Baby Backs vs Spare Ribs - which to choose?

[smokin fool]

Either, or, both, don't matter to me.

[bbqLuv]

I like both too, Loin back, Spare, and SLC. 😲🤣

[Mosca]

I love them both, but I have a strong preference for spares with the tips still on. Baby backs have become so thick that they don’t cook up as well, IMO.

That being said, if you serve me baby backs, I’m probably gonna ask for seconds.

[bbqLuv]

"Baby backs have become so thick that they don’t cook up as well, IMO." maybe caused by the difference in size from one end to the other.
The Joy of BBQing

[Greygoose]

95% of the time spares,,,
occasionally BB’s just becuz
my wife always wanted BB’s and I cooked them along with spares and she would always eat a few BB’s and then want the spares,,,,,

[radiodome21]

Both. Probably buy more baby back since those are the ones that Mariano’s (Kroger) carry and put on sale from time to time. I usually buy mine at Costco and usually will go with what is cheaper.

[RichardCullip]

Usually do spare ribs trimmed down to StLouis style. However I couldn’t pass up a great sale on pork back ribs which are cooking tonight. Hopefully the "extra meaty" cut doesn’t yield too much dry loin meat

[Steve R.]

Guess what that "extra meat" is...

I usually end up trimming some of that off if they have too much loin meat left on them. I hate to waste meat, but I also hate eating pork loin on a stick.

[Andrrr]

When I find baby backs on sale I’m that guy that will dig through the entire pile trying to find racks under 3 lbs. 2.5 lbs, if you can find them, seem to be about right for me

[Reds Fan 5]

I like both and cook spares as much as possible. I don’t know if it’s the cut, my cooker, or my technique but my results with spares are much more consistent.

[Attjack]

I almost always get spare ribs. I love the rich and fatty goodness.

[mnavarre]

I'm definitely a spare ribs guy, to the point that I don't remember the last time I cooked baby backs. Nothin' agin' 'em, just like spares better and they're usually cheaper anyway.

[ecowper]

I love spare ribs. My wife loves back ribs. My wife loves rib tips. So, I either cook back ribs or I get a full spare rib rack, trim SLC and cook rib tips for Stacy and spare ribs for me.

[Mr. Bones]

Peace In th Valley is Important, Brother!!!

[GoDuke]

I tend to buy whatever I can get on sale. The issue I have with baby backs is that the loin meat on top of the ribs dries out before the rest is done. may be operator error though

[HawkerXP]

Love them all. Usually, 3 pack of St Louie ...

[barelfly]

I use to buy baby backs, then tried spare and SLC and that’s what I prefer. But, I think I have a three pack of baby backs in the freezer right now. If I order from the web, I’ll get spare but at Costco, it’s BB - I think that’s what they sell.

so, I guess I can’t make up my mind - they are all good! Just get in me belly!

[ecowper]

My costco sells both. I find the costco ribs have too much loin meat, so I usually trim that down.

[fzxdoc]

I always look for baby backs that are not labeled "extra meaty" because they tend to dry out before they're fully cooked, just as GoDuke says.

I can still find baby backs that do not have all that loin meat on them, but I have to be sharp-eyed about it. Sometimes they're in the freezer case.

Husband thinks spares are too fatty, so it's pretty much BBs for us, even though I prefer spares.

Kathryn

[ecowper]

fzxdoc have you tried rib tips? Stacy is still anti spare ribs, but she loves rib tips. I get the spares, she gets the tips, we are happy.

[fzxdoc]

Maybe I'll give that a try, ecowper . I wonder if my husband would give the rib tips a chance. I'll tell him Stacy loves them. That ought to do it.

Kathryn

[ecowper]

I got Stacy to try rib tips as an appetizer bite.

[Mr. Bones]

Pork Loin, here, typically sells fer ~ $1.49-$2.59 / lb. (On Sale)

Baby backs $3.99~$4.99 / lb. (On Sale)

Guess why they leave more loin meat on th BBR? $

[Jfrosty27]

No kidding. What a scam. A couple of the butcher shops here sell "Custom Cut" baby backs for $7.99/lb! Huge hunk of loin meat on the top. I guess they sell enough of them to keep offering them. Not this guy……

[Stuey1515]

I can't cook those suckers that are loaded with loin meat. Undercooked ribs or overcooked loin. Very fussy when shopping for BBR's

[Bogy]

Local Hy-Vee is having a truckload meat sale. Picked up 4 more racks of spares at $1.99 and a couple of loins for $1.88. Couldn't pass up the prices, even with just getting a hog. Hogs only have so many loins and racks of ribs.

[FireMan]

There is ONLY one logical answer, YES!

I mean, this is not a poll open to opinions. It is WIBS we are talkin about.

[Mr. Bones]

Loves Ya, My Esteemed Brother! Y)

Now, Let's git ya all kinda Safe, an Well...

I'm in, fer Th Ride, Amigo!

Think ya know th Phone #, if not, PM AnyTime

[ecowper]

Wibs! I love them