Master Every Type of Ribs: Spareribs, Baby Back, St. Louis Style and More

Sweet Cola Ribs

Sweet Cola Ribs

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Sweet Cola Ribs

To us, a slab of ribs is the carnivore’s perfect summer food. Nibbling on them without a fork or knife is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Though they can be cooked in the oven with great results, they’re most often taken outside and fired up until smoky and charred. Plus, buying racks in bulk makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing party dish that goes delectably with an ice-cold beer.

In the spirit of summer, churn out perfectly tender ribs right at home with all the flavor of the smokehouse, with some of our most-popular recipes for all the different types of pork and beef ribs.

Let’s talk spareribs. Meaty, with a good amount of fat, they’re cut from the belly of the pig, from the front of the rib cage. Next time you make ‘em, crack open a can of cola to add a dose of unexpected sweetness to these top-rated Sweet Cola Ribs. After you remove the membrane, give the rack a good dry rub and cook it over indirect heat for serious smoky tenderness. Glaze the ribs in the last few moments of grilling so they reach sweet perfection without burning.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Flatter than other types of ribs, St. Louis-style ribs have a high surface-to-mass ratio, so they’re easier to cook evenly and brown. Bobby Flay took on St. Louis-style ribs in a Throwdown against a famed North Carolina pitmaster, and executed his meaty Smoked Ribs with Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce with a dry rub and a cider vinegar-based mop.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

When Tyler Florence was faced with the task of creating the perfect barbecue ribs, he went for baby backs — and he did it without even using a grill. Instead, his recipe for The Ultimate Barbecue Ribs reaches tender, delicious perfection by cooking the ribs at a low temperature in the oven, basting them in homemade barbecue sauce and then broiling them in the final moments until they’re crisped and charred. Follow Tyler’s guide for the perfect oven ribs right here.

MELISSA_DARBIAN_BRAISED_COUNTRY_STYLE_PORK_RIBS_H.jpg

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Country-style ribs actually aren’t ribs at all. Cut from the shoulder end of the loin, this meaty cut can be cooked like a chop or braised until they’re fall-apart tender, as they are in Anne Burrell’s technique for Braised Country-Style Pork Ribs.

A dinner plate of bone-in short ribs may not spell out “backyard barbecue,” but this cut deserves a spot in our rib roundup thanks to its fall-apart goodness. With nearly 500 top reviews, Anne’s game-changing Beef Short Ribs are blissfully browned and big on flavor.

Load up on more of our favorite rib recipes right here.

Next Up

How to Cook Baby Back Ribs on a Gas Grill

No smoker? No problem: Your grill can deliver delicious, falling-off-the-bone pork ribs with ease.

3 Recipes Every Air Fryer Owner Can Master

Let Food Network experts guide you through cooking with an air fryer.

7 Best Tea Subscription Boxes for Every Type of Tea Drinker

Make sure you never run out of tea this winter!

8 Patio Dining Sets for Every Style and Budget

Make sure your backyard is ready for a summer of outdoor dining!

It’s Back! Get Ready to Order Your Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey

The fan favorite is back to take a load off your Thanksgiving meal preparation.

Keyboard Waffle Iron Makes Breakfast for Every Type

Why did nobody come up with this idea before: a waffle iron that makes waffles in the shape of a keyboard? Well, no matter. Now, thankfully, someone has.

10 To-Go Cups for Every Type of Drink

The best cups to bring your cocktail, wine, beer or coffee anywhere.