Aluminum Foil And Ribs: Steam Or No Steam?

Cooking ribs with aluminum foil is a popular technique for achieving tender and juicy meat. Wrapping ribs in aluminum foil before placing them in the oven or on the grill helps to lock in moisture and flavor, preventing the meat from drying out. This method also reduces cooking time. However, some people argue that wrapping ribs in foil can cause the seasonings on the outside to become wet and easily wiped off due to the steam created inside the foil.

Benefits of cooking ribs in aluminium foil

Cooking ribs in aluminium foil is a popular technique in smoking and barbecuing. It can be used when cooking ribs in the oven at home, and it delivers several benefits.

Firstly, wrapping ribs in aluminium foil helps to lock in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat. The foil creates a sealed environment that traps steam, ensuring the ribs remain moist during the cooking process. This technique is particularly useful for those without access to a grill, as it allows for the creation of equally delicious ribs cooked in an oven.

Secondly, aluminium foil aids in even cooking. By wrapping the ribs and sealing in the juices, the meat cooks uniformly, preventing certain areas from drying out or becoming overcooked.

Additionally, cooking ribs in aluminium foil can slightly decrease cooking time. The foil helps to speed up the cooking process while still achieving tender results. This benefit is especially advantageous when preparing a meal with time constraints.

Finally, aluminium foil can enhance the flavour of the ribs. By marinating the ribs and then wrapping them tightly in foil, the flavours are sealed in, intensifying the taste experience. Furthermore, any juices that gather in the foil during baking can be added back to the sauce for extra flavour.

In conclusion, cooking ribs in aluminium foil offers multiple advantages, including moisture retention, even cooking, reduced cooking time, and enhanced flavour. This technique is a valuable tool for barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks alike, allowing them to create mouthwatering ribs that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavour.

How to prepare ribs for cooking in aluminium foil

Selecting and Preparing the Ribs

Start by choosing the type of ribs you want to cook. Popular options include baby back, spare, and St. Louis-style ribs. Once you've selected your ribs, give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

The next step is to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is important as it helps the flavours penetrate the meat better and makes the ribs more tender. Carefully slide a butter knife under the membrane, then use a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Seasoning and Marinating

Now it's time to season your ribs. You can use a dry rub or a marinade, whichever you prefer. Be generous with your seasoning and make sure to cover both sides evenly, massaging it into the meat to enhance the flavour. If you have the time, you can cover the ribs and place them in the refrigerator overnight to let the seasoning work its magic.

Wrapping in Aluminium Foil

Preheat your oven to around 275-300°F (135-150°C). While the oven is warming up, tear off a sheet of heavy-duty aluminium foil large enough to fully enclose the ribs. Place the seasoned ribs on the foil, bone side down, and wrap them tightly, ensuring no openings for steam to escape. This will create a moist environment for the ribs to cook in.

Cooking and Finishing

Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of doneness, but generally, you'll want to cook them for about 2-3 hours.

After this initial cooking time, carefully open the foil, being mindful of the hot steam. At this point, you can brush on your favourite barbecue sauce, making sure to cover all sides of the ribs. Then, return the ribs to the oven, increasing the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelised to your liking.

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender ribs. Finally, carefully unwrap the foil, transfer the ribs to a cutting board, and slice them into individual servings.

Your perfectly cooked, juicy ribs are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to wrap ribs in aluminium foil

Wrapping ribs in aluminium foil is a popular technique used in smoking and barbecuing, but it can also be done at home in an oven. This method helps lock in moisture and flavour, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap ribs in aluminium foil:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by choosing your preferred type of ribs, such as baby back, spare, or St. Louis-style ribs. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow flavours to penetrate the meat better and make it more tender. You can do this by gently sliding a butter knife under the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Step 2: Seasoning

Generously season the ribs with your chosen dry rub or marinade, making sure to cover both sides evenly and massage the seasoning into the meat to enhance the flavour. You can place the ribs in the refrigerator overnight to allow the dry rub to settle.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Wrap in Foil

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 275°F and 300°F. While the oven is warming up, tear off a sheet of heavy-duty aluminium foil long enough to fully enclose the ribs. Place the seasoned ribs on the foil, bone side down. Wrap the ribs tightly with the foil, ensuring no openings for steam to escape, as this will create a moist and tender cooking environment.

