Ribs: Cost Per Pan

A pan of ribs can be a delicious treat for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. But how much does it cost to cook up this mouth-watering dish?

The cost of ribs can vary depending on the type you choose. Spare ribs, for example, are typically the cheapest option and can be found for around $3.50 per pound, while baby back ribs might set you back $5.99 per pound. If you're looking for something in between, St. Louis Style ribs are a happy medium, costing around $5 to $6 per pound.

Of course, buying in bulk can often save you money, and it's a good idea if you're feeding a large crowd or want to stock up for future events. So, whether you're a spare rib, St. Louis Style, or baby back fan, planning is key to getting the best deal on your pan of ribs.

How much ribs you need for a party

When planning a party, it's important to ensure you have enough food to satisfy your guests, but you also don't want to waste food or money by buying too much. The amount of food you need will depend on the type of event, the guests' expectations, your resources, and how much time you have.

If you're serving ribs at your party, the amount you need will depend on the type of ribs you buy, the number of guests, and whether you're serving other foods. Spare ribs are typically the cheapest option, followed by St. Louis-style ribs, with baby back ribs being the most expensive. If you're on a budget, spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are a good choice. Baby back ribs are leaner and cook quicker, so they may be a better option if you're cooking for a large group.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on serving a half rack of ribs per person if ribs are the main dish. If you're serving other items, such as burgers or hot dogs, you can reduce the amount of ribs to a quarter or a third rack per person. For a buffet-style catering, you can estimate three to four people per pound of meat. If your guests are big eaters, you may want to double these quantities.

If you're ordering ribs from a restaurant, a full rack of ribs should be enough for two to three people. However, if you're serving other dishes such as pulled pork, chicken, or beef brisket, you may need less.

To ensure you have enough food, it's always better to overestimate and have leftovers than to run out of food during your party. Leftover ribs can be frozen and enjoyed at a later time.

Cooking ribs in a pan

Choosing the Right Ribs

The first step to cooking ribs in a pan is selecting the right type of ribs. Spare ribs, baby back ribs, and St. Louis-style ribs are all good options and can be easily found at your local grocery store or butcher. Spare ribs are usually the cheapest option and have a rich flavour, while baby back ribs are leaner and more expensive. St. Louis-style ribs are essentially spare ribs without the cartilage or breastbone, making them easier to cook and eat.

Preparing the Ribs

Once you've chosen your ribs, it's time to prepare them for cooking. Start by removing the thin membrane from the underside of the slab. This step is optional but is highly recommended as it removes a layer of toughness. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane, as it can be slippery, and it should pull off easily in one large sheet. After removing the membrane, use a sharp knife to cut between the bones to separate the ribs into individual or smaller pieces.

Cooking the Ribs

To cook the ribs in a pan, heat a large nonstick deep skillet on medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add the ribs to the pan and cook until they are caramelized and golden brown on all sides. This will take about 6 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side for individual ribs. If you are cooking a slab of ribs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once the ribs are browned, move them to the edges of the pan and clear a space in the middle. Add your choice of aromatics such as shallots, onions, garlic, or lemongrass to the centre of the pan and sauté for a few seconds to release their aroma. Then, add your choice of liquid to the pan, such as water, sauce, or stock, to create steam and help cook the ribs evenly. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Let the ribs cook in the steam for about 25 minutes or until they are tender. Flip the ribs halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and to coat them in the sauce. If the liquid evaporates before the ribs are tender, add a small amount of additional liquid to the pan.

Finishing and Serving the Ribs

Once the ribs are tender, most of the liquid should have evaporated and reduced to a shiny glaze. If not, continue to simmer uncovered until the desired consistency is reached. Keep a close eye on the ribs at this point to prevent the sauce from burning. Finally, garnish the ribs with herbs or green onions, if desired, and serve.

Ribs cooked in a pan can be enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with sides such as steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a salad for a complete meal. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Types of ribs and their prices

The price of ribs varies depending on the type you buy and the amount you are purchasing. Generally, you can expect to spend between $1.50 to $6 per pound, with the option to spend less if you buy in bulk or catch a sale. Here is a breakdown of the different types of ribs and their prices:

Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are typically the cheapest option and can range from $1.50 to $3.50 per pound. They are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage and have a high fat content, giving them a rich flavor. Spare ribs usually have 11 to 13 ribs per rack and are a good choice if you are looking for that classic pork flavor.

