Ribs are the most popular cuts of meat, even though whether you want them to be baked, grilled, roasted, or fried. But, you are doubtful about what type of pork ribs would be the best choice for your next BBQ party.

St Louis cut ribs, baby back ribs, rib tips, and spare ribs are the four types of pork ribs. The type of ribs depends on the section of the rib cage it came from. All different types of ribs have their distinct taste and characters.

If you are curious to learn about the different types of pork ribs, this article will provide detailed information about each. So, sip your coffee, sit back, and learn about your favorite rib type.

What Are The Different Types Of Pork Ribs?

If you don't know what the four types of pork ribs are, below are all the types of pork ribs you are wondering to know about:

Type 1: Baby Back Ribs

These ribs come from the highest part of the pig's back and are connected to the backbone. They are known as a baby because of their small size and the back as they are attached to the backbone. Many people also knew them as loin back ribs.

The baby's back ribs are leaner than spare ribs, and their size varies from 3 inches to 6 inches. These ribs have a distinctive bend at the top where the ribs meet the spine. Cook them on low heat for a long time on the grill. Also, cooking them in the oven will be a better idea.

Type 2: St Louis Cut Ribs

The spare ribs trimmed a little more are known as the St. Louis cut ribs. It is one of the best ribs to cook because of their neat looks. The meat texture is similar to the meat of spare ribs, but these ribs don't have the cartilage and gristle.

The ribs belong to the belly of the pork and are cut once the belly is removed. These have the rib bone, meat, and a little part of the backbone.

Type 3: Spare Ribs

The spare bones are from the pig's lower side, also known as the side ribs. These are the most popular types of pork ribs. Compared to baby back ribs, the spare ribs are straight and flat.

You can see the bone marrow on one side; the meat, gristle, and cartilage are at the other end. Many people find them more flavorful, meaty, and delicious. The meats of these ribs are used to make the bacon.

Type 4: Rib Tips

The last and fourth type of pork ribs is rib tips. These ribs have small bones with cartilage, so don't get confused between these and riblets. The rib tips are 1 to 3 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches long. The cartilage makes them chewy. Therefore, in many places, they are served in chopped small pieces.

Many butchers and cooks used to throw the rip tips, but these are immensely popular among BBQ lovers.

Other Pork Rib Styles

Riblets

These are made from the remaining or discarded parts of the rib's slab. Riblets are usually served as appetizers at different parties.

Loin Ribs

They are cut near the pork loin, known as the loin ribs. The loin ribs resemble the baby's back ribs.

Kanas City Style

The St. Louis ribs and kanas city-style ribs are cut similarly. But these ribs have unique, thick, and sweet sauces, which gives them a different finish.

Side Ribs

Side ribs resemble the spare ribs and come from the lower part of the ribcage or side of the pig. Therefore, you know them as side ribs.

Button Ribs

These are not the real ribs but are the flat and thin strips of the meat. The meat comes from the rearmost ribs and spine of the pig. It may surprise you, but yes, these ribs don't have any ribs and have little nubs of backbone. Therefore, these are called "button" ribs.

Find The Juiciest, Meatiest, Tender, Affordable Pork Ribs

The spare and baby back ribs are the juiciest ribs of pork, as these ribs have more fat. But, the fat in each rib varies depending on the pig.

You must choose the baby back ribs if you want the most tendered pork. These ribs have less fat than spare ribs and are leaner. The baby's back ribs are the most expensive pork ribs.

The country-style ribs are the meatiest and could be with or without bones. These are not pork ribs, but as they are cut from the shoulder area, many consider them pork ribs. As these have enough meat and fat, you will find them an ideal choice for BBQ.

If you are tight on budget and looking for affordable ribs for BBQ, go for the spare ribs. These ribs are affordable, and you can see them in different grocery stores selling them in slabs.

How Can You Select The Pork Ribs?

You can pick up the right rib type for your BBQ party if you are an expert. But, if you are new to the cooking scene, selecting the right meat can be challenging. So, when selecting the ribs:

• Do not get the ribs with large fat deposits.
• Never go for the shiner. It is the point where the meat is close to the bones. If you get the ribs for BBQ, these ribs will fall out easily.
• No need to buy discolored ribs with dry edges

Conclusion:

The pig body might have 15 to 16 bones, depending on the size. All these bones are classified into four types: St Louis cut ribs, spare ribs, rib tips, and baby back ribs. Many people consider country-style ribs a fifth type of pork ribs; if you are also from that group, you are on the wrong side, my friend!