If you’re a fan of pork, then you know that the rib ends are some of the most flavorful and succulent cuts of meat. But cooking them to perfection can be a bit tricky.
Do you bake them? Grill them? Smoke them? And what about seasoning and sauces?
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best methods for cooking pork loin rib ends, along with tips and tricks to make sure they turn out juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Loin Rib Ends?
There are several ways to cook pork loin rib ends, but we’ll focus on three popular methods: baking, grilling, and smoking.
Understanding Pork Loin Rib Ends
Pork loin rib ends, also known as rib tips or rib ends, are the small bones and cartilage that connect the lower breast bone to the front ribs. They are typically trimmed from spare ribs when creating the St. Louis cut. These cuts used to be considered butcher scraps, but they have gained popularity as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Rib tips are usually 8 to 12 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. They have a good amount of fat marbling, given their close proximity to the belly of the pig. However, they also contain a lot of small bone and cartilage, which can make them chewy and challenging to eat.
When served, rib tips are usually cut into 2-inch chunks with a cleaver and left for diners to gnaw away at the meat surrounding the small bones and cartilage. Some people consider them the “brisket of pork” due to their tender meat and marbling.
To cook pork loin rib ends, there are three popular methods: baking, grilling, and smoking. Baking is a simple method that involves seasoning the rib ends with your preferred spices and baking them in the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour until they are cooked through.
Grilling is another popular method that adds a smoky flavor to the meat. Before grilling, it is recommended to marinate the rib ends for at least an hour in your preferred marinade. Grill them over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.
Smoking is a slow-cooking method that can take up to several hours but results in tender and flavorful meat. Before smoking, it is recommended to season the rib ends with your preferred dry rub and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour. Smoke them over low heat for about 3-4 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.
No matter which cooking method you choose, it is important to handle pork safely by cooking it to an internal temperature of at least 145°F and letting it rest for at least three minutes before serving. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy delicious and tender pork loin rib ends in no time!
Preparing Pork Loin Rib Ends For Cooking
Before you start cooking your pork loin rib ends, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here’s how:
1. Remove the membrane: The first step is to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. This will help the meat cook more evenly and make it easier to eat. To do this, use a sharp knife to loosen one end of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
2. Trim the ends: Take a close look at the ends of each slab and trim off any scrappy meat or blood vessels hanging off each end. This will make the ends more presentable and help prevent them from burning during cooking.
3. Season the meat: Next, season the meat with your desired spices and rubs. You can use a store-bought spice blend or make your own by combining garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, or any other spices you like.
4. Marinate the meat: If you have time, marinating the meat for a few hours or overnight can help tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Rub all the marinade into the ribs and place them in a zip lock bag.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to preparing delicious pork loin rib ends that are ready for cooking.
Baking Pork Loin Rib Ends
Baking pork loin rib ends is a convenient and easy way to cook this delicious cut of meat. To start, preheat your oven to 300°F. Rinse the pork loin rib ends and pat them dry with paper towels. Next, season the meat with your favorite spice rub, or simply salt and pepper.
Place the pork loin rib ends in a single layer in a baking dish, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours. After 2 hours, carefully remove the dish from the oven and check the meat for tenderness. If it’s still tough, cover it again and bake for another 15 to 30 minutes.
Once the pork loin rib ends are tender, remove them from the oven and drain any liquid from the baking dish. Brush each piece generously with your favorite BBQ sauce or glaze, then return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered at 275°F for 1 hour more, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
When done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Baked pork loin rib ends are perfect served alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or baked beans.
Note: If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add wood chips to your baking dish before covering it with foil. This will infuse your pork loin rib ends with a delicious smoky flavor while they bake in the oven.
Grilling Pork Loin Rib Ends
Grilling pork loin rib ends can be a little tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve juicy and flavorful results. The rib end is juicier and has more flavor than the leaner center portion of the pork loin. A bone-in rib roast has even more flavor than a boneless cut, but a boneless pork loin roast recipe is easier to cook and carve.
To grill a rib end roast, start by removing the membrane from the underside of the ribs. This will make it easier for the rub to penetrate the meat. Then, tie the larger end with butcher’s twine to even out the size of the roast for more even cooking.
If the pork roast you purchased is not enhanced or seasoned, we recommend brining the roast before grilling. This will help keep it juicy and flavorful. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, wine, and your preferred seasonings in a small bowl. Coat the entire roast with the mixture, making sure to get every inch of the meat. Cover the rib bones only with aluminum foil.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the roast on the grill over indirect heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the roast reaches 145°F / 65°C. It’s important to try to maintain this temperature through the cooking process so your ribs don’t cook too fast. Clean the grill grates and carefully wipe them down with a bit of oil to ensure nice, clean, nonstick grates.
Once cooked, remove from heat, tent with aluminum foil, and allow the roast to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Carve pieces between the bones for nice thick pieces of pork.
Grilling pork loin rib ends can be a delicious and impressive way to serve up pork at your next gathering. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with juicy and flavorful pork loin rib ends straight off the grill.
Smoking Pork Loin Rib Ends
Smoking pork loin rib ends is a great way to infuse them with a delicious smoky flavor. To get started, remove any excess fat and dry brine the rib ends overnight in the refrigerator. If you choose to leave the fat cap on, score it with a sharp knife. Dry brining involves sprinkling kosher salt onto the rib ends and refrigerating them uncovered overnight. The next day, remove the rib ends from the refrigerator and brush off any excess salt.
Next, coat the entire rack with dijon mustard and then evenly coat it with your favorite BBQ rub. Smoke the rib ends at 225°F until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can spritz them every hour with apple cider vinegar to keep them moist.
For added flavor, you can glaze the rib ends with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of smoking. Remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 20 minutes before slicing between each bone.
When smoking pork loin rib ends, it’s important to choose the right wood pellets or chips. Hickory is a popular choice, but you can also try pecan, cherry, or apple. Keep in mind that smoking pork loin rib ends takes time, so plan accordingly. It’s worth the wait for the delicious smoky flavor that you’ll get in return.
Seasoning Pork Loin Rib Ends
Before cooking your pork loin rib ends, it’s important to season them properly to enhance their flavor. One popular spice rub for pork and ribs includes garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cumin. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your personal taste preference.
To apply the spice rub, first remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. Then, generously rub the spice mixture onto the meat, making sure to cover all sides. For best results, let the seasoned ribs sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
If you’re baking your pork loin rib ends, place them meat-side up on a prepared baking sheet and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 300°F for 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Once done, remove from the oven and discard the foil. In a medium bowl, mix all of your desired BBQ sauce ingredients, brush the ribs all over with BBQ sauce and return to the oven to bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has set.
For grilling or smoking your pork loin rib ends, preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat. Place the ribs on the grill or smoker and cook for about 15-20 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Once done, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
No matter which method you choose, seasoning your pork loin rib ends with a flavorful spice rub will make them tender and delicious. So go ahead and experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination!