About Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are one type of pork ribs and are cooked and eaten in many different cuisines around the world. They are also the least costly form of pork ribs available to consumers. In China, spare ribs are known as paigu or char sui, depending on the preparation.

History

The origin of the term "spare ribs" is unknown. However, in 17th century England, they were called "spear ribs" or "ribspare". These terms originated from the German "rippespeer," which is equivalent to smoked pork loin. It has also been suggested that they are "spare" because they are a secondary set of unnecessary ribs attached to a pig's spine.

Function

Spare ribs are used for food, typically served at barbecue restaurants. They are also often made at home in the oven or on consumer barbecue grills. Spare ribs are popular in American and Chinese cuisine. It is customary to eat them with the hands.

Features

Spare ribs are usually cut into long slabs with up to 15 individual but connected bones. They are taken from the belly and breastbone of the pig, with meat covering the ribs and in between them. When properly prepared, spare ribs have a very tender texture and the meat tends to fall off the bone. They are cooked either as a set or a rack and are popular with barbecue sauce.

Types

There are several different preparations of spare ribs. Boneless spare ribs are created by carving the meat away from the bone. Barbecue and smoked spare ribs are the most commonly prepared in the United States. Sweet-and-sour spare ribs or blackened spare ribs can also be found in Chinese restaurants. Spare ribs can also be fried, steamed, braised or roasted. In Ireland, they are sometimes boiled and eaten with potatoes in a dish known as bodice.

Warning

Spare ribs have a very high fat content, specifically saturated fat. They are also high in calories and are not suitable for those on a heart-healthy or low-cholesterol diet. Spare ribs are significantly marbled, and the ratio of fat to meat is significantly higher than other types of meat such as beef and chicken.

Resources

• Food Q & A's: What are Spare Ribs?