Step 4: Cooking

Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours.

Step 5: Unwrap and Sauce

After the initial cooking time, carefully open the foil, being cautious of any steam. Brush your favourite barbecue sauce over the ribs, covering all sides generously.

Step 6: Return to the Oven

Return the ribs to the oven, this time without the foil wrapping. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce forms a beautiful crust.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite. Carefully unwrap the foil, being mindful of the hot steam, and transfer the ribs to a cutting board. Slice them into individual servings and serve hot with your favourite sides.

Cooking time for ribs in aluminium foil

Cooking ribs in aluminium foil is a great way to seal in moisture and flavour, resulting in tender and juicy meat. This method can be used in the oven or on a grill.

Cooking Ribs in the Oven with Aluminium Foil

First, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While the oven is warming up, rinse your ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to help the flavours penetrate the meat better. You can then season the ribs generously with your preferred dry rub or marinade, making sure to cover both sides evenly.

Next, tear off a sheet of heavy-duty aluminium foil long enough to fully enclose the ribs. Place the ribs on the foil, bone side down, and wrap them tightly, ensuring no openings for steam to escape. Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of tenderness, but it will typically be around 2-3 hours.

After this initial cooking time, carefully open the foil, being mindful of any steam. You will see that the ribs have released some juices. Brush your favourite barbecue sauce over the ribs, covering all sides. Then, return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce caramelises and forms a crust.

Cooking Ribs on a Grill with Aluminium Foil

To cook ribs on a grill, first, prepare your grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350°F). Mix your chosen rub ingredients in a small bowl. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut each rack crosswise to create two smaller racks. Season each half rack evenly with the rub.

Using heavy-duty aluminium foil, double-wrap each half rack in its own packet. Place the ribs on the grill over direct medium heat and cook for about 1 hour, with the lid closed. Turn the packets over occasionally for even cooking, being careful not to pierce the foil.

Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the foil packets. Then, add wood chips directly onto burning coals or to the smoker box of a gas grill. When the wood begins to smoke, return the ribs to the grill, bone side down, and grill until they are sizzling and lightly charred, which should take about 10-12 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Ribs with Aluminium Foil

• Make sure to wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to create a sealed environment that traps the steam and keeps the ribs moist.
• Marinating the ribs is optional but can enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat. You can marinate them overnight or for a few hours before cooking.
• Preheat your oven or grill to the desired temperature to ensure even cooking and proper browning of the meat.
• You can add barbecue sauce to the ribs before wrapping them in foil if you want a saucier result.
• The juice that gathers in the foil while baking can be added to your barbecue sauce for extra flavour.

Finishing touches for ribs cooked in aluminium foil

Once you've cooked your ribs in aluminium foil, there are a few steps you can take to finish them off and ensure they are mouth-wateringly delicious.

Firstly, carefully remove the ribs from the foil, being mindful of any hot steam. If you've cooked your ribs in the oven, you can then transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into individual servings. If you're happy with the level of char on the exterior of the ribs, you can skip this next step. However, if you want to add a caramelized and slightly charred exterior, you can finish the ribs directly on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes, basting them with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Be sure to keep an eye on the ribs while they're under the broiler or on the grill, as you don't want the sauce to burn. Once they've reached your desired level of char, remove them from the heat and serve them hot with your favourite sides. Some classic sides include coleslaw, cornbread, grilled vegetables, potato salad, crispy roasted potatoes, and mashed potatoes.

And there you have it! Perfectly cooked ribs with a juicy, tender texture and a delicious charred exterior.

Frequently asked questions