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are the most popular and flavorful type of rib, and they tend to be more expensive, costing around $5.99 per pound. However, you may be able to find them on sale for as low as $2.99 per pound at wholesale stores like Costco. Baby back ribs have 10 to 14 ribs per rack and are leaner than spare ribs, with more meat in between the bones. They are also quicker to cook, making them a convenient option for large gatherings.

St. Louis Style Ribs

St. Louis Style ribs are spare ribs that have been trimmed to remove the cartilage and breastbone. They typically cost around $5 to $6 per pound and can be found at large supermarkets or wholesale stores. These ribs have a uniform shape that makes them easy to cook, as they brown evenly. St. Louis Style ribs usually have 11 to 13 ribs per rack and weigh about 2.5 pounds on average.

Short Ribs

Short ribs are a type of beef rib that can be cut in different ways, such as the English-cut or flanken-style. The English-cut short ribs are perfect for a long braise, while flanken-style short ribs are cut in cross-sections and are better suited for high-heat cooking methods. The price of short ribs can vary depending on the cut and the retailer.

Country-Style Pork Ribs

Country-style pork ribs are a decadent and meaty option, often coming boneless. They are not technically from the ribs of the pig but get their name from their similar flavor, texture, and cooking process. This cut of meat is best cooked at a lower temperature over a longer period to ensure tenderness. The price of country-style pork ribs may vary and is not specified in the sources.

How to prepare ribs for cooking

The first step in preparing ribs for cooking is to remove the membrane. This can be done by sliding your fingers under the membrane and working it off, or using a knife or screwdriver to loosen it if it's too thin. This step is important as the membrane can become tough and chewy if left on.

Next, decide on your seasoning. You can use a dry rub and let the ribs brine overnight, or skip this step and apply barbecue sauce during cooking. A basic dry rub can be made with chilli powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder. If you're short on time, you can simply season the ribs with salt and pepper.

Once your ribs are seasoned, wrap them in several layers of aluminium foil, ensuring there are no holes for the juices to leak out. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking tray to catch any juices that may escape.

Preheat your oven or grill to 225°F (107°C). Place the ribs meat-side down and cook for 3 hours without disturbing them. After this time, the meat should be tender and falling off the bone.

Finally, remove the ribs from the oven or grill and unwrap the foil. Add barbecue sauce to the ribs for extra flavour, or skip this step if you've used a rub. Place the ribs under the grill for 10 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

Your ribs are now ready to serve! They go well with sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and extra barbecue sauce.

How to cook ribs in a pan

Contrary to what some people believe, it is possible to cook ribs in a frying pan. In fact, there are several ways to do so. Here is a guide to help you get started.

Preparation

First, get yourself a slab of ribs. St. Louis pork ribs are a good option and can be purchased at Costco. Remove the thin membrane from underneath the slab. This can be done using a paper towel as the membrane can be slippery. This step is optional but recommended as it removes a layer of toughness.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut between the bones to separate the slab into individual long pieces. This will make the ribs easier to cook and eat.

Cooking the ribs

There are several ways to cook ribs in a pan. One simple method is to fry the ribs in a non-stick skillet with a bit of oil until they have a nice brown crust. Then, add some aromatics like shallots, garlic, and lemongrass, and pan-fry for a few seconds. For flavour, add brown sugar and fish sauce, along with some water, and let the ribs cook in this mixture. After about 25 minutes, the ribs should be tender, and the sauce should have reduced to a thick glaze.

Another option is to sprinkle the ribs with salt and pepper and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Then, add a small amount of oil to a pan and cook one side of the meat on medium heat for about 6 minutes. Flip the ribs and cook the other side for 4 minutes. Finally, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let the ribs cook in the residual heat for another 10 minutes. This method works well for ribs with curved bones, as the steaming helps ensure even cooking.

For a more elaborate dish, try making honey ginger teriyaki-style spareribs. Cut the ribs into pieces and marinate them in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and chopped garlic for 10 minutes. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and cook the ribs for 6 minutes, then turn them over, cover, and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the ribs from the pan and set them aside, then simmer the remaining sauce and drizzle it over the ribs.

Finally, for a unique flavour combination, try making spiced tomato curry spareribs. Cut the ribs into pieces and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook one side of the ribs until they have some colour. Remove the ribs from the pan and set them aside. Add more olive oil to the pan and fry chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and celery until fragrant. Then, add canned tomatoes and curry powder and simmer until thickened. Finally, add the ribs back to the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serving

These pan-cooked ribs can be enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice for a full meal. They can also be served with rice or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions