A.K.A

top loin ribs; loin back ribs

What is it?

Baby back ribs are smaller and more expensive than spareribs. They’re cut “high on the hog,” near the backbone, where pork chops and tenderloins come from, so they’re usually more tender but also a little less flavorful than spareribs. The bones are narrow, with tender, lean meat. Back ribs can be grilled or broiled, as well as barbecued.

Kitchen math:

1 rack = 1 to 2 lb.

Don’t have it?

Substitute spareribs; however, you’ll need to allow more time—as much as 1 hour more—for cooking.

How to choose:

When buying ribs, look for the most meat coverage. While some fat is fine, avoid big globs of it. Be sure to look for bright pink meat and plenty of it.

How to prep:

Trim off any excess fat and remove the membrane (also called silverskin) that runs the length of the bony side of the rack so that seasoning and smoke can better penetrate the meat. Some racks are sold with the silverskin already removed.

How to store:

Refrigerate or freeze uncooked ribs. You can also wrap and freeze cooked ribs.

Cross Reference

spareribs

Recipes

• 
  Recipe

  Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Asian Plum Marinade

  This fruity, sweet, and savory marinade is also delicious with chicken or pork.

• 
  Recipe

  Slow Cooked Mango BBQ Baby Back Ribs

  Diced fresh mango, mango chutney, and mango nectar work together to give this meaty, saucy dish an amped-up fruit flavor. If you like, feel free to tailor the heat level…

• 
  Recipe

  Hickory-Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Apricot-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

  Tender baby backs get big flavor from a quartet of seasonings—a spice rub, a tangy mop that keeps the ribs moist on the grill, hickory wood smoke, and a sweet-tart…

• 
  Recipe

  Margarita-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

  Tequila and fresh citrus are a great combo in margaritas and also with pork ribs. The tequila’s bite and the acidic orange and lime juices cut through the rich, fatty…

• 
  Recipe

  Sweet Chili and Root Beer Baby Back Ribs

  A sticky, sweet, and spicy root beer glaze makes these grilled baby backs finger-licking-good. You can find kecap manis and the two chili sauces called for here at an Asian…

• 
  Recipe

  Fred’s Finest Baby Back Ribs

  No offense to those chicken folks but here's the real "finger lickin' good" meal. These ribs are mouth-happy perfection. The key is slow-roasting heat combined with moisture to create steam…

• 
  Recipe

  Apple-Bacon Barbecued Ribs (Gas Grill Version)

  smoky-sweet-spicy风味的摩擦和酱is a classic complement for pork ribs, the perfect celebratory meal for Father's Day or any barbecue. You can use either spareribs or baby…

• 
  Recipe

  Hoisin Barbecued Ribs (Charcoal Grill Version)

  You'll get darker ribs with this Asian-inspired rub and sauce combo, but the taste is not overpowering. If you don't have a charcoal grill, see our gas grill version of this…

• 
  Recipe

  Hoisin Barbecued Ribs (Gas Grill Version)

  You'll get darker ribs with this Asian-inspired rub and sauce combo, but the taste is not overpowering. To make these ribs on a charcoal grill, see the charcoal version of…

• 
  Recipe

  Apple-Bacon Barbecued Ribs (Charcoal Grill Version)

  smoky-sweet-spicy风味的摩擦和酱is a classic complement for pork ribs. You can use either spareribs or baby back ribs for this recipe; baby backs will…