to the natural tapering of a pig's rib cage.

Cooking Methods

Baby back ribs can be cooked in several ways, including smoking, grilling, and baking. They are often marinated or rubbed with spices before cooking, and are commonly served with barbecue sauce.

Smoking

Smoking is a popular method for cooking baby back ribs, especially in the Southern United States. The ribs are slow-cooked in a smoker, which gives them a distinctive flavor and tenderness.

Grilling

Grilling is another common method for cooking baby back ribs. The ribs are often pre-cooked in an oven or boiled before being finished on the grill. This method gives the ribs a charred exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Baking

Baby back ribs can also be baked in an oven. This method is often used when outdoor grilling is not an option. The ribs are usually covered with foil and baked at a low temperature for several hours.

In Popular Culture

Baby back ribs have been popularized in American culture, particularly through advertising. The most notable example is the "I want my baby back ribs" jingle from the Chili's restaurant chain.

See Also

• Spare ribs
• Pork ribs
• Barbecue
• American cuisine