Ribs vs Spare Ribs
‘Spare ribs’ is a term frequently used when discussing various types of pork and beef ribs. ‘Spare ribs’ is a type of rib that received its name as it was once roasted by soldiers on the tips of their spears. This article examines spare ribs and the differences they have with ribs. The entire ribcage of the animal is cut into different pieces that are labeled differently. These pieces are either grilled or smoked and are served with a sauce.
Ribs
The ribcage of the animal is cut into several pieces, with the name of the cut varying depending on the part of the rib cage from which it comes. There are differences in flavor and fat layers, in addition to the usual differences of bones and the texture of the cut. Before dividing the rib cage into different parts, the inner surface is cleared of a layer composed of connective tissues, as this layer makes it difficult to cook the meat.
Spare Ribs
Spareribs, or spare ribs, are a cut from the rib cage of the pig. They come from the bottom-most part, which is the breastbone of the pig, adjacent to the animal’s belly. This cut should not be confused with baby back ribs, as they come from the top of the rib cage. There is more meat at the bottom than at the top of the rib cage, which is why spareribs are much more flavorful and juicy than baby back ribs. Spareribs are bony and flat in nature. Between the breastbone and the belly is a long section of a pig that contains 11 or 13 bones. These bones are all connected with flesh, and there is also meat on top of them.
Key Takeaways
- Ribs are flavorful cuts obtained from the ribcage of an animal and eaten after cooking through grilling, barbecue, or smoking.
- Spare ribs are not some spare or extra ribs as many people think; they are also called spareribs or side ribs.
- Spare ribs are a cut from the rib cage, like baby back ribs, but most people confuse the two cuts; spare ribs are obtained from the bottom-most part of the rib cage towards the breast bone and the belly, while baby back ribs are the cut of the rib cage obtained from the top of the rib cage.
