Steaming Ribs: How Long Before They're Done?

Steaming is a great way to cook ribs, and it can be done in advance to cut down on grilling time. The length of time it takes to steam ribs depends on the type of ribs you are cooking and the method used. For example, spare ribs can take up to six hours to grill, but if you steam them first, they can be grilled in just 15 minutes. Baby back ribs may take up to four hours to grill but can be steamed and then grilled in the same amount of time.

When steaming, the ribs should be cooked until the meat begins to separate from the bones. This usually takes one to two hours, but it can take up to three hours for spareribs and two hours for baby back ribs.

How to prepare ribs for steaming

To prepare ribs for steaming, you'll first need to remove any white membrane covering the rib bones using a sharp knife. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, you'll want to create a dry rub for the ribs. In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings, spices, and herbs. Some popular options include salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add some lemon juice to the mix, as it will give the ribs a tangy flavour and help tenderize the meat.

Once you've created your seasoning mix, use your hands to thoroughly rub the mixture all over the ribs. Make sure to get an even coating, so the flavour is consistent. If you have the time, you can cover the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before steaming to allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat.

Now it's time to set up your steaming apparatus. Place a large wire rack in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the ribs on the rack, making sure they are curved upwards so that the meat is held slightly above the pan. This will ensure that the meat steams instead of boils.

After the ribs are in place, pour several cups of boiling water into the bottom of the roasting pan. Use aluminum foil to tightly cover the ribs and seal in the steam. If you don't have a lid for your roasting pan, you can use a cookie sheet or a large piece of foil to cover the pan.

How long to steam ribs for

Steaming is a great way to cook ribs, and it can be done in advance to cut down on grilling time. The length of steaming will depend on the type of ribs and the desired tenderness.

Steaming Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are longer and usually weigh between 2 to 4 pounds per rack. They can be steamed in the oven or on the stove.

To steam spare ribs in the oven, coat them with a dry rub and let them marinate for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Then, place them in a roasting pan with boiling water, cover tightly with aluminium foil, and steam in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about three hours, or until the meat is tender.

To steam spare ribs on the stove, use a metal steamer or a wok with a steaming rack. Place the ribs on a heat-proof plate, marinated and coated with spices, and steam for 10 minutes or until the ribs are opaque and cooked through. For more tender ribs, steam for a longer time and marinate for a longer period, preferably overnight.

Steaming Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are smaller and weigh between 1 to 2 pounds per rack. They can also be steamed in the oven or on the stove.

To steam baby back ribs in the oven, follow a similar process as for spare ribs. Coat the ribs with a dry rub, marinate, and place in a roasting pan with boiling water. Cover with aluminium foil and steam in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours, or until tender.

Baby back ribs can also be steamed on the stove using a metal steamer or wok with a steaming rack. As with spare ribs, place the marinated baby back ribs on a heat-proof plate and steam for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Steam for longer if you prefer more tender ribs.

Other Types of Ribs

Beef ribs and country-style ribs can also be steamed, although the cooking times will vary. For example, beef ribs will take longer, around 6 to 8 hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 to 6 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Country-style ribs, on the other hand, cook faster due to being leaner. At 300 degrees Fahrenheit, they will take about an hour, while at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, they will need only 30 to 45 minutes.

How to grill ribs after steaming

Grilling spare ribs can take up to six hours, but steaming them beforehand can significantly reduce grilling time to around 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill ribs after steaming:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing the white membrane from the back of the ribs using a sharp knife. This step is important as the membrane can be chewy and block the seasonings from penetrating the meat. Then, cut the racks into portion sizes of about 4-6 ribs each.

Step 2: Steam the Ribs

Place the ribs in a baking pan or roasting pan, with the back side down. You can add flavour by pouring beer over the ribs and tossing in crushed garlic cloves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan with foil and place it on a barbecue over indirect heat. Steam the ribs for at least an hour or more, depending on their thickness.

Step 3: Grill the Ribs

Once the ribs are steamed to your desired doneness, remove the pan from the barbecue. Brush both sides of the ribs with barbecue sauce and place them directly on the lit side of the grill. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook until you have nice char marks on each side, remembering to keep basting with sauce.

Step 4: Serve the Ribs

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Ribs go well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, baked beans, broccoli, and corn on the cob. Don't forget to put out some extra BBQ sauce for dipping!

What to serve with ribs

Now that you've steamed your ribs, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy, tender ribs and make your meal even more delicious:

Classic BBQ Sides

These are the tried-and-true sides that you can't go wrong with. They include:

• Baked beans
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens
• Deviled eggs

More Unique Sides

If you're feeling adventurous or want to mix things up, try one of these unique sides:

• Dim sum steamed spare ribs with black beans
• Cucumber salad
• Fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce
• Cajun fries
• Cowboy candy (candied jalapeños)
• Hush puppies
• Succotash

Hearty Sides

For a more filling meal, pair your ribs with one of these hearty sides:

• Baked potatoes with cheddar, spices, and sour cream
• Mashed potatoes
• Fried okra
• Grilled chicken
• Chilli beans
• Apple bacon ranch salad

Light and Fresh Sides

If you're looking for something lighter and more refreshing, especially during the summer heat, try one of these options:

• Deviled egg potato salad
• Pepper sauce watermelon wedges
• Creamy cucumber salad
• Marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad
• Fruit salad

Beverage Pairings

Don't forget to choose a beverage to accompany your meal! Here are some ideas:

• Beer
• Sweet tea
• Iced tea

How to store leftover ribs

Storing leftover ribs properly is crucial to preserving their flavour and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their quality.

Storing Ribs in the Refrigerator

To keep leftover ribs fresh and tasty, follow these steps:

• Let the ribs cool completely. Bringing down the temperature slows bacterial growth, which can cause spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
• Wrap the ribs tightly: Use plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or place them in a large ziplock bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible from the ziplock bag before sealing.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container or Tupperware. This additional layer of protection helps maintain moisture and prevents the ribs from drying out.
• Refrigerate promptly: Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recommends that cooked meat be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking or removal from a heat source. If the room temperature is 90°F or above, you have only 1 hour to store the ribs.
• Consume within 3 to 4 days: Leftover ribs will usually stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. After this period, consider freezing them for longer-term storage.

Storing Ribs in the Freezer

If you want to store leftover ribs for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:

• Wrap the ribs tightly: Use plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminium foil. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum sealer to remove all the air from the bag, as air can cause freezer burn and provide an opportunity for bacteria to grow.
• Place in a freezer bag: Put the wrapped ribs into a ziplock freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Aluminium foil is excellent for preventing freezer burn, while the plastic bag prevents odour penetration.
• Label and date the package: Write the name of the contents, the date packed, and a best-before date. This helps you keep track of how long the ribs have been frozen and ensures you consume them within a safe and tasty timeframe.
• Freeze promptly: Place the packaged ribs in the freezer as soon as possible. Frozen cooked meat is safe to consume indefinitely, according to the USDA FSIS. However, for best quality, aim to consume frozen ribs within 2 to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions